Words by : Steph Vetterly Photos by : Steph Vetterly &
Shan Moore
Extreme temperatures did not slow AmPro Yamaha ’ s Steward Baylor Jr from getting his fifth win at Round 8 of the 2021 Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized , an AMA National Championship . Just across the way from High Point Raceway in Mt Morris , PA at the Mathews Farm , the venue was set up with a variety of tight track and open trail perfect for that opportune pass . Over 1,900 bikes competed for the weekend , and with blue skies and temperatures pushing 90 degrees or more , proper nutrition and hydration were key to finishing .
AmPro Yamaha teammate Layne Michael was able to secure the $ 100 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot award , but current series points leader FMF / KTM Factory Racing ’ s Ben Kelley was soon to catch and pass for the lead . Of the three-hour race , Kelley was able to keep control of the lead for all but the final 30 minutes ; going into the final lap , only eight seconds separated Kelley and Baylor . Baylor would pull his signature move and pass the KTM rider on an inside line for the lead . Due to the brutal temperatures , Kelley was unable to regain the lead and had to settle for second place .
“ I couldn ’ t get my holeshot device to lock down so I wheelied off the line
VOL . 6 ISSUE 7 - JULY 2021 // PAGE 73