This week in US Powersports racing.
Colt Nichols Re-Signs with Pipes Motorsports Group for 2026 Season
Suzuki Motor USA, LLC and Pipes Motorsports Group are pleased to announce that Colt Nichols will continue with the Twisted Tea Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance aboard the RM-Z450 for the 2026 SuperMotocross season.
Following a solid debut year with the team, Nichols returns for his second season with renewed focus and a strong sense of familiarity with both the crew and the Suzuki RM-Z450 platform. His steady progression and consistency in 2025 were clear indicators of growing synergy within the program, earning multiple top-10 finishes despite battling through injury throughout the year.
Competing with a shoulder injury during Supercross and a torn UCL in his thumb through the Pro Motocross season, Nichols showed determination and grit while continuing to deliver results for Suzuki’s SuperMotocross efforts. With the benefit of an off-season to recover and regroup, Colt is looking forward to entering 2026 healthy and ready to capitalize on the foundation he’s built with the Twisted Tea Suzuki team.
“Super excited to re-sign with the PMG team for next season,” said Colt Nichols. “Was really happy to almost get a full season under my belt in ‘25 and I’m ready to elevate and improve for the ‘26 season. Love working with this team and being around the guys week in week out. I’m pumped for the future – let’s get to work!”
We’re excited to have Colt back for another year with the team. With a full season of experience and a healthy start, we expect to see him show his true potential. Colt has the speed and skill to be up front, and putting himself in good positions early in the races will allow him to achieve what we all know he’s capable of,” added Chris Wheeler Motorsports Manager at Suzuki Motor USA.
“Continuing on with Colt for another season has been in the team’s plans for some time so I’m glad to finally announce it,” said Dustin Pipes, Team Principal of Pipes Motorsports Group. “A former champion, Colt brings a level of professionalism to the team that makes him easy to work with. I look forward to seeing him progress and show his talent level on the racetrack in 2026.”
Nichols, the 2019 AMA 250SX East Region Supercross Champion, will line up alongside teammates Ken Roczen and Jason Anderson aboard Suzuki’s proven RM-Z450 platform. With a full year of experience under his belt, Nichols aims to carry forward the continuity and chemistry developed with his team, turning consistency into podium results and a strong start to the 2026 SuperMotocross campaign.
For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or HEPMotorsports.com.
FMF KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM LANDERS AND GRANT DAVIS GO BACK-TO-BACK IN GNCC XC2 250 PRO
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Grant Davis was able to make it back-to-back XC2 250 Pro Class titles in Round 12 of the 2025 Grand National Cross Country Series at The John Penton GNCC this weekend, also continuing to lead Ben Kelley in the Overall standings with one round remaining.
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 12
The famed John Penton GNCC in Ohio marked Round 12 of 13 in this year’s season, as Davis – equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F – entered with the opportunity to clinch his second-straight XC2 250 Pro Class title one round early.
This weekend started well for the 29-year-old, as he led the field for the opening lap before an unfortunate fall ended his day prematurely, unable to continue. Despite the result, Davis’ exceptional 2025 campaign – which includes eight XC2 250 Pro wins and four Overall victories – saw him with enough points to seal the XC2 title once again.
Grant Davis: “I was having a great day at The John Penton – I really enjoy this place, and the conditions were great. I was riding really well, but I just made a slight mistake, which cost me a finish. It’s nice to wrap up another XC2 250 Pro title, and now I’m fully focused on Ironman.”
XC2 250 Pro Class teammate Gus Riordan was in form at the Millfield venue, racing his KTM 250 XC-F to a P2 finish in class as he looks to complete his 2025 season on a high note in Indiana.
Gus Riordan: “It was a good weekend at The John Penton! The conditions were all-time today, and the racing was super-tight. It’s been a good championship so far and I’m ready to finish strong at Ironman’s finale.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley also featured up front in the XC1 Open Pro Class during the early stages of The John Penton, leading the premier category after lap one. He would also unfortunately fall, but was able to remount his KTM 350 XC-F and charge to P6 in class.
With his result at the 12th round, former GNCC number one Kelley closed the Overall gap to just seven points between himself and Davis, with the upcoming decider at the Ironman GNCC set to determine this year’s champion.
Ben Kelley: “I ripped the holeshot and battled at the front of the field for the first two laps, leading a lot of it. I then had a crash and a bad third lap, where I dropped back in the pack. I made a charge as best I could on the last two laps after the pit and made a few passes, but I was just too far back. Lots of guys were riding well today, and the racing was super-close! The track was super-fast with little traction, so it was a challenge to find comfort. I’m excited to finish this off in Ironman.”
Reigning GNCC Champion Johnny Girroir made a return to racing at The John Penton after a lengthy stint on the sidelines, with the FMF KTM Factory Racing rider immediately showing pace onboard his KTM 350 XC-F as he battled amongst the field. After completing the race in 13th, Girroir will look to build upon his performance at Ironman.
Johnny Girroir: “I’m excited to be back at the races! It was good to finish the three hours and get my body back right. I made some mistakes in the beginning, but that is from just being away. All-in-all, I am happy to get this one done and ready for the next.”
Equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F, WXC Class racer Brandy Richards was in front-running form at The John Penton GNCC as she battled for the lead across the entirety of the race’s duration. Misfortune with a lapped rider cost her valuable time toward the end, as she earned a convincing P2 finish.
Brandy Richards: “I got the holeshot and was riding cautiously as the course was really slick. I swapped for the lead a few laps, and then on the final lap, I was making a pass for the lead and was caught up with a lapped rider on the hillclimb. By the time I got going, I was back to fourth with nine miles left… I put my head down and finished right on the leader’s wheel, and am now looking forward to Ironman.”
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Kailub Russell, Yamaha
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Josh Strang, Beta
6. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
13. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Cody Barnes, Honda
2. Gus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
3. Brody Johnson, Honda
7. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
WXC Class Results
1. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
2. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
3. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
Korie Steede delivers pivotal WXC Class win at The John Penton GNCC
WXC Class title contender Korie Steede reduced the deficit to just seven points following a fifth victory of the year at The John Penton GNCC on Sunday, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider posting a pivotal performance in Millfield, Ohio.
Onboard her Husqvarna FC 250, Steede was up front from the beginning of the 12th round of the 2025 Grand National Cross Country Series, navigating a sequence of challenges throughout the two-hour-long encounter while in the heat of battle.
Ultimately, the 24-year-old reigned supreme and is now set for a final round showdown for this year’s WXC Class title.
“I got off to a pretty slow start, but I think around turn three I just went full send and got into second behind Brandy [Richards],” reflected Steede. “It was a battle from there, dealing with lapped riders and fighting our way through, but the three of us were in a hell of a battle. I think this was the best John Penton we have had to date, and now we’ll take a lot of positives into the final round.”
Former GNCC Champion Craig DeLong experienced a challenging day at the Sunday Creek Raceway facility, with the Husqvarna FX 350 rider attempting to ride through a migraine before withdrawing from the event altogether. He is currently positioned seventh in the XC1 Open Pro Class standings after 12 of 13 rounds.
“It was a tough day at The John Penton as myself and the team were looking for a strong result here,” commented Delong. “Unfortunately, I had a migraine in the lead up, and although I tried to compete, it just wasn’t safe for me to do so, so we decided to pull in. It’s disappointing for sure, but we’ll look for redemption in Ironman.”
WXC Class Results
1. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
