Release from 05.10.2026
Ryder LeBlond claims second to open 2026 AMA EnduroCross campaign in Las Vegas
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong raced to victory in Round 11 of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series at the Mason-Dixon GNCC on Sunday, as teammate Ryder LeBlond opened his 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship campaign with second overall in Las Vegas.
Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 11
Round 11 of the 2026 GNCC Series was designated as a non-points-paying event due to this year’s FIM Enduro of Nations (6DAYS) in Grândola, Portugal, where Korie Steede will represent the United States on October 12-17.
With reigning WXC Class Champion and current points-leader Steede absent from the Pennsylvania round, it was up to DeLong to fly the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna flag in his home race aboard the Husqvarna FX 350.
The former GNCC Champion would do just that, completing the opening lap at Mathews Farm first in class and holding that position over the remaining five laps to claim his first victory of the season with a total time of 2:44:40.099.
“It was a good day,” reflected DeLong. “I was able to get a good start and ride my own race, and started to get away from the rest of the group there for a little bit. Jhak [Walker] then ran me down, and we battled for most of the race – he was riding well. We were fortunate with his pit strategy, but it feels good to get another win. It’s been too long, so hopefully we keep it rolling and can mix it up in the next one.”
Steede maintains her lead in the WXC Class after 11 rounds, while DeLong sits fifth in the XC1 standings as the Ironman GNCC takes place from October 23-25.
Open Pro Class Results
1. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Mike Witkowski, Honda
3. Josh Strang, Beta
4. Ben Kelley, KTM
AMA EnduroCross Championship – Round 1
The opening round of the 2026 AMA EnduroCross Championship on Saturday night marked a strong season-opener for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Ryder LeBlond, with 3-1-2 results across the three EX Pro Class races securing him P2 overall in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LeBlond powered his Husqvarna FX 350 to the third-fastest qualifying time in the Hot Lap session, familiarizing himself with the technical terrain inside Orleans Arena before the gates dropped on the main program.
A fast start and third-place finish in Race 1 saw LeBlond begin his campaign in convincing fashion, before achieving a well-earned victory in Race 2 to put himself firmly in contention for the overall.
In the end, a second-place result in Race 3 was enough to secure P2 on the EX Pro Class podium overall, giving the 24-year-old a solid points haul as he begins his 2026 championship.
“We finished up in second for Round 1 – meaning it was a good day!” commented LeBlond. “I did everything I wanted, except for getting the win. I went into the final race in a winner-take-all battle after I was inside the top-three in the Hot Lap and had good results throughout the weekend, and overall it's a big step in the right direction. We'll aim for the win in the next one!"
EX Pro Class Results
1. Jonny Walker, Triumph
2. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Cooper Abbott, Kawasaki
4. Trystan Hart, KTM
National Grand Prix Championship – Round 8Off the back of a competitive NGPC season to date, Mateo Oliveira was looking to continue his consistent run of form at the Viewfinders MC Desert Classic Grand Prix in Ridgecrest, California.
Having continued to build with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team between rounds, Oliveira was motivated to make his mark this weekend.
Starting the race in second place, he maintained position inside the top-three for the following three laps, highlighting his podium potential aboard the Husqvarna FE 450.
However, Oliveira was ultimately credited with fourth place in class after illness impacted his performance over the closing laps. Following eight rounds, he sits fourth in the Pro Class standings with five podium finishes to his credit this season.
"The race started okay, but didn't end the way that we planned this weekend," Oliveira said. "We were in the fight for the podium and fell short, so we will take the time to feel better and come out swinging at the next one."The 2026 National Grand Prix Championship Series now heads into Round 9 in Taft, California, for the Honolulu Hills Grand Prix.
Pro Class Results1. Justin Hoeft, Kawasaki
2. Colton Aeck, Honda
3. Giacomo Redondi, Kawasaki
4. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing