Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Cody Barnes delivered a breakthrough performance at the Wild Boar GNCC, earning his first-career overall podium in the premier XC1 Open Pro class with a hard-fought third place finish. As the Florida sand whoops and tight wooded sections began to take their toll, the former XC2 front-runner maintained a smooth, calculated pace, capitalizing on clean lines and minimizing mistakes while others faltered. Battling seasoned veterans throughout the three-hour grind, Barnes held steady under pressure to secure the final podium spot.

Round-one winner Johnny Girroir was unable to finish the race after running up front early.

Just outside of the podium, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski claimed fourth overall on the day with an aggressive pace, while Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Josh Strang worked his way to fifth overall in Florida in a hard-fought effort.

AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell continued his charge with a solid sixth overall through the sandy Florida terrain, and Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker impressed with a seventh overall and a class-leading ride in the XC2 250 Pro class. Walker would celebrate a major career milestone as he earned his first career XC2 250 Pro class win, after putting together a composted and aggressive ride from the drop of the green flag.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig Delong would battle throughout the duration of the race to take eighth overall at round two, while Phoenix Racing Honda’s Jordan Ashburn grabbed ninth overall through the rough Florida course. Rocky Mountain/Red Bear/Kawasaki’s Grant Baylor rounded out the top 10 overall finishers after a gritty performance throughout the three-hour race.

Rounding out the top three XC2 250 Pro class finishers were Race Craft Off-Road/Husqvarna’s Brody Johnson and Kari Resources/Triumph Racing’s Jack Edmondson. Both Johnson and Edmondson would continue to push throughout the race, making the necessary moves through the pack to put themselves into the podium contention as the checkered flag flew.

Taking home the Top Amateur honors at round two in Florida was 250 A class winner, Lane Whitmer as he came through to take the class win and finish 14th overall on the day. Coming through 17th overall, earning himself second on the Top Amateur podium was Jiggs Fustini who also earned the 4-Stroke A Lites class win. Colton Shields would round out the top three Top Amateur finishers as he clinched second in the 250 A class and placed 18th overall on the day at round two.

On Sunday at the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida, the WXC class delivered an intense battle through the sand and wooded trails, with FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Brandy Richards coming out on top to take the class win, showcasing speed and consistency over the challenging course. Impressive since she is riding with a leg injury. Just behind her, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede rode a strong race to secure second place, keeping pressure on Richards throughout the event. Rounding out the podium in third was AmPro Yamaha’s Danielle McDonald, who now sits second in points after winning the first round. 

As the Youth Bike race got underway it was Hunter Hawkinberry grabbing the early lead and holding that number one position for the duration of the race, earning himself his first overall youth and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class win of the season. Fighting for a top position for majority of the race was Phillip Arnold as he came through to finish second overall and in the YXC1 class. Caleb Johnson would round out the top three overall youth bike finishers as he came back from a fifth-place start on the day.

The YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class win would go to Jase Jackson out of Ohio, while Evan Porter picked up the 85 Big Wheel (14-15) class win and Dylan Bott came through to earn the 85 Big Wheel (11-13) class win. In the 85 (12-13) class it was James Razor earning the win, while 85 (11) class win went to Tripp Lewis and Kane Morrison would earn the 85 (7-10) class win. In the 65 (10-11) class it was Reed Lokker earning the class win, while Hudson Bott earned themselves the 65 (9) class win and Carson Zink would take home the 65 (7-8) class win. In the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class win it was Vaida Lavergne earning her second straight class win, while Aubrey Tsakanikas also grabbed her second victory in the Girls 85 (7-13) class and Matilda Revoyr took her first win of the season in the Girls 65 (7-11) class win. Emilee Bott would come through to try racing in the Trail Rider (7-15) class and would earn the win.

Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC Results 

GNCC Points Standings