MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (February 9, 2026) - As the 2026 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series, an AMA National Championship, draws near, the ATV classes are ready to deliver another year of high-speed battles, rising talent, and championship-level intensity. With a mix of proven veterans and up-and-coming contenders, the stage is set for another great season of racing. 

At the center of the ATV conversation once again is reigning champion Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Brycen Neal. Neal has established himself as the rider to beat, winning his fourth consecutive championship this past season and aiming to make it five in a row. His combination of consistency, race craft, and raw speed has reshaped the XC1 class, and entering 2026, he carries momentum. 

Seven-time national champion WFR/Kenda/Fly Racing/BNR’s Walker Fowler added significance to the upcoming season when he announced at the 2025 GNCC Awards Banquet that 2026, his 25th competitive GNCC season and 15th professional season,  would mark his final full-time professional season. On January 30, Fowler provided an update regarding his status for the upcoming season, revealing that he suffered a back injury. Fowler also stated that he is uncertain when he will return to racing this year. 

Merritt Racing/BNR Motorsports/GBC’s Joshua Merritt has become a consistent threat in the XC1 class this past season. Throughout the 2025 season, Merritt showcased his ability to run at the front with a combination of podium finishes, steady top five results, along with an overall win. As his confidence continues to grow, he enters 2026 as a legitimate overall contender, capable of being in the championship hunt.  

After winning two rounds last season, HHR/Fly Racing/QuadTech’s Hunter Hart is another rider to keep an eye on as the season returns this weekend. Hart will be looking to take the next step forward and position himself as a serious contender throughout the year in overall wins and fighting for the season’s coveted National Championship.  

Rounding out the top five competitors from last year, Stewart Boys Racing/Kenda/Pierce Performance’s Wyatt Wilkin continues to be a force in the XC1 class. With multiple podiums and top five finishes, Wilkin looks to turn those finishes into wins, and as the competition intensifies, he will be looking to take the next step and put himself as a regular presence at the front of the pack. 

Adding even more significance to the 2026 season, OBOR/Moose Racing/Parts Unlimited/Lonestar’s Adam McGill has announced that this year will mark the final chapter of his racing career. After years of competing at the highest level and establishing himself as a fan favorite in the GNCC community, McGill enters the season with added motivation and purpose. As he prepares to close out his time in GNCC racing, every round of 2026 carries extra weight as McGill looks to finish his career on a high note. 

With the depth of talent continuing to grow at the front of the XC1 ATV class, the 2026 season promises intense battles from the opening round to the final checkered flag. Whether it's Neal defending his title reign or someone new ready to take over, the XC1 class is set to deliver another unforgettable year of racing. 

After capturing the 2025 XC2 championship, BNR Motorsports/Pierce Performance/GBC Tire’s Alex Thieman is set to make the full-time move up to the premier XC1 class. Thieman’s transition marks the arrival of another rising talent to an already stacked XC1 field. 

After finishing second in the XC2 championship during the 2025 season, CST Tires/ Fly Racing/ELKA/LMR Motors’ Braxton Grosse enters the 2026 season with the clear goal of grabbing the XC2 title. With five wins last season, the California native proves he has the speed and consistency to compete at the front of the class. Grosse positions himself as one of the top championship contenders in the XC2 field heading into the new season.  

BNR Motorsports/Maxxis/PowerMadd’s Jeremiah Wolf is another contender to watch in the XC2 class heading into the 2026 season. After finishing third in the championship standings in 2025, Wolf earned four podium finishes and proved he belongs among the front-runners in the class. Entering 2026, he looks to continue challenging for podiums and wins while positioning himself as a serious contender in the XC2 championship battle.  

Action Off-road/GD3 Ventures/HorsepowerInc’s Keaton Henderson and Hilltop Motorsports/Action Off-Road’s Daulton Keyes also made strong impressions in the XC2 class last season, finishing fourth and fifth in the championship standings. Both riders demonstrated consistent speed and competitiveness throughout the season and will look to build on that momentum heading into 2026. 

While the XC1 and XC2 divisions continue to showcase the present and future of GNCC ATV racing in the afternoon races, the 4x4 class remains one of the most competitive and exciting classes in the morning race.  

Cody Collier comes into the 2026 season as the reigning force in the 4x4 ATV Pro division after capturing his third GNCC 4x4 ATV Pro National Championship. Throughout the 2025 season, Collier showcased his speed and determination, allowing him to separate himself from the rest of the field. As the new season approaches, Collier will look to defend his championship against a hungry field of competitors. 

After finishing second in the 4x4 Pro Division in 2025, Brandon Frazier enters 2026 with a renewed drive to return to the top of the standings. The 2024 national champion remains one of the most consistent and competitive riders in the class, and he will once again be a major factor in the 4x4 title fight.

Kaden Wharff also proved himself as a top contender in the 4x4 Pro Division after finishing third in the championship standings in 2025. Throughout the season, Wharff showcased consistent speed and competitiveness and looks to continue challenging for wins, podiums, and a spot in the 4x4 title fight. 

Chloe Harper enters 2026 as the reigning champion in the WXC division after capturing the 2025 National Championship. With her multiple wins and consistent podium finishes throughout the season, Harper proved her ability to control races and perform under pressure. She heads into 2026 as the rider to beat.  

Hannah Hunter was Harper’s closet challenger throughout the 2025 season, finishing second in the championship standings. With a strong mix of race wins and podium performances, Hunter demonstrated that she has the speed and determination to compete for victories on any given weekend.