This week in US Powersports racing.
2026 Progressive GNCC Racing Schedule Announced
The Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized (GNCC Racing), an AMA National Championship, and Racer Productions, producer of GNCC Racing, is pleased to announce its full series schedule for the 2026 season. The GNCC Racing series will continue to run its traditional 13-round schedule, with an 8-round eMTB schedule and 12-round Micro schedule. GNCC Racing will host events in ten different states, making stops at many of the series’ traditional favorites and while adding two brand-new locations to the circuit.
GNCC Racing will kick off the year in Union, South Carolina with its season opener at the annual Big Buck GNCC on February 14 and 15, the series will then continue on to the Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida on February 28 and March 1, which will continue to be held in conjunction with the Daytona Beach “Bike Week” festivities.
After Florida, the series is excited to continue its partnership with Talladega Superspeedway to host the Talladega GNCC, third round of racing, in Talladega, Alabama on March 7 and 8, 2026. GNCC Racing is excited to continue hosting a round of racing at such a legendary location that continues to be rich in racing. After a two-week break, the series will pick back up with the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC in Society Hill, South Carolina on March 28 and 29.
On April 18 and 19 the series will venture to a brand-new location in Kentucky for The Dukes GNCC in Knott County, Kentucky. Located at Mine Made Adventure Park, this property boasts thousands of acres of varying terrain that is currently explored by side-by-side and 4×4 ATV enthusiasts but you can expect a lot of new and different trails to be developed for the upcoming GNCC racecourse. This event will host the fifth round of racing in 2026 and brings GNCC Racing back to the state of Kentucky for the first time since 2013. The Old Gray GNCC returns to the schedule for round six in Monterey, Tennessee on May 2 and 3. This event will also host the opening round of The Specialized Turbo eMTB GNCC National Championship Series on Friday, May 1 at 4 PM.
“The 2026 season is shaping up to be a stellar year for GNCC racers with two brand new events on the calendar,” said Jeff Russell, GNCC Racing Trail Boss. “The Dukes GNCC in Kentucky will be a unique racecourse with some opportunities for some challenging terrain in some areas. It is also exciting to return to New York for the new Watkins Glen GNCC, and having the opportunity to explore the woods of the famed Watkins Glen International is really exciting.”
Moving onto round seven of the season, the series will head to Powerline Park in St. Clairsville, Ohio on May 16 and 17. Round eight will kick off at another brand-new venue back in New York with the Watkins Glen International GNCC on June 6 and 7 in Watkins Glen, NY. GNCC Racing is excited to get back to racing in The Empire State for the foreseeable future. Adding Watkins Glen International Speedway to the 2026 GNCC Racing Schedule marks an exciting expansion for the series at one of America’s most iconic motorsports venues. Nestled in the scenic Finger Lakes region of New York, Watkins Glen brings a rich racing heritage and a world-class facility to GNCC competition, creating a unique backdrop for off-road racing.
“It’s an honor to partner with the Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series at Watkins Glen International for the first time in 2026,” said Dawn Burlew, Watkins Glen International President. “When you look at the diversity and volume of events at WGI, it only makes sense to add this incredibly unique event to our schedule. We’re ready to host a new fan base and know they will enjoy world class hospitality next summer at The Glen.”
GNCC Racing is set to return to Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia on June 27 and 28 for its traditional Snowshoe GNCC, ninth round of the season — a marquee event and the final race before the series’ summer break. This event will not host any micro racing but will hold round three of the Specialized eMTB National Championship on Friday afternoon. The Snowshoe GNCC has long been one of the most anticipated races of the year — not just for the fierce competition and muddy, technical trails, but also because it marks the midpoint of the season and leads into a well-earned summer pause before the fall stretch of racing begins.
The John Penton GNCC will kick off the fall half of the schedule in Millfield, Ohio on September 19-20. This event will also host the fourth round of the Specialized eMTB schedule on Friday, September 18. Next up on the schedule will be the Mason-Dixon GNCC in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania on October 3 and 4. This event will be a non-points paying event for Bike XC1, XC2 and WXC classes due to the ISDE taking place in Grândola, Portugal. The Mason-Dixon will also be hosting the Specialized eMTB doubleheader (rounds 5 & 6) event on Friday, October 2 at 4 PM and Saturday, October 3 at 5 PM.
The penultimate round of racing in 2026 will be hosted in Crawfordsville, Indiana with the Ironman GNCC on October 24 and 25. This event will also host the seventh round of racing in the Specialized eMTB schedule. The Ironman GNCC will continue its tradition of being a “pink” race in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, with more information on the event coming at a later date. Returning as the season finale location will be the Buckwheat 100 GNCC in Newburg, West Virginia. The Buckwheat 100 served as the season finale race back in 2020 and will look to do the same this upcoming year.
Full 2026 Series Schedule:
| Rnd | Date | Event Name | Location | eMTB Rnd |
| 1 | Feb 14-15 | Big Buck | Union, SC | |
| 2 | Feb 28/Mar 1 | Wild Boar | Palatka, FL | |
| 3 | Mar 7-8 | Talladega | Talladega, AL | |
| 4 | Mar 28-29 | Camp Coker | Society Hill, SC | |
| 5 | Apr 18-19 | Kentucky | Knott County, KY | |
| 6 | May 2-3 | The Old Gray | Monterey, TN | Rd 1 – Fri |
| 7 | May 16-17 | Powerline Park | St. Clairsville, OH | Rd 2 – Fri |
| 8 | June 6-7 | Watkins Glen | Watkins Glen, NY | |
| 9 | June 27-28 | Snowshoe* | Snowshoe, WV | Rd 3 – Fri |
| 10 | Sep 19-20 | The John Penton | Millfield, OH | Rd 4 – Fri |
| 11 | Oct 3-4 | Mason-Dixon** | Mt. Morris, PA | Rd 5&6 – Fri & Sat |
| 12 | Oct 24-25 | Ironman | Crawfordsville, IN | Rd 7 – Fri |
| 13 | Nov 7-8 | Buckwheat 100 | Newburg, WV | Rd 8 – Fri |
| *All Rounds Except Snowshoe Feature Micro Racing **Doubleheader Event; Fri Race @ 4 PM & Sat Race @ 5 PM | ||||
For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.
- Facebook: @gnccracing
- Instagram: @gncc_racing
- YouTube: @racertv
- X: @gnccracing
Makita U.S.A. and Pipes Motorsports Group Suzuki Announce Partnership for 2026 SMX Championship
Makita U.S.A., Inc. and Pipes Motorsports Group (PMG) Suzuki are proud to announce a new technical partnership ahead of the 2026 SuperMotocross Championship. This collaboration reunites two iconic names in American motocross and supercross, bringing together Makita’s engineering excellence and Suzuki’s racing heritage through the PMG Suzuki program.
Under the agreement, Makita U.S.A. will serve as a technical partner to PMG Suzuki, supporting the team throughout the 2026 SuperMotocross season. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to performance, reliability, and innovation at the highest level of professional motorcycle racing.
Makita’s return to Suzuki racing represents a renewed alignment rooted in decades of motorsports success. The partnership reflects the continued growth and credibility of the Pipes Motorsports Group program, as well as Suzuki’s strong and competitive racing platform heading into the 2026 championship.
“Makita has been a cornerstone partner in Suzuki racing for many years, and their return is meaningful. Having a trusted brand with such deep roots in our motorsport’s history rejoin the Suzuki family through the PMG program speaks to the credibility of the team and the strength of our racing platform,” said Chris Wheeler, Suzuki Motor USA Motorsports Manager.
For Pipes Motorsports Group, the partnership carries both professional and personal significance.
“Growing up as an aspiring racer, I always marveled at the accomplishments of the Makita Suzuki teams’ of the past. Our technical partnership for the 2026 season is a welcomed addition and the young kid in me is excited to see the red Makita logo back on a Suzuki motorcycle,” said Dustin Pipes, Team Principal of Pipes Motorsports Group.
