BAYLOR WINS CRAWFORDSVILLE GNCC FINAL
T
he 2018 Amsoil Grand Na-
tional Cross Country (GNCC)
Series came to a close at Iron-
man Raceway in Crawfordsville,
Indiana, October 27-28, and a
new face was standing on the
top step of the podium when all
was said and done. For the first
time this year, Steward Baylor
Jr. (Tely Energy Racing/KTM)
came away with the victory.
Kailub Russell, who had already
clinched the XC1 title, and series
runner-up Thad Duvall, did not
compete, as both riders are
recovering from injury.
Ryan Sipes (Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna/Leatt/Maxxis) got
things started in Crawfordsville
by grabbing the holeshot, but
crashed before the first lap was
over. He started lap two in 11th
place and would soon pull out of
the race.
The new leader was former
XC2 Champion Trevor Bollinger
(JCR Honda/Lucas Oil) and he
would have his hands full with
Baylor right behind him.
Baylor eventually got around
Bollinger and rode off with the
win.
Second overall ended up
being XC2-class rider Josh Toth
(FMF/KTM). Toth and Ben Kelley
(Trail Jesters/KTM) were locked
in a battle for the class champi-
onship, as well.
The two riders fought it out
until Kelley pitted for a new tire.
Toth went on to win the XC2
class race, with Kelley taking
second (fifth overall). However,
second was good enough to
give Kelley the number-one plate
in the XC2 division.
Josh Strang (Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna) came through the
pack and zapped Bollinger late
in the race to take third overall
and second in the XC1 class.
IN
THE
WIND
P48
Steward Baylor
closed out the
2018 GNCC season
with his first win
of the year at
Crawfordsville.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
KEN
HILL
