FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S JOHNNY GIRROIR TAKES MAIDEN XC1 OPEN PRO CLASS VICTORY AT THE HOOSIER GNCC

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | 8:15 AM

Round 6 – Grand National Cross Country Series

JOHNNY GIRROIR - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING Mack Faint

Opening the Ironman Raceway race in sixth position, Girroir made steady progress onboard his KTM 350 XC-F as he picked his way through the field before taking the lead on lap seven in challenging conditions. From there, Girroir would stretch out a 17.261-second margin and cross the finish line in first position, securing his maiden XC1 Open Pro class win.

Johnny Girroir: “It feels incredible! I’ve had an uphill battle through the whole year with taking hit after hit, so this feels well overdue and I’m just so happy. The lines here were changing every lap, I got stuck a couple of times, but yeah just changed up my lines every lap and I’m so happy to come away with this win on such a gnarly day of racing. Thank you to my whole FMF KTM Factory Racing Team!”

BEN KELLEY - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING Mack Faint

The other FMF KTM Factory Racing entry of 2021 champion Kelley posted a consistent ride amidst brutal track conditions, hovering around the top five before a mid-race charge saw the series points leader move into P3, where he would finish for round six of the season. With his Crawfordsville result, Kelley extends his advantage in the standings to five points over Craig DeLong.

Ben Kelley:“Not a whole lot to say of today – rode well at times, rode like a rookie at times, made a few mistakes after grabbing a great start, but yeah, just a few too many mistakes today. Taking the positives from round six, happy to be on the box and appreciate all the work the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team put in.”

It was a KTM podium lockout at round six of the 2023 GNCC Series, as KTM-mounted Steward Baylor Jr secured the number two position in the XC1 Open Pro Class, while Korie Steed was runner-up in the WXC division.

Next Race: The John Penton GNCC – Millfield, OH – May 20-22, 2023

XC1 Open Pro Results – Hoosier GNCC
1. Johnny Girroir, KTM, 2:44:25.398
2. Steward Baylor Jr, KTM, +17.261
3. Ben Kelley, KTM, +38.271

Overall Championship Standings
1. Ben Kelley, 129
2. Craig DeLong, 124
3. Steward Baylor Jr, 123
OTHER KTM
9. Johnny Girroir 69