Defending Overall and XC1 Open Pro Class Champion Girroir returned to the top step of the podium onboard his KTM 350 XC-F, taking a measured approach during the opening stages to conserve energy for later in the race, with the ultra-rough Wild Boar terrain providing the ultimate test for riders. As a result, he has taken charge of the XC1 Open Pro Class standings.

Johnny Girroir: “I stuck to my word today and didn’t overcook it in the first few laps, because that’s always easy to do. I rode within my means, saved some energy, and then had a big battle with Kailub [Russell] in the closing stages. I let it rip in the second-to-last lap, put my head down and did everything I could, so overall I am happy with the day – it was a gnarly round in the sand whoops!”

Current GNCC Overall points-leader Ben Kelley – winner of Round 1 in the XC1 Open Pro Class – also raced his way onto the Wild Boar podium, although his weekend wasn’t without its challenges after the former GNCC Champion experienced two heavy falls throughout the race. Still, he recovered to claim third position Overall by the time the checkered flag was waved.

Ben Kelley: “Today was a big day for me. I had to work my way up into third after being shuffled back at the start, and then clipped a tree with my handguard and ended up going down pretty badly. I dropped back again after that, so it took me a bit to regroup, but I charged toward the front guys and then had another big one... Thankfully I’m okay! The track was sick, I loved it, and had a lot of fun.”

In the XC2 250 Pro Class, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers teammates Davis and Angus Riordan battled throughout the three-hour race, swapping positions on multiple occasions before defending class title-holder Davis – who now sits atop the points table – held firm at the front, leading home the second KTM 250 XC-F of Riordan.

Grant Davis: “This track is definitely gnarly, I’ll tell you that! I got off to a good start, and had a good battle with Gus. I pushed hard to make the pass on him, and then on the second-to-last lap I clipped a lapped rider and went down pretty hard. Other than that, everyone was ripping today, congratulations to the other two boys on the podium, and a big thanks to my whole team.”

Angus Riordan: “It was a brutal day and the bumps were just massive out there. The layout was good this year, Grant was riding really well today and I did everything I could to chase him down, but second was the best we had for this weekend.”

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Richards powered her KTM 250 XC-F to victory in the WXC Class on Sunday, and now shares the points lead heading into Round 3. It was a convincing performance equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F and one that she will look to further build upon as the season progresses.

Brandy Richards: “It was not the best start to the day after I was about last off the line, but I made passes as quick as I could. Luckily we went into the open water hole section pretty quickly, I had some good lines through there, and made a lot of passes in the one section. Then I just slowly made my way to first around the nine-mile mark, put in a little charge to get a good gap, and cruised for a few laps while being patient. I’m definitely happy with the day!"

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Kailub Russell, Yamaha
3. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
8. Jordan Ashburn, GASGAS
9. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna

XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Angus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
3. Cody Barnes, Honda
6. Jason Tino, GASGAS

WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Tayla Jones, Honda
3. Korie Steede, Husqvarna