“Makita’s return to Suzuki racing is more than a reunion—it’s a statement about innovation and a continuation of a winning legacy. We first teamed up 21 years ago to capture championships, and today it feels like we never left. Partnering again was an easy choice with a team that shares our relentless drive. Together with PMG Suzuki, we’re blending decades of engineering excellence with cutting-edge technology to push the limits of performance.” -Brent Withey, Vice President, Marketing.
As the 2026 SuperMotocross Championship approaches, Makita U.S.A. and PMG Suzuki look forward to building on a legacy of success while pushing the limits of performance and technology on the track.
For the latest team updates, news, and race insights, visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross or HEPMotorsports.com.
2026 S&S Cycle Race Contingency Program
S&S Cycle’s legacy is carved in racing. From our start in 1958 until today, we have always been involved in racing. And because of that, we have revitalized our Race Department to put real focus on racing, our dealers that race and our never-ending pursuit of going faster.
The Race Department will be all about high-performance motorcycle racing parts. From NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle and King of the Baggers to Bagger Racing League (BRL), Bonneville, and grassroots drag racing, we will be focused on the components built for riders who demand proven performance. Expect new product launches, race-tested parts, track updates, and standout components worth revisiting.
A big announcement for NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle and Bagger Racing League competitors is nearly $50,000 in S&S contingency money in 2026. Whether you race NHRA or BRL, S&S Cycle is backing competitors who are pushing for the win.
Contact the team at:
Racing@sscycle.com
https://www.facebook.com/racing.sscycle/
https://www.instagram.com/racing.sscycle/
FLY Racing Signs Freestyle Athlete Vicki Golden to Multi-Year Partnership, Elevating Women’s Line Development
FLY Racing is proud to announce a multi-year partnership with Vicki Golden, one of the most groundbreaking athletes in motocross and freestyle motocross history. Golden, widely recognized for shattering barriers in a male-dominated sport, will play a pivotal role in the design and development of FLY Racing’s women’s product line.
“Through Twitch, I’ve built friendships with everyone at FLY Racing over the past few years, and it’s been incredible to watch the team support so many athletes while treating each of them with genuine care” added Vicki. “The gear looks insane and fits perfectly, but what excites me most is being surrounded by amazing people who truly want to succeed together. I’m incredibly thankful to be a part of the FLY Racing family”.
From becoming the first woman to qualify for a Monster Energy AMA Supercross evening program to earning five X Games gold medals and setting a Guinness World Record for riding through 13 burning firewalls, Vicki Golden has consistently redefined what’s possible. Her fearless approach and relentless drive make her the perfect ambassador for FLY Racing’s commitment to innovation and inclusiveness.
“Vicki Golden isn’t just an athlete, she’s a trailblazer who has inspired countless riders to push beyond limits,” said Anthony Armsby, Vice President, FLY Racing. “Her expertise and passion will be instrumental in shaping our women’s line, ensuring it meets the highest standards of performance and style. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Vicki to the FLY Racing family.”
Golden’s involvement will extend beyond racing representation; she will collaborate directly with FLY Racing’s product teams to create gear that empowers female riders worldwide.
Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) Joins SuperMotocross (SMX) League with Presenting Level Partnership Support from Synchrony
Following a banner season that saw the emergence of the best and brightest female athletes in the sport, the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) will take another groundbreaking step forward beginning in 2026 with its inclusion into the SMX LeagueTM. Additionally, the series will receive presenting level support from leading consumer financing company Synchrony to establish the Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony. The 2026 season will once again consist of six rounds this summer, with each event taking place in conjunction with the prestigious Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Additionally, the WMX will step into the playoff spotlight with the introduction of a showcase race at the Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM Final in September.
“The WMX was a bright spot for the sport last season and will break new barriers entering the 2026 campaign. This is a landmark moment for the WMX and all female enthusiasts within the motocross community,” said Carrie Coombs-Russell, CEO, MX Sports Pro Racing. “We have long been committed to providing a platform for the fastest women’s racers to compete and now have a true global stage to showcase their talents with vital partnership support. Women’s athletics as a whole is finally receiving the attention it deserves, and we’re thrilled that excitement and embrace has expanded to include our corner of the sporting world.”
