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Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Conquers the Mud at Powerline Park
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (May 5, 2025) - The 2025 Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series has been a wet season of racing so far, and this past weekend at Powerline Park was no different. Four days of rain leading up to Sunday made the track a muddy mess, but that couldn’t stop the riders on Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green™.
Steward Baylor grabbed the holeshot and led the group into the woods on his KX™450X. After a strong battle down to the finish, Baylor was able to take the win, his second of the year. “I was surprised but stoked on the holeshot! I’ve only ever pulled two XC1 holeshots in my 12 years in the class. Getting out front early made a huge difference as I was able to keep my goggles and radiators clean. I made a few mistakes, but was able to pull it off at the end. It feels great to win again. I know I have a big gap to make up in the points race, but if I keep winning races, there’s still a shot at the championship. So that’s my plan,” said Baylor.
Grant Baylor didn’t have as good of a day. The slick track made it hard not to put his foot down, which was tough on his recently repaired knee. He rebounded for seventh in the XC1 Class. “The track was tough. I usually like these conditions and felt pretty good, but just a tough day. My knee is feeling better now, though. I’ll be ready to put it on the podium soon,” said Baylor.
Josh Toth started the day off really well, leading the overall on adjusted time on Lap 1. A goggle issue and fuel stop malfunction slowed him down, but he was able to bring home fifth in the XC2 Class. “It’s a bummer because I felt good out there. Stuff happens though. I’ll be ready to win at the next round,” said Toth.
Round 1 winner Nick DeFeo had a similar day, starting off strong before a goggle issue. He was able to make up time afterward and finish sixth in the XC2 Class. “It was tough out there. I rode a little too hard at times and crashed a few times. I’ll be back in front soon. Just have to limit the mistakes,” said DeFeo.
WXC rider Rachael Archer had an amazing race, pulling the holeshot and leading the entire race. She finished with an almost four-minute lead. “It was a super fun day. The track was gnarly in some spots but actually pretty good in others. It feels great to get the points lead back going into this two-week break. I’m already looking forward to the next round,” said Archer.
The GNCC season continues in two weeks in Indiana.