16.02.2026

FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S JOHNNY GIRROIR OPENS 2026 SEASON WITH BIG BUCK GNCC VICTORY

KTM Offroad Update
This press release has: 16 Images
FMF KTM Factory Racing and Johnny Girroir raced to the XC1 Open Pro Class and Overall victory at a rain-soaked opening round of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series in Union, South Carolina, as teammates Jason Tino and Brandy Richards also earned podium finishes to mark an exceptional start to the new season at the Big Buck GNCC.
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 1

The Big Buck GNCC was a challenging start to the season for all competitors, with unrelenting rain in the region and ultra-muddy conditions proving to be the ultimate test for both riders and their machinery at Round 1.

As a result, a methodical approach was adopted by 2024 GNCC Champion Girroir, which saw the 30-year-old avoid much of the chaos, instead favoring consistency and patience onboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION.

Putting in a sprint over the final two laps to take control of the race at the head of the pack, Girroir raced to a well-earned win to commence his 2026 campaign, eventually greeting the checkered flag in a total time of 2:57.21.

Johnny Girroir: “I tried to stay consistent today – the conditions were super gnarly, so I tried to learn the track and where all the mud holes were before picking up the pace and putting the hammer down with two laps to go. I had a couple of little mistakes, but honestly, I didn’t want to lead the opening laps – I wanted to be there at the end. It was musical chairs up front, so I just focused on staying steady and, overall, I’m stoked on my day and to start the series like this. A big thank you to the FMF KTM Factory Racing team, and all those who help us get here.”

For defending GNCC Champion Ben Kelley, the Big Buck event marked a tough opening round equipped with his KTM 450 XC-F after a sequence of mishaps on the testing terrain saw him claim seventh in the XC1 Open Pro Class. Still, despite the conditions, he collected valuable points toward his championship with 12 rounds remaining.

Ben Kelley: “It was a tough race for me! I made a few mistakes on my own, crashing and getting stuck, so I had to do a lot to keep clawing my way back up the standings while just trying to save my bike and get it to the finish. I’m already looking forward to Round 2 in Florida in a couple of weeks' time.”

Sunday was also a difficult first outing of the year for XC1 Open Pro Class newcomer and last year’s GNCC runner-up Grant Davis, who was credited 11th in class after running toward the front during the early stages at Round 1 onboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION. With glimpses of speed on display, Davis will shift his sights to the Wild Boar GNCC.

Grant Davis: "My day was going good after I was in a strong position off the start with the leaders. I led a portion of a lap, but then made a few mistakes, so I'm excited to get to Florida next."

New FMF KTM Factory Racing recruit Jason Tino impressed in his GNCC debut with the team, the New Jersey native launching to a strong start onboard his KTM 250 XC-F, before remaining steady throughout the three-hour-long race duration.

Tino eventually earned a P3 finish in class amid the brutal conditions, which signals a welcome return to GNCC competition after spending much of 2025 sidelined through injuries.

Jason Tino: “I tell you what, it feels good to be back at the races! It was a successful Big Buck for me – it looks a lot like last year, conditions-wise, but it feels good to be back. I got off to a good start and just clicked off my laps. The rain stopped with about two to go, then the track got really slimy and gnarly, which made things tough. Thank you to the FMF KTM Factory Racing team, the bike was amazing all day.”

In the WXC division, FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Brandy Richards found the podium at the Big Buck GNCC, taking her KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION to second overall in the category and starting the 2026 season in convincing fashion.

Brandy Richards: "The first round of GNCC was definitely eventful! We had a lot of rain before and during the race, with a lot of standing water. I didn’t get the best start and went down in the first half-mile, so I lost a lot of time, but I stayed consistent and charged my way up towards the front – had some good battles, but came up a little short of the win. I’m happy with how I rode, especially in the brutal, muddy conditions."

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Jordan Ashburn, Honda
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
4. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
7. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
11. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing

XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Nicholas Defeo, Kawasaki
2. Angus Riordan, Honda
3. Jason Tino, FMF KTM Factory Racing

WXC Class Results
1. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
2. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
Get all contents of this press release as .zip: Direct download Save to Lightbox

Images (16)

JOHNNY GIRROIR - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
JOHNNY GIRROIR 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
JOHNNY GIRROIR 03 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
JOHNNY GIRROIR 04 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BEN KELLEY - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BEN KELLEY 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BEN KELLEY 03 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
GRANT DAVIS - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
GRANT DAVIS 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
GRANT DAVIS 03 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
GRANT DAVIS & JOHNNY GIRROIR - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
JASON TINO - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
JASON TINO 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BRANDY RICHARDS - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BRANDY RICHARDS 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint
BRANDY RICHARDS 03 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING - BIG BUCK GNCC
3 240 x 2 160 © Mack Faint

Contact

USA - Marketing
KTM North America, Inc.
Media and Public Relations

30125 KTM Way
Murrieta, CA 92563

T +1 951 600 8007 
E ktmmarketing@ktmnorthamerica.com