2025 Snowshoe GNCC results

Photo by Mack Faint The Snowshoe GNCC always brings the heat, and this year was no different. Fans and racers alike eagerly awaited the 2025 Snowshoe GNCC results, wondering who would conquer the mountain. This legendary race, round nine of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, once again delivered unforgettable off-road action at the Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort in West Virginia. The demanding conditions, a hallmark of racing snowshoe, truly tested every rider, pushing them to their limits for the 2025 Snowshoe GNCC results and impacting their national championship aspirations. Known far and wide as one of America's toughest races, the Snowshoe GNCC lived up to its reputation as a true test of rider and machine. The course, carved into the ski slopes and surrounding forests of Snowshoe Mountain, is a beast, offering a brutal national cross country challenge. Think treacherous mud holes, slippery rocks, and challenging hill climbs, all at altitude, making this Grand National Cross event a standout in the GNCC racing series. This event traditionally marks the last GNCC round before the summer break, a pivotal moment in the grand national cross country season. Many riders also have the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) on their minds during this pause. So, getting a good result here, contributing to their class points, means carrying momentum, or frustration, into the long break for the entire national cross racing community. The Mountain Roars: Early Race Drama The unique Snowshoe start sees riders beginning with live engines, a signature of this GNCC held event. They line up in rows based on overall championship points, not class by class as usual, which was decided after the final riders meeting. This always shuffles the deck right from the get-go for every pro class competitor. This year, it was Ricky Russell, representing Yamaha racing, setting a blistering early pace in the tough cross country conditions. Riders immediately felt the intensity of this particular race report. Many called it the most like a sprint race they could imagine from the drop of the flag, a true testament to the grand national spirit. Staying upright and making smart line choices in the thick mud quickly became the name of the game on the mountain red landscape; it was a race for the thinkers, not just the throttle twisters, in this critical racing snowshoe gncc event. The physical and mental toll was evident almost immediately across all national classes. Conditions were brutal, and any mistake could cost precious seconds, or even the race, affecting their standing in the AMA National Championship. The mountain demands respect, and it showed, especially for those in the tight XC class battles and riders like Jonathan Johnson navigating the early chaos. Toth's Tenacity: A Charge from the XC2 Ranks Josh Toth, riding for the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team, had a plan. Starting from the second row, he knew he had to push hard early in this key cross country race. Pro 2 (XC2) class riders, like Toth and his competitor Brody Johnson, have frequently been at the pointy end of the overall standings this year, and Toth aimed to continue that trend for the Kawasaki team. By the second lap, Toth was not just leading his XC2 class; he was out front overall, a significant achievement for the Bear Kawasaki rider. He led on the track and on adjusted time, ahead of top XC1 contenders like Josh Strang. It was an incredible display of skill and determination on such a demanding course, showcasing the strength of the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team green's effort. Toth later said, "I just sent it at the beginning. I knew I needed to be up front early and set my own pace." He admitted the race was super tough and he got tired, like everyone else on the mountain red bear course. He credited trusting his technique for getting him through the grueling conditions and securing vital series points. Kawasaki Showdown: A Teammate Tussle for the Top Spot As the laps wore on, Toth maintained his lead. But his teammate, Steward Baylor, also on a Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki, was on a mission, showcasing the formidable presence of the Red Bear Kawasaki squad. Baylor, a seasoned XC1 Pro, was relentlessly closing the gap, making the racing snowshoe event even more thrilling. The final lap saw a thrilling battle unfold between the two green machines, a highlight for the Kawasaki team green's supporters. Baylor pushed incredibly hard, eventually catching and passing Toth with just a few miles remaining in the challenging snowshoe gncc. It looked like he might snatch the overall victory for the Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team. But, Snowshoe always has a