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Rocky Race for Red Bear Kawasaki
MONTEREY, Tenn. (April 14, 2025) - The Old Gray Grand National Cross Country race in Monterey, Tennessee holds good memories for Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green™, as rider Steward Baylor won the event in 2024. From the start, it looked to be a repeat as Steward Baylor moved into the lead early on Lap 1. Steward Baylor continued to hold the lead through Lap 3 until a tangle with a lapped rider damaged his bike. Steward Baylor pulled in for repairs, but lost a lot of time in the process. He finished 12th overall and eighth in the XC1 Class. “I felt really good out there. I had control of the race early and the bike was working great. The crash was unfortunate, but the team did an amazing job getting me to the finish line. I know I was good enough to win today, but sometimes stuff just happens.”
Grant Baylor made his return to GNCC racing this weekend after a knee surgery late last year. Grant Baylor started strong in the Top 5, but got shuffled back after a few mistakes. He held strong at the end for 11th overall and seventh in XC1. “It felt good to get back out there racing. I rode pretty well, but I know where I can be better. I’m happy to have a couple weeks off to work on some weaknesses.”
Round 1 winner, Nick DeFeo started slow, but came on strong at the end for fourth in XC2. “I felt good out there. I just needed to get a better start. My bike was good, and my pace was solid. I just gave those guys too much of a gap to make up. I’ll be better at the next one.”
XC2 rider, Josh Toth had a tough day after tangling with a tree and had to pull off after Lap 2. “I was riding well and catching up to P2 overall, but the Tennessee rocks had other plans for me. A flat rock took my front wheel out to the left, causing me to fall around a tree at my chest and stomach area. I was a little banged up, but looking forward to getting redemption soon.”
WXC rider, Rachael Archer had a solid points day, but the finish was not to her liking. “Frustrating day for me at Old Gray. I was running up front and feeling comfortable. This was a race I would’ve bet on myself to win. A bad crash took me out of the fight for the win on Lap 3 and I limped it home for third place. The bars were bent, and I had a very sore shoulder! I’m still in the points hunt, so we will keep digging.”
4-Stroke A Lites rider, Caleb Wood had an impressive day! Battling at the front the entire race and taking the win. “Man, it feels good to win again. I had a few off rounds, but I’m feeling good again. I’m looking forward to Powerline Park.”
Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green™ continues their season in three weeks at Powerline Park in Ohio.