Phoenix Racing Honda Sweeps XC1 and XC2 GNCC Championships

Phoenix Racing Honda concluded the 2026 AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) season by securing national championships in both the XC1 and XC2 classes. Riders Jordan Ashburn and Angus Riordan claimed their respective titles at the Buckwheat 100 GNCC in Newburg, West Virginia, which served as the series finale on November 10, 2026. This dual victory represents a notable achievement for the team and for Honda in off-road racing.

Jordan Ashburn's XC1 Championship

Jordan Ashburn clinched the XC1 National Championship after a closely contested season, finishing just one point ahead of rival Liam Draper. Ashburn's consistent performance was a hallmark of his campaign, as he was the only rider in the 13-round series to consistently place within the top 10. Riding his CRF450RX, the Cookeville, Tennessee, resident earned two victories and three additional podium finishes throughout the year.

This championship marks Ashburn's second premier-class title, with his first achieved in 2022 with a different manufacturer. For Phoenix Racing, it is their inaugural XC1 championship, and it is Honda's first GNCC premier-class title since Scott Summers' win in 1997. Ashburn commented on the effort required, stating that difficult races and injuries during the season ultimately contributed to his success, highlighting the continuous work on testing and preparation between events.

Angus Riordan Claims XC2 Title

In the XC2 class, Angus Riordan secured his first national championship, breaking a points tie with Jhak Walker with a victory in the final round. Riordan, an Australian rider, demonstrated strong form on his CRF250RX, accumulating six victories and two runner-up finishes over the season. This is the first XC2 title for Honda since 2016.

Beyond his GNCC success, Riordan also participated in select rounds of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship. He recorded 450-class overall finishes of 21st place at the Southwick National and 28th place at the Spring Creek National. Riordan expressed satisfaction with the championship win, noting the effective communication and support within the Phoenix Racing team and his comfort with the CRF250RX.

Significance for Honda and Phoenix Racing

The double championship sweep is a significant milestone for Phoenix Racing Honda. Team owner David Eller's organization is recognized for its family-like operation and strong team communication, which both riders credited for their success. Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Experiential Marketing, congratulated the team and riders, emphasizing the historical importance of this achievement.

Wilson highlighted that Phoenix Racing's success against strong competition puts Honda back at the forefront of the GNCC series. He also pointed to the competitiveness of Honda's CRF-RX models, which were prepared by the Phoenix team to withstand demanding race conditions. This outcome is seen as a testament to a collective team effort, providing momentum for future seasons.

The 2026 GNCC season results underscore Honda's continued presence and competitive capability in off-road racing through its partnership with Phoenix Racing. For Honda enthusiasts and off-road racing fans, these championships signal a strong performance foundation for the brand's CRF-RX models and its racing program moving forward.