Steward Baylor Press Release
HURRICANE MILLS, Tenn. – KTM support rider Steward Baylor secured the GNCC XC2 Lites Championship at the fourteenth round of the GNCC Series held at the famous Loretta Lynn’s Ranch after earning 2nd overall in the afternoon race.
The 17 year- olds day did not start as well as it ended. Approximately 15 minutes before the start of his race, he discovered that his bike would not start. After trying different options he finally resorted to hopping on a friend’s bike and sped over to the start line. He made it to the line one minute before the flag drop without time to adjust suspension, bars or levers. Not letting the situation deter him, he jumped off the line in good position and was sitting inside the top five at the end of the first few corners.
“I was nervous to ride someone else’s bike because I wasn’t familiar with the set up or engine. I didn’t get the best start but I tried to just focus on remaining calm and finishing as well as I could to secure the championship,” remarked Baylor.
Baylor remained in 3rd position throughout the majority of the race until he turned it up in the final two laps. On lap six he moved into 2nd place and was able to hold that position for the final lap to clinch his first career XC2 Lites Championship.
The number one plate was awarded to Baylor by last year’s GNCC XC2 Lites Champion Kailub Russell. On the podium Baylor commented, “It feels really good to earn this championship. I have to give a special thanks to Allen Gravitt for allowing me to race his bike and to my parents, Bart Hayes, KTM, FMF and Fly. It is very rewarding to hold this number one plate and I can’t wait to represent it on Sunday’s race.”
“We are all very excited for and proud of Steward Baylor for his hard work this season and his first professional championship title. Baylor has performed at the top level all season winning a total of six races. He has the heart and determination to have a long career in this business and we hope this is the first of many championships,” remarked Factory FMF/KTM Race Team Manager Antti Kallonen.
Next Race: Sunday, November 6, 2011 – Loretta Lynn’s Ranch – Hurricane Mills, TN
Overall Results –
1) Jordan Ashburn
2) Steward Baylor – KTM
3) Andrew Delong
4) Jason Thomas
5) Roman Dumontier
6) Ted Mullins
7) Dustin Gibson – KTM
AJ Stewart
9) Jase Lewis – KTM
10) Justin Bonita – KTM
Overall Point Standings –
1) Steward Baylor – 298 – CHAMPION
2) Jordan Ashburn – 251
3) Jason Thomas – 238
4) Andrew Delong – 235
5) Jesse Robinson – 146
