A Star is Born at John Penton GNCC
A
star has emerged in the
2024 Grand National Cross-
Country Series in the form of
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team
Landers' Grant Davis, who
grabbed his second overall vic-
tory of the season from the XC2
250 Pro class at this weekend's
John Penton GNCC, finishing
second physically on the track
behind Coastal GasGas Racing's
Jordan Ashburn, but beat-
ing Ashburn for the overall on
adjusted time by 49 seconds. In
addition, Davis wrapped up the
XC2 250 Pro class Champion-
ship with one race remaining on
the schedule.
Ashburn won the XC1 Pro
division with his second overall
finish. It's no secret that Ash-
burn, winner of the previous
round in West Virginia, likes the
John Penton GNCC. After all,
he wrapped up his 2022 title at
the John Penton round, and he
also won last year's round at
the facility, reveling in its tough
and technical conditions. This
weekend's race was especially
tough, as rain throughout the
weekend made for a slick and
muddy course.
"I really just like the terrain
here," said Ashburn. "Every
-
body hates it. A win is what we
wanted, and we ended up on top
of XC1, and I'm super happy."
FXR/Husqvarna's Evan Smith
grabbed the holeshot to start
the race but was quickly passed
by Phoenix Honda's Mike Wit-
kowski. AmPro Yamaha's Liam
Draper soon took over and led
for half the race before Ashburn
displaced him for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Davis, who got a
third-place start in the XC2 250
Pro class, quickly worked his
way to the front of the XC2 class
and then started reeling in the
Pro riders. After battling past the
XC1 Pro field, Davis finished one
bikelength behind XC1 Pro win
-
WIND
IN THE
P32
XC2 Pro rider
Grant Davis
took the overall
win at the John
Penton GNCC
in Ohio. He also
clinched the class
championship.
PHOTOS: KEN HILL