final say, and a small tip-over from Baylor allowed Toth to slip back into the lead, a dramatic turn in this Grand National event. Baylor reflected on the close finish after a hard day of GNCC racing. "I knew I was catching Josh [Toth] the last few laps. I was pushing harder than I ever have and riding well, but came up just short again." Despite missing the overall, he was happy for Toth and the Bear Kawasaki team's strong showing, as they both gave their all for the Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team green's. Unpacking the 2025 Snowshoe GNCC Results When the mud settled and the checkered flag waved, it was Josh Toth who crossed the line first overall in this pivotal national cross country race. He took the win by a mere 2.5 seconds over his teammate Steward Baylor, delivering a stunning result for the Red Bear Kawasaki team. This also gave Toth a dominant XC2 Pro Lites victory, his first GNCC overall of the 2025 season, with a seven-minute cushion in his class, a major talking point in this race report. Steward Baylor's incredible charge netted him second overall and the coveted XC1 Pro class win, solidifying a strong day for the entire Rocky Mountain Red organization. It was a fantastic one-two finish for the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki squad, a significant moment for the team at the racing snowshoe gncc. The team's performance, representing the spirit of Kawasaki team green's, was a major highlight of the day in this competitive racing series. Rounding out the overall podium in third place was FMF KTM Factory Racing's Ben Kelley. Kelley, a consistent performer in the progressive grand national cross country, battled hard all day, making his way through the pack after an early mistake. The conditions made it a struggle for everyone near the front, including those from the Yamaha racing snowshoe gncc contingent. Kelley's Climb: Extending the Points Lead Ben Kelley's podium was significant for the FMF KTM factory team. He called it "the hardest Snowshoe I've ever done," a sentiment echoed by many after the grand national. He mentioned the heat and how he was already suffering by lap four, a common story at this tough West Virginia venue. Despite the challenges, he was thrilled with the podium and the crucial series points earned. "I'm so pumped to get to the podium, all things considered," Kelley stated, his FMF KTM performing well. His consistent performance, combined with a tougher day for some rivals like Grant Davis of the Factory Racing effort who encountered bike problems and finished 11th in XC1, was crucial. This strong result allowed Kelley to open a small, but valuable, eight-point lead in the Overall National Championship standings heading into the summer break. His fight through the pack after an early error showcased his championship mettle for KTM factory racing. He mentioned yoyo-ing with the leaders, highlighting the intense back-and-forth nature of the race in this demanding national cross country event. Banking solid class points was his primary goal, and he achieved it, keeping his national championship hopes high. WXC Warriors: Archer Continues Her Reign The WXC (Women's Cross Country) class also saw the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team on top, a testament to their broad factory racing support. Reigning champion and current points leader, Rachael Archer, put on a clinic, further solidifying her dominance in the WXC class. She grabbed the early lead in the progressive grand national race and simply never looked back. Archer demonstrated her mastery of the tough Snowshoe conditions. She extended her advantage throughout the race, eventually taking the win by nearly six minutes in this important AMA national championship event. It was a commanding performance that further solidified her position at the top of the WXC class and highlighted the strength of the Mountain Red Bear support. With this victory, Archer now holds a comfortable 25-point lead in the WXC National Championship. This dominant form bodes well for her title defense as the GNCC racing series heads into its mid-season hiatus. Her consistency, supported by the Bear Kawasaki team, has been remarkable throughout the season. WXC Podium Battles: Turner and McDonald Impress Behind Archer, the battle for the remaining WXC podium spots was fierce among the dedicated female athletes. Enduro Engineering's Shelby Turner fought hard throughout the race, showcasing her resilience. She recovered from being as far back as fifth on the second lap to secure an impressive second-place finish, a great result in the demanding Snowshoe GNCC. AmPro Yamaha's Danielle McDonald continued to impress in her debut GNCC WXC season, making her mark for Yamaha racing. She engaged in a tough, race-long battle to earn third place, showing her mettle in this significant