XC2 Breakdown: Big Buck GNCC

The XC2 class at Big Buck in South Carolina marked another round of the GNCC series. There is still 9 rounds to go, but Baylor is already showing signs of championship promise, and an overall. Everyone was surprised when previous FAR Husqvarna rider Jason Thomas podiumed on a KTM after claiming he was heading back home and his former teammate Andrew Delong took his first podium since his injury in 2011. Read on for the Big Buck XC2 Breakdown...

- Like Kailub Russell, Steawrd Baylor is just on it. Simply put. Whether it's the Redbull/5 Hour Energy mix or not, he gets that two-stroke moving quickly and flawlessly. Although his goal was to overall this round after getting so close in 2nd at Steele Creek, he was disappointed when he ended up 4th overall. We're not even sure his goal is winning the XC2 class as much it is the overall win. The XC2 class at Big Buck in South Carolina marked another round of the GNCC series.

- Andrew Delong's comeback since his injury late 2011 has been a pleasant surprise. Although it is his first year on Husky's, it's obvious he's been putting in the training and is really starting to shine. Steele Creek was his first race back since the big injury, taking 8th in XC2. After getting the "first race back" jitters out of the way he landed on the poduum, right where he should be.

- This is a strange one. Just a week ago Jason Thomas left FAR Husqvarna, stating he was going back home to England. But he showed up on the line at Big Buck ready to race...on a KTM. Jason started off the race in 7th and gradually worked his way up to a solid podium position througout the 3 hours. And when he gladly accepted his trophy on podium, he announced he'd be finishing off the year at GNCC on a KTM.

- Before everyone thought Jason Thomas would take the third podium spot, Brad Bakken looked like he had it in the bag. In on of his best races yet, he was running third before he took a really rough crash on lap 5. Missing the podium all together. But it's not all bad news for Bakken, as he took 10th overall and solidifyed 4th in class.

- We really hoped to see the Privteer Husaberg rider Jesse Robinson back on the podium. Maybe he didn't have the speed he needed this round or he just couldn't keep up, but he started off the quick first lap in the lead, then bumped to 4th on the next and finally 5th. Luckily Jesse still has a grip on 2nd in points, but only by 5 ahead of Jason Thomas.

- Normally we just keep it XC2 appropriate in this Breakdown, but Steward Baylor's little bro Grant put in one hell of an impressive ride at Big Buck. Like his brother, he lead the race from start to finish. Not only did he win the 250A class, but he was the overall amatuer; making that two Baylors on the podium. Grant is currently first in points in the 250A class and won the class by over 3 minutes. Whatever their mama is putting in their race day breakfast is definitely working.

Overall XC2 Results

1. Steward Baylor
2. Andrew Delong
3. Jason Thomas
4. Brad Bakken
5. Jesse Robinson
6. Jedediah Haines
7. Cody Gragg
8. AJ Stewart
9. Scott Grills
10. Michael McGinnis
11. Jase Lewis
12. Zach Nolan
13. Larry Silvia
14. Lucas Statom
15. Ryan Lojak
16. Dustin Gibson
17. Nick Davis