Grant Davis is beginning to take control of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series, taking the overall win at the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer GNCC on Sunday. Davis has been winning races and battling for the series' overall championship while starting from the second row on his XC2 (250) machine, but the series switched starting rules and moved the front-row starting positions to a points-based structure. Davis has now proven he can win either way, from row two or one.
“I’m pumped! I got a good start and managed not to go down in turn three this time, like I did at the last race!," he explained. "Then Jordan [Ashburn] was trying to make a quick move on me, and I thought, ‘I can’t let this happen today.’ I put down some fast laps and created a gap, then maintained that margin for the rest of the day.”
Ben Kelley took fourth overall, enough to clinch the XC1 championship with two races to go, but Davis' overall victory has spread the gap to 20 points. In GNCC history, the XC1 Champion always wins the overall title as well, but Davis is out to change that in 2025.
Said Ben Kelley: “We knew that the start would be super-important at this round, and I got a decent one, although I had a pretty big crash there about halfway through. I tried to charge back toward the front as best I could, but it was a really hard track to pass on because of the conditions. I’m proud to win the XC1 Open Pro Class Championship though, especially with how far I have come from being injured the last couple of years! With two rounds to go, we’ll now keep fighting for the Overall title, and a big thank you to the team for all the support."
Jordan Ashburn was second overall as he topped the XC1 class at this round. That makes for two XC1 wins in a row since he switched from a 350 to a 450 on his Flatrock Motorclub factory GasGas.
Said Ashburn: “I knew how crucial a start was going to be today, and I put my head down and really focused on that. Me and Grant [Davis] fought hard at the very beginning, but then I maintained P2 Overall behind him for the first half of the race. I had a couple of falls, then I knew the guys behind were on it, so I kept it smart and safe to make sure I maintained my margin ahead of them. Smooth lines through the dust were key today, and overall, I’m stoked to claim my second XC1 Class win in a row – it was a good day and I am thankful for results like these!”
Nick Defeo, who shocked the world by winning the overall at the GNCC season opener, found his form again with third overall and second in XC2, on his Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki.
The GNCC full series' report is below.
The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer: Motorcycle Race Report
Grant Davis Extends Overall Points Lead with Fourth Victory
BECKLEY, W.Va. (September 22, 2025) – The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship wrapped up an action-packed weekend on Sunday, September 21, at The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer GNCC, as the nation’s top off-road racers took on the rugged terrain of the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Beckley, West Virginia.
The final day of racing brought high drama and thrilling battles across multiple classes, with riders leaving everything on the course in pursuit of victory. From the youth ranks to the pro contenders, the Mountaineer delivered nonstop excitement, cementing its reputation as one of the most challenging and scenic stops on the GNCC circuit.
As the final race of the weekend got underway, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Grant Davis delivered a flawless performance at the Mountaineer GNCC, powering his way to the overall win while also claiming victory in the XC2 250 Pro class. Davis set a blistering pace early and never looked back, navigating the technical trails of the Summit Bechtel Reserve with precision and confidence. His ability to maintain speed and control through some of the course’s most demanding sections separated him from the competition, as he now sits 20 points ahead in the overall points standings, and 50 points ahead in the XC2 points standings.
Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn showcased his strength and consistency, finishing second overall while securing the XC1 Open Pro class win. Ashburn rode a smart, calculated race, using his experience to handle the challenging terrain and maintain his momentum throughout the grueling laps. The strong finish not only highlighted Ashburn’s resilience but also reinforced his place among the elite contenders of the GNCC series.
Coming through to earn third overall on the day was Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Nicholas Defeo. After a good start to the race, DeFeo would find himself at the front of the pack, running second in class and third overall for the majority of the race. DeFeo would maintain his position, coming through to see the checkered flag after six laps of intense racing throughout the course.
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley did not get the start he hoped for, and he would have to put a late charge on to secure second in the XC1 Open Pro class and fourth overall on the day, locking himself in for the XC1 Open Pro National Championship (based on class points), while also keeping himself in the hunt for the Overall National Championship, which he now sits just 20 points down with two rounds of racing remaining.
Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Josh Strang put in an unwavering effort at the Mountaineer GNCC, earning a hard-fought third-place finish. The GNCC veteran showcased his consistency and toughness on the demanding West Virginia terrain, tackling the challenging sections and tight woods with steady precision. While the competition was fierce at the front, Strang’s ability to stay smooth and avoid mistakes kept him in podium contention, adding another strong result to his long and respected GNCC career.
In the XC2 250 Pro class, Rocket Racing/Bonecutter Off-Road’s Brody Johnson would battle through to earn third in class and sixth overall on the day. Johnson showed both speed and grit as he worked his way through the field, holding his own against some of the fastest young talent in the series. His relentless drive and determination paid off as he crossed the line inside the top three, further solidifying his status as a rising contender in the highly competitive XC2 ranks.
Putting in a good ride at round 11 was AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell as he came through to finish fourth in XC1 Open Pro and seventh overall. As the race got underway, Russell would find himself mid-pack but continued to push himself forward through the challenging terrain to make his way towards the front as the checkered flag flew. In the eighth overall position it would be Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski coming through after earning himself the $250 Landers KTM XC1 Pro Holeshot Award to start off his day. Witkowski would try to conserve his second place position but would be unable to hold off some hard-charging competitors later in the race.
Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong would push through for three-hours as he made his way up inside the top ten overall. Delong continued to move towards the front, but he ultimately ended up ninth overall and sixth in XC1. Bi-Con Services/JDP/Moose Off-Road’s Ryder Lafferty rounded out the top 10 overall finishers on the day at The Mountaineer GNCC.
The Mountaineer - Overall Race
September 19, 2025| Rider | Time | Interval | Best Lap | Hometown | Bike | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Grant Davis | 03:08:41.937 | Meshoppen, PA  | KTM | ||
| 2 |  Jordan Ashburn | 03:11:38.479 | Cookeville, TN | GasGas | ||
| 3 |  Nicholas Defeo | 03:12:25.220 | Myrtle Beach, SC | Kawasaki | ||
| 4 |  Ben Kelley | 03:12:31.464 | Harwinton, CT | KTM | ||
| 5 |  Josh Strang | 03:12:39.419 | Inverell, Australia  | Beta | ||
| 6 |  Brody Johnson | 03:13:29.637 | Landrum, SC | Honda | ||
| 7 |  Kailub Russell | 03:13:41.019 | Boonville, NC | Yamaha | ||
| 8 |  Michael Witkowski | 03:13:53.659 | North Liberty, IN | Honda | ||
| 9 |  Craig Delong | 03:15:24.750 | Morgantown, PA | Husqvarna | ||
| 10 |  Ryder Lafferty | 03:15:51.839 | Millville, NJ | Honda |
| Position | Rider | Hometown | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben Kelley | Harwinton, CT | 251 |
| 2 | Grant Davis | Meshoppen, PA | 247 |
| 3 |  Cody J Barnes | Sterling, IL | 207 |
| 4 |  Liam Draper | Auckland, New Zealand  | 196 |
| 5 |  Angus Riordan | Australia | 190 |
| 6 | Michael Witkowski | North Liberty, IN | 165 |
| 7 | Kailub Russell | Boonville, NC | 164 |
| 8 | Jordan Ashburn | Cookeville, TN | 162 |
| 9 |  Steward Baylor | Belton, SC | 157 |
| 10 | Josh Strang | Inverell, Australia | 138 |
After grabbing the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales XC3 Holeshot Award, Bonecutter Off-Road/GASGAS-backed racer Jonathan Johnson would push forward for the duration of the race. Johnson would earn the XC3 125 Pro-Am class win, but it would be Marionville Powersports/Hinson/Fly Racing’s James Jenkins making his way through in the second place position to secure the 2025 GNCC XC3 125 Pro-Am National Championship. Beta Off-Road/Estes Motorsports/Wossner Piston’s Raley Messer continued to push and would round out the top three XC3 class finishers in West Virginia.
