Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and Korie Steede take Talladega GNCC victory

Defending WXC Class Champion races to first round win of the 2026 season

MURRIETA, CA- March 9, 2026 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede claimed her first victory of the 2026 Grand National Cross Country Series season at the Talladega GNCC, with the defending WXC Champion charging hard despite the rain-affected conditions in Alabama.

Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 3

Having opened her 2026 campaign with double podium finishes across the first two rounds, Steede entered Round 3 targeting the top step of the podium, powering her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition toward the front of the pack from the outset.

Demonstrating composure throughout the race, Steede delivered a convincing victory by the time the checkered flag flew, recording a total time of 1:48.51s. With the result, she now sits tied for the lead in the WXC standings, with the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC next on the schedule at the end of this month.

“It was a really good race for me and a rewarding one to win this weekend,” Steede said. “The conditions were tough, but we kept charging and it paid off! A big thanks to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, I’m looking forward to the next one now.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Craig DeLong was also on the pace in Talladega, racing his Husqvarna FX 350 to sixth in the XC1 Open Pro Class and P7 Overall after being able to make his presence felt during the early stages.

Combining his results from the first three rounds of 2026, former GNCC Champion DeLong currently sits sixth in both the XC1 and Overall point-standings – aiming to climb further up the order in the coming rounds.

“Overall, Talladega could’ve been a little bit better for me,” DeLong commented. “I got a decent start, but made a couple of mistakes on Lap 1 that put me all the way towards the back, which had my work cut out for me. I made good progress on the second lap to climb toward the podium positions, but I expended a bunch of energy to reach that point I burned myself out a little bit. The last lap was a real struggle, but no excuses – I need to finish these races off a little better and not let it slip away near the end.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results

1. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Ben Kelley, KTM
6. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
11. Grant Davis, KTM

WXC Class Results

1. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
3. Shelby Turner, Triumph
6. Brandy Richards, KTM

Husqvarna Mobility North America, Inc.

Husqvarna Mobility has continued to expand its professional race team to compete in AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA National Enduro, GNCC, AMA EnduroCross, and AMA National Hare & Hound championships. Husqvarna team riders are competing aboard Husqvarna FC 450, FC 350, FC 250, FE 350, TC 250 and TE 300 models.

Rockstar Energy Drink

Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com

Source: Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc.

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