Each of the top five riders has captured one podium finish through the first two rounds, but not one rider has managed to finish inside the top three at both events. Perhaps this can be attributed to this year’s deep field of talent in the XC1 Pro Class, or the grueling and unpredictable conditions that three-hours of GNCC Racing lends itself to. Factory FMF/KTM’s Charlie Mullins has put himself in a favorable position early on as he leads the field into Sunday’s FMF Steele Creek GNCC. Although Mullins has one win under his belt, the 2011 GNCC National Champion has an onslaught of talent close behind.

N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley sits only two points down from Mullins in the standings. As a two-time GNCC National Champion in 2009 and ‘12, the 36-year-old New Zealand native has proven himself worthy in a young man’s sport and shows all signs of fighting for a third title this season.

And then there’s reigning champion Kailub Russell, who heads into the third round with an eight-point deficit from Mullins, whom he battled head-to-head for the 2013 championship. Factory FMF/KTM’s Russell capitalized on the treacherous conditions of Round 2 with a big victory, following a fourteenth place finish at the season opener. Heading into the third round, Russell is tied with Josh Strang for third place in the point standings.

Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Strang has gotten off to a favorable start this season with two consistent finishes in the top five. Strang is yet another GNCC National Champion (2010) fighting for this year’s coveted title, and it may be notable to add that the Australian native is still seeking his first GNCC win since 2011.

N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn earned a hard-fought podium finish at the last round, showcasing his bid for the championship chase as well. Like many others in GNCC Racing, Ashburn has found much success moving through the ranks, and now the 23-year-old is settling well into the ultra-competitive XC1 Pro Class. Ashburn sits only two points behind Russell and Strang for fifth place in the point standings.

RideMPS.com/AMSOIL/Honda’s Thad DuVall began the season on track with a fourth place finish, but Round 2 brought on mechanical issues that overtook his race. DuVall wasn’t able to finish, thus missing out on valuable points towards the championship.

With the XC1 Pro Class stacked to the brim with talent, there’s no telling who will come out on top each weekend. But perhaps the biggest wild card of the season may come with 16-year-old Grant Baylor, who nearly made GNCC history at Round 2 by battling it out with Russell for the overall win from the XC2 Pro Lites Class. By a slim four-second margin, Baylor came just short of topping Russell on the adjusted time clock, a feat that would have altered more than just the history book. Since the GNCC National Championship is based off overall finishes, every position counts. Baylor’s interjection from the second row could potentially spoil the outcome by way of simple math, taking away valuable championship points from the XC1 competitors.

While Grant Baylor is making a splash in the overall results, the FMF/KTM rider and defending XC2 Pro Lites Champion trails the class championship by six points early on. Maxxis/KLIM/DirtWise KTM’s Rory Mead tops the standings with two solid podium finishes. The New Zealand native looks to be Baylor’s fiercest championship competitor this season, although there are several other riders up for the challenge. Raines Riding University/Yamaha-backed Ricky Russell sits only two points behind Baylor in the class standings with a second and a fourth place finish at each of the first two rounds.