national cross event. She managed to edge out Korie Steede for the final podium position, showcasing her grit and growing experience within the GNCC community. The WXC class consistently provides exciting racing. These athletes tackle the same brutal terrain as their male counterparts in all national classes. Their skill and determination are truly inspiring to everyone following the GNCC racing results and the quest for an AMA National title. Detailed Snowshoe GNCC Results: PM Race Here's a look at the top finishers from the afternoon pro race, a key part of this Snowshoe GNCC race report: Overall Pos. Name Class Pos. Class Laps Time Bike 1 Josh Toth 1 XC2 6 03:08:13.418 KAW 2 Steward Baylor Jr 1 XC1 6 03:08:15.938 KAW 3 Benjamin Kelley 2 XC1 6 03:09:59.048 KTM 4 Ricky Russell 3 XC1 6 03:13:30.938 YAM 5 Jordan Ashburn 4 XC1 6 03:13:40.458 GAS 6 Craig DeLong 5 XC1 6 03:14:14.338 HSQ 7 Grant Baylor 6 XC1 6 03:15:20.578 KAW 8 Angus Riordan 2 XC2 6 03:15:23.738 KTM 9 Thad DuVall 7 XC1 6 03:17:15.588 KAW 10 Liam Draper 3 XC2 6 03:17:34.968 YAM Morning Mayhem: AM Race Overall Results The morning amateur races also saw incredible efforts and determined riders looking to make their mark. These events are crucial for developing future talent in the grand national cross country series. Here are the overall top finishers from the AM bike race, many of whom dream of one day competing in the pro class: Overall Pos. Name Class Pos. Class Laps Time Bike 1 Nicholas DeFeo 1 250 A 5 02:40:02.109 KTM 2 Joseph Cunningham 1 Open A 5 02:41:22.569 KTM 3 Gavin Simon 2 Open A 5 02:41:26.549 HQV 4 Cooper Jones 1 Sportsman A 5 02:42:04.289 YAM 5 Jason Tino 1 4-Stroke A Lites 5 02:43:10.749 KTM In other notable morning class performances, Mack Faint put in a solid ride in the XC3 125 Pro-Am class, fighting for valuable class points. The dedication seen across all amateur national classes at Snowshoe Mountain highlights the passion for GNCC racing. Championship Picture: Overall National Standings (Top 10 After Round 9) With Snowshoe in the books, the fight for the 2025 GNCC National Championship is heating up significantly. The results from this GNCC held in West Virginia have tightened some battles and extended leads in others. Here's how the top ten riders stack up in overall series points as they head into the summer break for the progressive grand national series: Benjamin Kelley (194 points) Grant Davis (187 points) Angus Riordan (148 points) Steward Baylor Jr (139 points) Cody Barnes (136 points) Liam Draper (119 points) Josh Toth (106 points) Kailub Russell (96 points) Craig DeLong (96 points) Michael Witkowski (93 points) The points are still tight, especially at the top of this prestigious AMA national competition. This makes the remaining rounds after the break extremely important for anyone with national championship ambitions. More details and full standings, including specific class points, can often be found on the official GNCC Racing website for the Progressive Grand National Cross Country series presented by Specialized. The Legend of Snowshoe: Why It's "America's Toughest Race" What is it about Snowshoe Mountain that earns it such a formidable reputation in the GNCC racing world? It's a combination of factors that contribute to this grueling national cross challenge. The elevation plays a part, thinning the air and testing rider fitness even more intensely than at other venues. The infamous Blackwater section, with its deep bogs, treacherous creek crossings, and slick roots, is legendary in the annals of Grand National Cross Country history. Unlike many GNCC courses that use established trail networks, the Snowshoe GNCC often carves new trails into the rocky mountain landscape. This means fresh, raw terrain that quickly deteriorates under the stress of hundreds of racers. The mud here isn't just surface slick; it's deep, power-sapping goo that can swallow bikes whole, making even a single lap of racing snowshoe an ordeal. Then there are the rock gardens, often hidden by mud, waiting to catch an unsuspecting wheel and halt progress. The atmosphere is also electric, a key part of the Snowshoe GNCC experience. Fans flock to Snowshoe, West Virginia, embracing the rugged conditions and cheering riders on through the toughest sections. For many, just finishing Snowshoe is a victory in itself, a testament to the challenge posed by this unique national cross country event, making this race report one of many to highlight its difficulty. Conquering the Beast: Rider Strategies at Snowshoe Success at Snowshoe isn't just about raw speed; it requires a deep understanding of cross country strategy. Riders need a smart approach to even hope for a good Snowshoe GNCC result. Line choice becomes critical, as the main lines quickly turn into impassable trenches. Experienced riders, like those from factory racing programs, constantly scan for alternative routes, sometimes venturing far off the beaten path to find traction or a smoother line. Bike setup is another important piece of the puzzle for all national classes. While specifics vary, riders often opt for tires that excel in extreme mud, sometimes with aggressive knobs and soft compounds. Suspension is tuned to handle sharp-edged rocks and big G-outs without deflecting or bottoming harshly. Protecting the bike with robust skid plates, disc guards, and handguards is essential to survive the relentless abuse the Snowshoe mountain terrain delivers. Pacing is also key, especially in a three-hour Grand National event. Going too hard too early can lead to exhaustion or costly mistakes that can derail a strong performance. Many riders aim for a consistent, strong pace, minimizing errors and saving energy for the brutal final laps. And hydration, in the often hot and humid West Virginia conditions before the riders meeting, is absolutely vital to maintain performance and focus during the arduous race. The Green Sweep: A Kawasaki Team Triumph The one-two finish for Josh Toth and Steward Baylor was a massive achievement for the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team. Having both XC1 and XC2 class winners on the overall podium speaks volumes about their preparation and the performance of their Kawasaki machines at this racing snowshoe gncc. This kind of team success, celebrated by the entire Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green's contingent, can provide a big morale boost for the entire Kawasaki team operation. For Toth, taking the overall from the XC2 class, which is often considered an open pro proving ground, is a huge statement for the red bear kawasaki effort. It shows the depth of talent throughout the GNCC ranks. For Steward Baylor, securing the XC1 win keeps him in the championship hunt and reasserts his status as a top contender, a fantastic result for the mountain red bear kawasaki program. This result makes the Bear Kawasaki Team a prominent force heading into the latter part of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country season. Victories like this don't happen by accident; they reflect the dedication of the entire Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green's program. They are the result of countless hours of training, bike development by the mountain red bear kawasaki team, and a strong support network. The team, including the wider Mountain Red Bear organization, will be celebrating this one for a while, but also looking at how to build on this success in future GNCC racing events. Summer Hibernation and Global Battles: The ISDE Looms The Grand National Cross Country series now enters its traditional summer break. This provides riders a chance to rest, recover, and prepare for the final rounds of the national championship. But for many top competitors in this premier racing series, the break isn't all rest and relaxation. The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) often takes place during this period, demanding further commitment. The ISDE is like the Olympics of off-road motorcycle racing, a true test of national cross country skill on a global stage. Riders represent their countries in a grueling, multi-day event. Many top GNCC stars, including those from teams like FMF KTM Factory Racing and Yamaha Racing, are selected for Team USA, adding another layer of intense competition to their schedules. Performing well at ISDE can be a huge honor, but it also means a very busy "off-season" from the progressive grand national. This makes the Snowshoe round, a key event in the progressive grand national cross, even more significant. It's the last chance to score GNCC points before this shift in focus. Riders who did well, securing vital class points, can carry that confidence to ISDE, while others might use the break to regroup and come back stronger for the GNCC fall season, aiming to improve their grand national cross country standing. Conclusion The 2025 Snowshoe GNCC certainly delivered an unforgettable day of GNCC racing. The challenging conditions at Snowshoe Mountain and tight battles made for incredible viewing for all fans of the national cross country discipline. Congratulations to Josh Toth on his overall and XC2 victory, and to Steward Baylor for his XC1 win, highlighting a stellar day for the Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki team and a significant event in the race report archives. The hard-fought Snowshoe GNCC results have definitely shaken up the AMA National Championship standings, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season after the summer break. Everyone will be eagerly watching to see how the rest of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country series presented by Specialized unfolds.