GNCC Big Buck: Girroir and McDonald Conquer Brutal Conditions in Season Opener
Story: GNCC Press Release
Feb 16, 2025
Big Buck GNCC overall podium: Johnny Girroir (c), Jordan Ashburn (r), Nick DeFeo (r).
Image: Mack Faint courtesy GNCC
The 2026 season roared to life at the legendary VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC, where riders were greeted not by blue skies and hero dirt, but by deep ruts, bar-to-bar chaos, and the kind of slick Southern mud that turns a race into pure survival. Held in the rolling woods of Union, South Carolina, the opening round of the Progressive Insurance Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series, an AMA National Championship, delivered a test of patience and throttle control, as torrential conditions transformed the course into a relentless battlefield.
The Pro Bike race at the Big Buck GNCC quickly became a slugfest through mud, ruts and standing water that tested even the most seasoned veterans. From the drop of the flag, Jordan Ashburn set a blistering pace on his Phoenix Racing Honda, grabbing the early lead and holding it through much of the race. As the track cut up and lines disappeared, Ashburn’s smooth momentum and decisive line choice kept him out front, dictating the rhythm and keeping his challengers at bay despite relentless conditions.
Johnny Girroir powers off the start of the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC.
Image: Mack Faint courtesy GNCC
However, it wasn’t over until the checkers flew. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir bided his time, closing the gap lap by lap as Ashburn battled the slickest sections of the course. In a dramatic final circuit charge, Girroir made a decisive pass on the last lap to grab the lead and ultimately the overall win, showcasing grit and tactical patience in the mud. Ashburn would hold on for second overall on the day, and in the XC1 Open Pro class. Rounding out the podium in an impressive third overall was Nick DeFeo, the XC2 competitor from Rocky Mountain ATV MC/Red Bear/Kawasaki Team Green, who rode a strong, consistent race to break into the Pro Bike top three, a performance that turned heads in Union’s unforgiving terrain.
Jordan Ashburn (Phoenix Racing Honda) led much of the race, and would hold on to come through second overall to start the year on a new team.
Image: Mack Faint courtesy GNCC
After starting deep in the pack, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC/Red Bear/Kawasaki Team Green’s Steward Baylor Jr. put on one of the most impressive charges of the day at the Big Buck GNCC, clawing his way from 12th off the line to finish fourth overall and third in the XC1 Open Pro class. Baylor methodically picked off competitors as the muddy course grew more treacherous, using smart line selection and relentless determination to overcome the brutal conditions. While others struggled with costly mistakes in the slick ruts and deep holes, Baylor maintained his composure, steadily advancing through the field and salvaging a strong finish in one of the toughest Big Buck races in recent memory.
Battling his way from the second line to round out the top five overall finishers was Phoenix Racing Honda’s Angus Riordan. As the race continued on, Riordan would maintain his position despite the slick, rough conditions that were presenting themselves at every mile. Riordan would cross the line to finish second in the XC2 250 Pro class, and fifth overall on the day.
Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong would get a good jump off the line as the pack of XC1 Open Pro competitors headed into the rutted, wet and slick woods as the rain continued to fall throughout the day. Delong would battle at the front of the pack for majority of the day but would fall back to eighth after completing four laps. Still, Delong would push himself of the final couple of laps – moving himself up to fifth and then fourth in the XC1 Open class, sixth overall, as the checkered flag flew.
Nick DeFeo (Rocky Mountain ATV MC/Red Bear/Kawasaki Team Green) came out swinging once again at the opening round as he finished third overall and first in the XC2 250 Pro class.
Image: Mack Faint courtesy GNCC
The fight to round out the top 10 overall at the Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina was every bit as intense as the battle for the podium, as riders traded positions throughout the grueling afternoon. Ryder Lafferty pushed his Morning Duck Motor Company/JDP/Moose Off-Road machine to seventh overall after a relentless exchange in the slick woods. Close behind, AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper kept his machine charging after earning the $250 XC1 Holeshot Award, navigating the deep ruts and fading lines to secure eighth overall. Each lap brought new challenges as the course continued to break down, forcing the group to adapt on the fly and capitalize on any small mistake.
Just seconds separated them at times, with Ben Kelley battling through the pack to earn ninth overall aboard his FMF KTM Factory Racing machine. Kelley, no stranger to tough conditions, dug deep as visibility dwindled and traction disappeared. Rounding out the top 10 was Mike Witkowski, who powered his Phoenix Racing Honda to tenth after his own share of hard-fought passes. Together, the group showcased the determination it took just to survive the season opener, showing that at Big Buck, every position is earned the hard way. FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jason Tino would cross the line just outside of the top 10 overall, finishing twelfth overall but third in the XC2 250 Pro class.
Coming through earning the Top Amateur honors at the Big Buck GNCC was Cooper Jones who crossed the line in 11th overall and earned himself the 250 A class win to start the season off in unfavorable conditions. Cole Whitmer would be second on the Top Amateur podium as he came through finishing 14th overall and took home the Open A class win. Rounding out the top three Top Amateur finishers was Chase Landers who crossed the line 16th overall and second in the 250 A class at round one.
Danielle McDonald (AmPro Yamaha) came out on top to earn her first-career WXC class win during Sunday's brutal 10 am race.
Image: Mack Faint courtesy GNCC
The WXC class faced some of the toughest conditions of the day at the Big Buck GNCC, as deep ruts, standing water and slick red clay turned the course into a true test of endurance and bike control. When the dust settled—well, more accurately, when the mud finally stopped flying—it was Danielle McDonald who stood atop the podium. The AmPro Yamaha rider put in a calculated and consistent ride, navigating the brutal terrain with patience and precision. While others struggled with tip-overs and bottlenecks in the tight woods, McDonald kept her momentum flowing, making decisive passes and managing the chaos to secure the WXC victory.
Close behind, Brandy Richards charged her way to second overall, keeping the pressure on throughout the race despite the deteriorating track conditions. The FMF KTM Factory Racing rider pushed hard in the closing laps but ultimately had to settle for the runner-up position after a demanding morning in the mud. Rounding out the podium was Korie Steede, who delivered a gritty ride for Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing. Steede battled through the slick terrain and traffic to claim third place, capping off a hard-fought WXC showdown.