The Women’s Motocross Championship will join the SMX League beginning with the 2026 season,
with presenting level support from new series partner Synchrony.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The racing format for the 2026 season will consist of action spread across two days, with Moto 1 held each Friday and Moto 2 held each Saturday alongside the stars of the Pro Motocross Championship. The WMX’s inclusion on Saturday will allow for broadcast coverage from all six rounds on Peacock, providing unprecedented exposure for the championship that will include an expanded global reach through SMX Video Pass.
The battle for the championship will get underway at the famed Hangtown Motocross Classic in Northern California (June 5-6) and will then head to the mile-high altitude of Colorado for the Thunder Valley National (June 12-13) before traveling east to the Mason-Dixon Line for the High Point National (June 19-20). The WMX will enjoy a midseason summer break before returning for a three-round stretch run to crown a champion, beginning with the Unadilla National in Central New York (August 14-15), the Budds Creek National in Southern Maryland (August 21-22) and concluding with the Ironman National in Indiana (August 28-29).
The newest addition to the racing calendar is the WMX’s anticipated addition to the Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM Final, which will take place on September 26 and will include a postseason showcase of the most elite female talent on the planet. Here, the stars of WMX will race under the bright lights of the SMX’s most high-profile race, competing on the sport’s biggest stage.
“As the SMX World Championship continues to grow, WMX will play an integral role in that expansion,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross for Feld Motor Sports. “Synchrony joining as a presenting partner in support of women’s motocross is a powerful endorsement of the value these athletes bring to the sport.”
A driving force of what will be a landmark season for the WMX is a new partnership with Synchrony, which has been a fixture within the powersports community through the Synchrony Outdoors division, aimed at benefitting powersports enthusiasts. Through that division Synchrony has become a dedicated advocate of women in motorcycling, sponsoring the 2025 edition of the Babes in the Dirt Off-Road Adventure Series in partnership with KTM North America and spearheading initiatives to empower current riders and get more women on two wheels. Synchrony has also been a familiar presence within the SMX paddock through its support of race teams and partnerships with competing manufacturers, and its presenting partnership with WMX will help elevate that championship even more. Its support will position the athletes and the series with its largest platform to date, which will bring historic levels of exposure and viewership that will establish the Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony as one of the world’s premier racing series.
“Sponsoring WMX is a natural extension of Synchrony’s commitment to the powersports community and, in particular, the rapidly growing segment of women riders. Women are bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to motocross, and we’re excited to amplify their impact on the sport,” said Susan Medrano, SVP and GM, Synchrony Outdoors. “We aim to share a spotlight on the importance of women riders and fuel the momentum we’ve been building with the community. Together, we hope to inspire even more women to get involved, strengthening the motocross community as a whole.”
Yamaha rider Lachlan “LaLa” Turner will chase a third consecutive WMX title in 2026.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 2025 championship podium finishers of Turner (Center), Charli Cannon (right), and Mikayla “Kay Kay” Nielsen (left) are poised to lead the WMX’s continued ascension in the racing world.
Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
For more information on the WMX series, visit the official website at www.RaceWMX.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #RaceWMX.
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is proud to announce the 2026 Team Dunlop Elite motocross roster as the program celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of identifying, supporting, and developing the most promising amateur motocross athletes in the United States. Since its inception in 2007, Team Dunlop Elite has become a proven athlete development pipeline, producing a long list of riders who have advanced into professional racing careers, including Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Aaron Plessinger, Adam Cianciarulo, Chase Sexton, Austin Forkner, and Haiden Deegan.
The 2026 Team Dunlop Elite program features eight returning athletes and welcomes one new addition. Longtime program cornerstone Ryder Ellis enters his eighth year with Dunlop aboard his Kawasaki KX112. Eidan Steinbrecher returns for his seventh year following his Spring-A-Ding-Ding championship; Gavyn Welzien returns for his fifth season after securing the 2025 Clash title; and fourth-year members Kade Nightingale and Beckham Smith continue after Smith’s dominant 2025 campaign, which included five championships at Mini O’s and four at Spring-A-Ding-Ding. Tayce Morgan begins his second year after a standout season that included two Loretta Lynn’s titles, two Mini O’s titles, and the 2024 YZ bLU cRU SuperFinale World Championship. The women’s division is represented by rising talents Mayla Herrick, entering her second year following multiple national wins, and Raycin Kyler, fresh off a Loretta Lynn’s championship (against the boys) and multiple titles at The Abe and The Clash as she begins her first full year on the program. The newest addition is Robert “Fender the Sender” Fender, an 8-year-old talent and 2025 The Ding Champion, representing the next generation of Team Dunlop Elite.
