Release from 08.06.2026
Mateo Oliveira finishes second in Round 5 of West Hare Scrambles Series
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 8
It was another strong outing for Korie Steede onboard her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition at the Watkins Glen International GNCC, arriving off the back of an impressive GNCC campaign that had seen her earn seven-consecutive podium finishes.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider was once again in contention at Round 8 of the season, which featured a technical race track characterized by tree roots and a challenging, natural terrain layout.
Steede powered to a total time of 2:15:42 by race's end after an opening lap crash, earning third place on the podium and retaining P3 in the overall WXC standings – just 10 points from the lead entering the Snowshoe GNCC on June 26-29.
“I got off to a solid start in P2 and pushed early to challenge for the lead,” Steede commented. “Unfortunately, a couple of mistakes on the opening lap put me on the ground, and from there I spent the rest of the day trying to recover. I made the wrong tire choice for the conditions, which left me fighting the bike throughout the race and made it difficult to maintain the pace I wanted. It wasn't the result we were looking for, but days like this are part of racing. We'll learn from it, make the necessary adjustments, and come back stronger at the next round.”
Former GNCC Champion Craig DeLong arrived with momentum after finishing second on the podium at Powerline Park, although he faced a tougher weekend in adapting to the terrain at Watkins Glen.
Still, a measured performance aboard his Husqvarna FX 350 saw him earn an eighth-place result in class, continuing to hold third-place in the XC1 Class standings and sitting just 22 points out of the series lead.
"I got a good start today but struggled to find a flow through all the roots," said DeLong. "Little mistakes ended up costing me today – I'm looking forward to having another shot at it later this month!"
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
4. Ben Kelley, KTM
5. Grant Davis, KTM
8. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
WXC Class Results
1. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
West Hare Scrambles – Round 5
Also in action over the weekend was defending West Hare Scrambles number one Mateo Oliveira, who earned second at the Timber Beast Hare Scramble onboard his Husqvarna FE 450.
Oliveira led the opening two laps in Orofino, Idaho, before settling into second position for the remaining five laps to record a total time of 2:28:03. That was where he would remain for a second-place result on the podium.
As a result of his fifth podium in five rounds to date this season, Oliveira holds a 29-point advantage in the Pro Class standings with only two rounds remaining.
"Good racing at Round 5,” Oliveira reflected. “I passed into the lead within the first couple of miles, then lost the lead around halfway. By the time I figured out the track and found my flow, it was a little too late! We ended up in second place for this round.”
Pro Class Results
1. Ricky Russell, Kawasaki
2. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Layton Smail, Kawasaki