Steward Baylor Set to Represent GNCC in Japan's Cross Country Season Finale

Alex Harrington
·3 min read

Come November 5, Steward Baylor will bring his unparalleled racing prowess to X-JAM Takai Fuji Park, Japan, as he competes in the esteemed AAGP season finale. GNCC Racing is abuzz with excitement as they once again renew their collaboration with JNCC.

Key Takeaways:

  • This significant event at the X-JAM Takai Fuji Park near Yomase Onsen Ski Resort in Kitashiga, Japan marks the revival of international participation between GNCC and JNCC after a hiatus since 2020.

  • Baylor, who currently stands second in the GNCC points standings, has been in scintillating form this season, with two GNCC Overall wins to his name.

  • Alongside Baylor, GNCC's Race Operations Manager, Jared Bolton, will also be venturing to Japan to partake in the morning race.

From the picturesque backdrop of West Virginia, Racer Productions - the force behind the Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship (better known as GNCC Racing) - shares the thrilling news. XC1 Open Pro racer Steward Baylor is all set to race on foreign grounds as he gets geared for the AAGP season finale in Japan. This participation marks a significant year, the 19th to be exact, of the collaborative partnership between GNCC and JNCC.

2023 has been an outstanding year for the Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM Racing’s racer, Baylor. With two GNCC Overall victories and still in contention for the 2023 Overall GNCC National Championship, he is poised to make his mark in Japan. Baylor, when asked about this exciting opportunity, said, “I’m happy to be going to Japan. Over the years I’ve seen other racers get the opportunity and it’s definitely one of the bucket list things that I would love to check off in my racing career. It is definitely one of the perks of the job, getting to go race and be a part of things like this.”

He's in esteemed company as he follows the tire tracks of esteemed GNCC racers like Paul Whibley, Robbie Jenks, Jason Raines, Charlie Mullins, Rodney Smith, and many more, who've had the honor of representing GNCC Racing in Japan.

It’s not just Baylor who will be carrying the GNCC flag to Japan. GNCC’s Race Operations Manager, Jared Bolton, is also making the trip. This trip will be particularly special for Bolton as he's racing in the morning race for the first time. Sharing his enthusiasm, Bolton said, “I’m excited to make the trip to JNCC’s AAGP event. The JNCC staff and racers are great people and I’m very excited to try my luck in their morning race for the first time. The AAGP event has been a long standing tradition in Japan off-road racing for more than 30 years, and to just be in attendance is a great honor.”

In this symbiotic relationship, JNCC President Masami Hoshino traditionally invites GNCC riders to their season finale. In reciprocity, Japanese riders come to compete in the GNCC series. Earlier in the year, we witnessed Daiki Baba and Ryota Suzuki racing in the Big Buck GNCC, securing the 11th and 12th positions respectively.