by: Kayla Bolton
Monday, September 8, 2025 | 3:40 PM
Racer Productions Mourns the Loss of American Off-Road Motorcycle Legend, John Penton
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (September 8, 2025) – Racer Productions mourns the passing of John Penton, American motorcycle racing legend and pioneering force in off-road motorcycling, who passed peacefully on September 7, 2025—just 19 days after celebrating his 100th birthday.
A former national champion enduro rider and visionary entrepreneur, Penton forever transformed the sport by introducing lightweight off-road motorcycles to America, partnering with KTM to launch the renowned Penton motorcycle line, and founding a hugely successful line of riding boots and apparel.
John Penton was also a pioneer in the motorcycle aftermarket business. He partnered with the Italian brand Alpinestars to build an off-road motorcycling boot that he sold under the Hi-Point Racing brand in America. He also built and sold Hi-Point Racing trailers, lubricants, tires, riding apparel, accessories, and more.
His legacy endures in the GNCC series—home to the annual John Penton GNCC race, which remains one of the longest-running stops on the circuit, and is set to take place on October 10-12, 2025, in Millfield, Ohio.
Godspeed, John Penton.
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
About GNCC Racing
The Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, is the world premier cross country racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round motorcycle and ATV championship and 10-round eMTB championship, is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling two and three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,800 riders through racetracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks, and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised live on RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
Media Contact:
Kayla Bolton
(304) 284-0084
[email protected]