Korie Steede and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing take John Penton GNCC victory

Defending WXC Champion climbs to the top of the standings with three rounds remaining

MURRIETA, CA – September 21, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Defending WXC Class Champion Korie Steede earned a hard-fought victory at Round 10 of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series at The John Penton GNCC, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider now leading the championship into its final stages.

Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 10

Riders faced a near three-month break in the GNCC schedule over the summer, with Korie Steede and her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition looking to pick up where they left off in Ohio after claiming victory at the previous round.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Steede was all class in what were difficult, wet conditions, powering her way to a well-earned win with a total time of 1:24:59, and taking a critical 30 points toward her title defense.

After achieving 10 consecutive podiums – including three victories – Steede now takes the lead of the WXC division entering The Mason-Dixon GNCC on October 2-4.

“I got off to a really good start in P2, and then passed for the lead quickly entering the woods,” commented Steede. “Man, it was treacherous, though, being the first rider to have to hit everything, and not really having a guide to follow. But it was good – I had a solid gap for a couple laps, and then made a couple of mistakes, which was easy to do. I was fired up throughout the race, dug deep, and managed to get the win, which I’m stoked about!”

Former GNCC Champion Craig DeLong endured a difficult day in the brutal conditions aboard his Husqvarna FX 350, with the experienced racer eventually crossing the line in 12th after a challenging start and struggling to find his flow.

As a result of his ride on Sunday, DeLong sits fifth in the XC1 Open Pro Class standings after 10 rounds, still within striking distance of the top-three as both he and the team aim to rebound next time out.

“I had a tough day at Round 10,” said DeLong. “I got off to a bad start, and was just timid and wasn’t riding like myself – not flowing, and it was just a struggle in those conditions. We’ll get to work and come back strong at Mason-Dixon in a couple of weeks.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results

1. Grant Davis, KTM
2. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
3. Jordan Ashburn, Honda
4. Ben Kelley, KTM
12. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

WXC Class Results

1. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Ellie Winland, Yamaha

Husqvarna Mobility North America, Inc.

Husqvarna Mobility has continued to expand its professional race team to compete in AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA National Enduro, GNCC, AMA EnduroCross, and AMA National Hare & Hound championships. Husqvarna team riders are competing aboard Husqvarna FC 450, FC 350, FC 250, FE 350, TC 250 and TE 300 models.

Rockstar Energy Drink

Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Source: Husqvarna Mobility North America, Inc.

####