Top Amateur honors at The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer GNCC would go to Cooper Jones who battled through to earn 14th overall and a win in the 250 A class. In second would be Lane Whitmer who came through the finish 16th overall and second in the 250 A class. Ryan Amancio rounded out the Top Amateur podium with an 18th overall finishing position and the 4-Stroke A Lites class win.
The WXC battle at round 11 was nothing short of electrifying, as Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Rachael Archer grabbed the $100 Landers KTM WXC Holeshot Award to start the day, along with the early lead. As the race continued on, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Brandy Richards would make the pass around Archer as they both would attack the rugged terrain.
Richards would hold onto the lead position, earning her first win at just her second race back after a leg injury sidelined her earlier in the season. Archer continued to push and would cross the line second in the WXC class.
AmPro Yamaha’s Danielle McDonald and Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede went head-to-head, trading positions multiple times throughout the race as both riders pushed the pace. McDonald would be able to make a last lap pass on Steede to take the third place position in WXC, while Steede crossed the line fourth. Rounding out the top 5 in WXC was Enduro Engineering-backed racer, Shelby Turner.
In the Youth Bike race it would be Cooper Duff and Travis Lentz battling back-and-forth to take the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class win and overall win. Lentz would hold the early lead, but after a good start to the day, Duff would make the pass stick. Duff would hold on to finish first overall and in YXC1, while Lentz held on for second overall and in the class. Rounding out the top three overall youth finishers was YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class winner, Phillip Arnold.
Coming through to take third in the YXC1 class was, Nash Peerson followed by Ace Tokar and Bentley Saxon coming through to take second and third in the YXC2 class at round 11. Other winners in the Youth Bike ranks included Karder Demidovich in the 85 Big Wheel (14-15) class, Gavin Abboud in the 85 Big Wheel (11-13) class, Karson George in the 85 (12-13) class, Hunter Jones in the 85 (11) class, Tripp Lewis in the 85 (7-10) class, Davey Fairfield in the 65 (10-11) class, Josh Erny in the 65 (9) class, Cash Knecht in the 65 (7-8) class, Jayden Shea in the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class, Vaida Lavergne in the Girls 85 (7-13) class, Jorjie Walker in the Girls 65 (7-11) class and Lawson Cogar in the Trail Rider (7-15) class.
On Saturday, Josh Erny from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania would earn his first Micro Bike Overall win. Erny would also earn the MXC1 class win ahead of Kane Morrison and Cade Propst who finished second and third overall and in the class. Kash Brummage earned the MXC2 class win, Carson Zink took home the 50 Sr. 1 (7) class win, Jackson Reinhardt earned the 50 Sr. 2 (6) class win, Coy Hill took the 50 Jr. 1 (6-7) class win, while Bentley Ham earned the 50 Jr. 2 (6-7) class win. Addison Richmond would earn the Micro-E1 (7-8) class win, Nathan Zhang came through to earn the Micro-E2 (4-6) class win, Tucker Rodeheaver earned the Micro (4-6) Shaft Drive class win and Jamison Dodson earned the Trail Rider (7-9) class.
The AMSOIL Moto Hero was received by Shaw Girard from St. Marys, West Virginia. Shawn served in the United States Army for 11 years (1986-1998), where he was stationed on Herzo Artillery Base in Nuremberg, Germany. He served as a logistics specialist in the Lance Missile United, and then in the Army Reserve as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator out of Parkersburg, West Virginia. Shawn was recalled to Active Duty for Desert Storm. He has also served as an EMT and Hazmat Specialist. He continues to be an active Firefighter at a chemical plant. Shawn received a $250 AMSOIL Shopping Spree, a $250 Kanati Tires discount certificate, American flag courtesy of Columbia Flag & Sign Co. along with a gift certificate to their online store.
The Progressive GNCC Racing Series continues on October 10-12, 2025, in Millfield, Ohio with The Wiseco John Penton GNCC. This event will host the ninth round of Specialized eMTB GNCC National Championship. For more information and directions, click HERE.
