Dunlop Riders Sweep 2026 GNCC XC1, XC2 and WXC Championships

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – November 10, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Dunlop Motorcycle Tires celebrates another championship sweep in the 2026 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, with Jordan Ashburn capturing the XC1 Open Pro and Overall National Championships, Gus Riordan securing the XC2 250 Pro Championship, and Brandy Richards earning the WXC Championship.

All three riders sealed their titles at the Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Buckwheat 100 in Newburg, West Virginia, on November 8, bringing a fiercely competitive season to a dramatic finish. Across GNCC’s demanding terrain, Dunlop’s Geomax tires helped deliver the traction, control and durability riders needed to compete for national championships.

“Winning the XC1, XC2 and WXC championships reflects the strength of our riders, our team partnerships and our commitment to off-road racing,” said Chad Geer, Director of Motorcycle Product, Marketing, and Motorsports at Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. “Congratulations to Jordan, Gus and Brandy, and to everyone behind their championship efforts. We’re proud that these teams choose Dunlop, and their success continues to drive our investment in tire development and race support.”

XC1 Open Pro and Overall National Champion: Jordan Ashburn, Phoenix Racing Honda

Jordan Ashburn combined race-winning speed with determination throughout his first season with Phoenix Racing Honda. After consecutive overall victories at The Dukes and Old Gray, Ashburn fought through injuries to keep his championship campaign alive. Sixth overall at Buckwheat secured his second GNCC Overall National Championship, finishing just one point ahead of Liam Draper.

XC2 250 Pro Champion: Gus Riordan, Phoenix Racing Honda

Gus Riordan delivered under pressure in the XC2 championship decider. Entering Buckwheat tied with Jhak Walker for the points lead, Riordan answered with a class victory to secure the national title. His performance completed a championship double for Phoenix Racing Honda, joining Ashburn in bringing home a number-one plate.

WXC Champion: Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing

Brandy Richards earned her first GNCC WXC National Championship following a season-long battle with Korie Steede and Danielle McDonald. Five victories, including a pivotal win at the penultimate Ironman round, positioned Richards for the finale. She finished third at Buckwheat to clinch the championship, completing Dunlop’s sweep of the three premier motorcycle class titles.

The season finale also saw Kailub Russell claim his 70th career GNCC overall victory, with Liam Draper and Grant Davis completing the overall podium. Steede took the final WXC race win ahead of McDonald and newly crowned champion Richards.

“GNCC asks a tremendous amount of both the rider and the tires over the course of a race, and that challenge continues throughout the season,” said Broc Glover, Senior Manager of Off-Road Racing at Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. “Jordan, Gus and Brandy earned these championships through hard work and determination. We’re proud to be part of their success, and we thank our riders, teams and Dunlop crew for everything they put into this season.”

Dunlop congratulates its 2026 GNCC champions and thanks every rider and team racing on Dunlop for another memorable year of off-road competition.

About Dunlop Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in North America. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @RideDunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and X for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

Source: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

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