The singletrack at the 2026 Cross Timbers National Enduro was fast and flowy, then it got a tad tight and technical, and then the day ended in full-on Talladega-style sandy berms. There was also zero moisture in the ground, so the dust was reminiscent of the 2025 Lead Belt Dust Storm. There was a breeze, but it didn’t do the work that was needed to move the dust quickly. I was following Korrie Steede and Josh Hensley all day from Row 30 on the Fantic XE300 two stroke, and let me tell you, their four-strokes put up A LOT of dust!
Watch the Race Recap on YouTube
The Cross Timbers Enduro has been a favorite of mine since the first time I went up there in 2008. Normally it’s a BJEC event, and sometimes it co-sanctions with TSCEC. The trails for the enduro are on a public riding area around Lake Stanley Draper. They are just so fun and flowy, and even when it does get wiggly, it’s not too bad for too long. The terrain is worn out, and the trails have been the same for years on end, though! Regardless, it was cool to have a National Enduro 3 hours from my house and I was excited to see my enduro buddies again.
How did the Fantic XE300 perform?
I was racing the Fantic XE300 as expected. The only change so far from the Sandwinder Enduro is I put Dunlop AT-82 tires on with Mr. Wolf Mousse Balls I got from Innteck USA. While riding between races I did find some terrain the Fantic doesn’t excel in, that terrain would be tight woods. The 14/50 gearing with the transmission in the Fantic wants to jump between first and second gear, which means you pass through neutral a lot while trying to wiggle through tight woods. As well, the 25mm offset triple clamps that come on the Fantic don’t set the bike up well for tight single track. I have a 52T rear sprocket on the way, as well as some Luxon Gen3 Pro Triple Clamps, but those parts will be for another article and video. Let’s just say I knew going into Cross Timbers I wasn’t going to excel in the tight, twisty stuff.
Signing up for the 45A class again saw some familiar names in Brock Busenbark, Hans Neff, and Brandon Whitehead. As expected from years past racing these dudes, they were giving it ALL DAY LONG! I was able to stay close to the times of Hans and Brandon, but once Brock got the win in the second test, he went on to win the rest of the test sections. Watching back the footage from the day, I saw many places where I could have been attacking more, braking later, and carrying more speed; all of that data is logged to implement as we get ready for the Farm14 National Enduro. For now, the fourth on the day in 45A class is a stellar placement and I’m excited to still be close to my fast old dude buddies.
ANEC Enduro Format
The layout of the Cross Timbers National Enduro showcased the evolution Steward Baylor Jr discussed with us on the Seat Time Podcast in late 2025. All six test sections started and ended in camp, or they at least transferred out and back from camp. This allowed a few factory semi’s to have a bold pit presence, as well as it kept the rest periods between test sections organized for all racers. It sounds like some clubs have pushed back against this layout, or just do not have a way to make it possible, but it did make for a well organized day for me as a racer. The Farm14 National Enduro in April is supposed to have the new two-day national enduro format in place. I’ll be there for Saturday racing to see how the format plays out. My biggest question is: does it add to the experience for all who attend? Do Sunday racers spectate on Saturday and vice versa? If so, it could add a lot to the weekend enjoyment of a National Enduro.
Sidebar: I’m thinking about doing a trail run through one of the test sections Sunday morning in Mississippi if anyone wants to join me. Start running around 7:30 a.m. to beat the first rows that start racing at 9:00 a.m.
On a National Enduro media front, it’s cool to see new faces at the races. Liam Draper and Korrie Steede have been killing this year, winning all races in their respective classes so far. Nick Defeo has been progressing steadily in the NE Pro2 class as well, winning both races so far, and finishing a majority of the test sections in the top five overall. I can see the ANEC crew putting in more effort to the media side of the National Enduros, but I don’t know if that has translated to growth in the Series. The registered riders in Oklahoma did seem to be low compared to other events in the Series, but many factors can stack up this year to cause that.
Thank you again to Central Powersports Distribution for the Fantic XE300 to ride and make content with. I’m beyond stoked to keep making new friends at the races, so please keep coming up and saying hi.
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