Dunlop’s backing of amateur motocross racing is unmatched in the United States. In 2025 alone, riders selected Dunlop’s Geomax tires to clinch 34 titles at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross National, 83 at Mini O’s, 38 at Ponca City, 34 at Mammoth, 40 at Spring-A-Ding-Ding, and another 35 at RCSX—a winning standard that no other brand can rival. Dunlop remains the undisputed choice of champions and the benchmark for amateur racing support nationwide.
“Reaching the 20-year milestone of Team Dunlop Elite is an incredible accomplishment,” said Rob Fox, Amateur Motocross Support Manager. “Our program has become a true pathway to the professional ranks, and seeing our alumni succeed at the highest levels validates everything we’ve built. The 2026 roster continues our mission to support the best young riders in America on and off the track, and we’re excited to celebrate this anniversary year with this exceptional group.”
Think you have what it takes to be a member of Team Dunlop? Visit www.TeamDunlop.com now to apply for support.
Double The Money: 2026 Daytona 200 Winner To Pocket $50,000
Daytona International Speedway and MotoAmerica have joined forces to elevate the 2026 Daytona 200 to new heights, making it one of the richest motorcycle races in the event’s storied history. With a total purse of $250,000, a 43 percent increase over last year, the stakes are high, with the winner of the 84th running of the “Great American Motorcycle Race” taking home a $50,000 payday.
And the money doesn’t stop at the top as the three who ultimately stand on Victory Lane following the March 7 running of the Daytona 200 will earn $100,000 collectively. In addition to the $50,000 for finishing first, second place will take home $30,000, with the third-place finisher third pocketing $20,000.
The purse will pay out to 30th position, with 21st through 30th earning $2500.
In addition to the increased purse, the 2026 Daytona 200 will also be the first 200 since 2014 to pay AMA National Championship points, making the already prestigious race even more so.
Dunlop has also jumped in to add to the program with MotoAmerica’s spec-tire company to supply MotoAmerica Premier entries with 10 tires per rider. Additionally, the Speedway will pick up the Dunlop tire bill for the first international finisher in the 200.
“The Daytona 200 has always been one of the most prestigious motorcycle races in the world, and with the increase in purse to $250,000 the importance of the race just took another step forward,” said MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey. “This year our fans will see some of the best racers and teams in the world battling for the $50,000 winner’s check with the additional incentive of earning valuable MotoAmerica championship points. We’re looking forward to an incredible weekend of racing, March 5-7.”
In addition, the winner of the 84th running of the Daytona 200 will continue the tradition of receiving the much sought-after Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch.
“The Daytona 200 has always held a special place in the history of both Daytona International Speedway and in motorcycle racing as a whole,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “By significantly increasing the purse and the return of AMA National Championship points, we’re making a clear statement about how much this race matters. The Daytona 200 deserves to be a race that rewards excellence, attracts the very best riders in the world, and carries real weight for everyone who lines up on the grid. We’re proud to work with MotoAmerica to continue elevating this iconic event and ensuring it remains a career-defining win for the competitors.”
Additional prize money will be handed out pre-race as MotoAmerica has announced that it will host the fifth annual Pit Stop Challenge at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, March 5. The Pit Stop Challenge features the top teams in the Daytona 200 showcasing who has the fastest pit crew.
One of the newest traditions for winners of the Daytona 200 in recent years is participation in the Daytona Champions Program during the DAYTONA 500 weekend. The winners of some of the most prestigious motorsports events in the world across multiple disciplines, including the Rolex 24 At Daytona, DAYTONA Supercross, American Flat Track, and Mission King Of The Baggers, take part in a VIP experience and media opportunities for “The Great American Race.”
