Release from 03.03.2026
Steede scores second at Wild Boar GNCC, Oliveira third at Glen Helen NGPC
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 2
Round 2 of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series took place at Florida’s Wild Boar GNCC, a venue known for its deep, sandy terrain and high-speed layout that challenged riders throughout the race.
Following a third-place finish at the season-opener, defending WXC Class title-holder Korie Steede and her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition entered Wild Boar aiming to add another strong points haul to her 2026 championship tally.
The 24-year-old battled at the front for the duration of the outing, securing second place in class with a total time of 1:54:57s and climbing to P2 in the WXC standings after two rounds.
"I got off to a second-place start and maintained a good pace with Brandy [Richards] out front all day," said Steede. "We battled hard and I had the lead for the entire last lap, but ended up getting myself stuck with about a mile to go and ended the day in P2. I’m fired up and ready for more."
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Craig DeLong delivered a consistent performance at Round 2, with the former GNCC Champion powering his Husqvarna FX 350 to a P7 finish in the ultra-competitive XC1 Open Pro Class and eighth Overall.
As a result of his combined finishes to commence the new season, DeLong now sits fifth in the XC1 Open Pro Class standings, with the GNCC Series set to continue at Talladega, Alabama, for Round 3 on March 7-9.
"I had a decent start and stayed around 10th for the first half," DeLong commented. "Started to pick up the pace and climbed up to seventh by the end. Not a great day, but with other people having issues it was a decent points day, and I’m still in the hunt."
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Ben Kelley, KTM
2. Grant Davis, KTM
3. Cody Barnes, Beta
7. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
14. Johnny Girroir, KTM
WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, KTM
2. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
National Grand Prix Championship – Round 3
Also in action over the weekend, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mateo Oliveira powered his Husqvarna FE 450 to a Pro Class podium finish in the third round of the National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) at Glen Helen.
Oliveira showed front-running pace from the beginning of the eight-lap race, running as high as P2 through the middle stages while applying pressure to the race leader. Continuing to battle at the front, the 23-year-old eventually crossed the line in third position.
Following the opening three rounds, Oliveira currently sits third in the Pro Class standings, with Reno’s Silver State Grand Prix set to host the next round of the championship between March 20-22.
“I was all-in the whole time here in Glen Helen,” reflected Oliveira. “These other guys are just riding really good – they know when to attack, and they just have a lot of pace. I’m proud of my riding here today, all I can do really is try get that little bit better. I’m loving my Husqvarna, I have a super good package and team around me – my setup is legit this year – and I am really stoked on that. We’ll come out swinging at the next one in Reno!”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Dare Demartile, Beta
3. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing