Brycen Neal Clinches Fifth National Championship at Ironman
Race report courtesy of GNCC Racing. Photos by Mack Faint.
CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (October 25, 2026) – The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series, an AMA National Championship, kicked off an action-packed weekend of racing on Saturday, October 24, at the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The penultimate round of the 2026 season brought racers and fans together at the iconic Ironman Raceway for a day filled with intense competition, championship battles and unforgettable moments. With the series once again going pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the atmosphere was electric as ATV racers took to the challenging Indiana terrain, battling through the demanding woods, hills and obstacles that make Ironman one of the most anticipated stops on the GNCC calendar. With valuable championship points and national titles on the line, Saturday’s racing delivered plenty of excitement as competitors pushed their limits in pursuit of victory.
XC1 Pro ATV: Brycen Neal Clinches His Fifth GNCC Championship
Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Brycen Neal continued his dominant 2026 season, charging his way to another impressive overall victory and officially clinching his fifth GNCC XC1 Pro ATV National Championship. Neal showcased the speed, determination and consistency that have defined his championship-winning career, proving once again why he is one of the most formidable competitors in the sport. With his sights set on securing the title, Neal rose to the occasion and delivered a championship-caliber performance, adding another victory to his remarkable season. The triumph marked a historic milestone for Neal and the entire Phoenix Racing Yamaha team, as years of hard work, dedication and perseverance culminated in a fifth national crown, further cementing his legacy among GNCC Racing’s elite.
HHR/Fly Racing/QuadTech’s Hunter Hart and Stewart Boys Racing/Kenda/Pierce Performance’s Wyatt Wilkin put together impressive performances as both riders battled their way through the pack to secure the remaining spots on the overall podium. Hart showcased his determination and speed throughout the race, making crucial passes and steadily working his way toward the front of the field to ultimately claim second overall. Meanwhile, Wilkin refused to back down as he fought through the competition, pushing hard and making his way into podium contention as the race progressed. Wilkin’s relentless effort paid off as he crossed the finish line third overall, rounding out the podium after a hard-fought day of racing. Both riders demonstrated grit and perseverance as they navigated the challenging terrain and intense competition to earn their well-deserved podium finishes.
Phoenix Racing Yamaha/Action Off-Road/Pierce Performance’s John Glauda Jr. and Sturdivant Racing/Maxxis/Moose Racing’s Branden Owens rounded out the top five overall finishers in the afternoon Pro ATV race, putting together strong performances against a highly competitive field. Glauda Jr. showcased his speed and determination as he pushed through the demanding course to secure an impressive fourth overall finish, while Owens battled through the challenging conditions and fierce competition to claim fifth overall. Both riders displayed the grit and perseverance needed to remain among the front-runners, capping off a hard-fought afternoon of racing with well-earned top-five finishes.
BNR Motorsports/Fearless/Kenda Tire’s Steven Harrell and JMR/GBC/Elka/Moose Racing’s Jarrod McClure found themselves in the thick of the action early in the afternoon Pro ATV race, battling up front and setting a strong pace against the competition. Both riders showed impressive speed and determination as they fought to maintain their positions among the leaders throughout the opening stages of the race. As the laps wore on and the competition intensified, Harrell continued to push forward, ultimately crossing the finish line sixth overall. McClure remained close behind, putting together a solid ride of his own to secure seventh overall. Despite slipping back from the lead battle, both riders demonstrated their ability to run with the best in the class, earning well-deserved top-10 finishes after a hard-fought afternoon of racing.
Merritt Racing/BNR Motorsports/GBC’s Joshua Merritt and Action Off-Road/Maxxis/Lonestar Racing’s Jay Shadron continued to battle through the competitive XC1 Pro ATV field, ultimately securing eighth and ninth overall on the day. Merritt put together a determined ride as he navigated the demanding terrain and fought to maintain his position among the top contenders, crossing the finish line eighth overall and in XC1. Shadron followed closely behind, showcasing his grit and perseverance as he pushed through the challenging course to earn ninth overall and in the XC1 class. Both riders battled against a stacked field of talent, rounding out their day with solid top-10 performances in the afternoon Pro ATV race.
XC2 Pro-Am: Layne McCormick Takes the Ironman Win
Nine2/Ryland Johnson Racing/Gregs ATV & Cycle’s Layne McCormick delivered an impressive performance in the afternoon Pro ATV race, charging his way to the XC2 Pro-Am class victory while also securing an outstanding 10th overall finish against the combined XC1 and XC2 competition. McCormick showcased his speed and determination as he navigated the demanding terrain, battling through the field and maintaining a strong pace throughout the race. With valuable championship points on the line, McCormick rose to the occasion and proved he had what it took to come out on top in the highly competitive XC2 Pro-Am division. His class victory and top-10 overall finish highlighted a stellar day of racing and further solidified his place among the top contenders in the XC2 Pro-Am ranks.
Maxxis Tires/Sunoco Fuel/Fly Racing/TDR Motorsports’ Braxton Grosse and TDR Motorsports/Elka/ATV Four-Play’s Jeremiah Wolf rounded out the XC2 Pro-Am podium after a hard-fought afternoon of racing. Grosse put together a strong performance as he battled through the demanding course and pushed to remain within striking distance of the class lead, ultimately crossing the finish line second in XC2. Wolf was equally determined, showcasing his speed and consistency as he navigated the challenging terrain and fought against the competitive field to secure third in the class. Both riders demonstrated their grit and determination throughout the race, earning well-deserved podium finishes and valuable championship points as the season continues to wind down.
Top Amateur ATV: Noah Lykins Leads the Way
Earning the Top Amateur honors at Ironman was Noah Lykins as he came through to finish 13th overall and first in College A (16-19). Stetson Owens was second on the Top Amateur podium with an 18th overall and second in College A. Rounding out the Top Amateur podium was Jericho Edmondson who finished 20th overall and third in College A at the Ironman GNCC.
AM ATV and 4×4 Pro: Brandon Frazier Keeps His Win Streak Alive
In the AM ATV race it was Pro Row 784/Victory Golf Cart’s Brandon Frazier coming through to continue his win streak with his twelfth 4×4 Pro win and 10th overall win of the season.
Osburn Off-Road/Pro Concept Plumbing/Pro Scape’s Dayton Hickey and Lane Felder rounded out the top three finishers in the highly competitive 4×4 Pro class after a hard-fought morning of racing. Hickey put together a strong performance as he navigated the demanding terrain and pushed through the challenging course to secure second in the class. Felder also showcased his determination and skill, battling through the competition to earn a well-deserved third-place finish. Both riders demonstrated their grit and perseverance throughout the race, earning valuable championship points and securing their spots on the 4×4 Pro podium.
250 All-Star ATV: Landon Glauda Wins
The 250 All-Star (14–17) class riders made their presence known in the AM ATV race, as Landon Glauda and Jackson Hancock put together impressive performances to finish second and third overall on the day. Glauda charged his way to second overall while earning the 250 All-Star class victory, with Hancock following closely behind to secure third overall and second in the class. Both young racers showcased their speed and determination, proving they have what it takes to compete at the front of the pack against a talented field of ATV racers.
WXC ATV: Chloe Harper Clinches the National Championship
Pierce Performance/Moose Racing/Lonestar’s Chloe Harper capped off an incredible 2026 season in spectacular fashion, capturing the WXC class victory and officially clinching the WXC ATV National Championship. Harper showcased the speed, consistency and determination that have defined her championship-winning campaign, putting together another dominant performance as she battled through the challenging course to secure the top spot on the podium. With the national title on the line, Harper rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most, adding another impressive victory to her season. The championship marks a tremendous accomplishment for Harper and her team, as their hard work, dedication and perseverance throughout the year culminated in a well-deserved national crown.
Elioff Racing/BNR Motorsports/GBC Tire’s Jessica Elioff and BNR/Kenda/Lonestar’s Avery Collins rounded out the WXC class podium after a hard-fought morning of racing. Elioff showcased her speed and determination as she battled through the challenging terrain and competitive field to secure an impressive second-place finish in the class. Collins also put together a strong performance, maintaining a steady pace and pushing through the demanding course to claim third in WXC. Both riders demonstrated their grit and perseverance throughout the race, earning well-deserved podium finishes and capping off another exciting day of competition in the WXC division.
Youth ATV: Jacob Smallwood Wins Overall
The Youth ATV race saw an exciting battle unfold as Jacob Smallwood, Bodie Buckhannon and Reece Bonner charged their way to the top three overall positions, sweeping the podium in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class. Smallwood put together an impressive performance, showcasing his speed and determination as he fought his way to the overall victory and class win. Buckhannon kept the pressure on throughout the race, ultimately securing second overall and in the class, while Bonner rounded out the podium with a strong third-place finish. All three young racers demonstrated their talent and determination, putting on an exciting show and proving that the future of GNCC ATV racing is in good hands.
In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Bryson Stringfellow coming through to take the win at Ironman. Brooks Hill and Beau Hamrick battled back to take second and third in the class. In the 250 (13-15) class it was Colton Yankovich taking the class win, Ryder Fruits took the 250 (13-15) Limited class win, Braytin Jackson earned the 125 (8-12) class win, Bam Margaria took the 125 (8-12) Limited class win and Hunter Lazzell earned the 90 (8-12) class win. In the Schoolgirl (12-15) class it was Khloe Oliver coming through to earn the class win, Moon Savage took home the Girls Sr. (12-15) class win and Kartyr Phillips earned the Girls Jr. (8-11) class win. In the 70 (6-11) class it was Gavin Sowers earning the class win.
Micro ATV: Justin Collins Jr. Clinches the Overall Championship
Justin Collins Jr. capped off an incredible season in the Micro ATV division, charging his way to the overall victory and officially clinching the 2026 Micro ATV Overall National Championship. Competing in the MXC1 (8–9) class, Collins Jr. showcased the speed, determination and consistency that have propelled him to the top of the standings throughout the year. With the championship on the line, the young racer rose to the occasion, delivering another impressive performance to secure both the overall and class wins. His championship-clinching ride marked a tremendous milestone in his young racing career, as Collins Jr. celebrated a well-deserved national title and solidified himself as one of GNCC Racing’s rising stars.
Sage Shields and Ledger Edwards rounded out the top three overall finishers in the Micro ATV race, putting together impressive performances as they battled through the challenging course. Shields showcased determination and speed throughout the race, working his way to a well-earned second overall finish. Edwards followed with a strong ride of his own, pushing through the competition to secure third overall on the day. Both young racers demonstrated their talent and perseverance, earning spots on the overall podium and showcasing the bright future of GNCC ATV racing.
In the Micro ATV race it was Cole Green taking the MXC2 (6-8) class win, Gavin Claypool earned the 90 Stock Sr. (9) class win and Kyson Grooms earned the 90 Stock Jr. (8) class win. Messiah South earned the 50 Sr (6-7) class win and Dominic Brock earned the 50 Jr. (4-5) class win.
Next Round: Buckwheat 100 GNCC
The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series, an AMA National Championship, will head to Newburg, West Virginia, for the highly anticipated Buckwheat 100 GNCC, where the 2026 season will come to an exciting close. As the final round of the year, racers will face one last test of endurance, determination and skill as they navigate the rugged West Virginia terrain, challenging woods and demanding hills. With national championships and final points positions still on the line in several classes, competitors will be giving it everything they have in hopes of ending their season on a high note. Fans can expect an action-packed weekend of racing as the nation’s top off-road ATV and motorcycle racers battle it out one final time at the Buckwheat 100 GNCC.
View full Ironman GNCC event results.
2026 Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC Results and Points Standings
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Round 12 of 13
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Overall Pro Event Results
- Brycen Neal (YAM)
- Hunter Hart (YAM)
- Wyatt Wilkin (YAM)
- John Glauda Jr. (YAM)
- Branden Owens (YAM)
- Steven Harrell (YAM)
- Jarrod McClure (HON)
- Joshua Merritt (YAM)
- Jay Shadron (YAM)
- Layne McCormick (HON)
*Overall National Championship Standings
- Brycen Neal (332)
- Wyatt Wilkin (273)
- Hunter Hart (255)
- Jay Shadron (201)
- John Glauda Jr. (180)
- Steven Harrell (166)
- Branden Owens (159)
- Joshua Merritt (142)
- Chris Borich (117)
- Jarrod McClure (105)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2026 National Champion.
XC2 Pro-Am Event Results
- Layne McCormick (HON)
- Braxton Grosse (HON)
- Jeremiah Wolf (YAM)
- Keaton Henderson (YAM)
- Cole Lykins (YAM)
- Elijah Edmondson (YAM)
- Kenny Shick (YAM)
- David Witt (YAM)
- Jeremy Audette (YAM)
- Adam Grondin (YAM)
XC2 National Championship Standings
- Layne McCormick (268)
- Braxton Grosse (261)
- Jeremiah Wolf (228)
- Daulton Keyes (195)
- James Glauda (185)
- Keaton Henderson (185)
- Talan Stout (150)
- David Witt (117)
- Kenny Shick (112)
- Elijah Edmondson (103)
About GNCC Racing
The Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series, an AMA National Championship, is the world premier cross country racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round motorcycle and ATV championship and 8-round eMTB championship, is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling two and three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,800 racers through racetracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks, and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised live on Flo Racing via RacerTV.com . For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
