Ironman preview: an eight-point lead and a revised weekend schedule

GNCC returns to Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, for round 12 on October 23–25. For anyone attending or following the motorcycle races, the first item to check is the modified weekend schedule: the youth-bike race is on Saturday at 4 p.m., while the Pro Bike race is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Both times are local to the Indiana venue. ^{[1] [3]}

The overall national standings published after Mason-Dixon show Jordan Ashburn leading with 187 points, eight ahead of Steward Baylor Jr. on 179. Liam Draper is third with 166, followed by Ben Kelley on 157 and Craig DeLong on 143. Those figures provide the latest championship context in the organizer’s October 5 motorcycle report. ^[2]

DeLong took the Mason-Dixon overall win in Pennsylvania, with Jhak Walker second and Mike Witkowski third. That result needs an important qualification: the organizer identified the overall event results as non-points-paying. DeLong’s victory was a race result, not a new set of championship points to add to the standings. Walker also won the 250 Pro class at that event. ^[2]

A different weekend rhythm

At Ironman, Saturday’s program includes the Pro ATV race at 1 p.m. before youth motorcycles at 4 p.m. Sunday lists two amateur-bike races at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., then the afternoon Pro Bike start. Friday’s Specialized Turbo eMTB event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Families should check the full event timetable rather than assume their usual race-day routine. ^[1]

The venue has posted several restrictions. Pit vehicles are prohibited, with ADA golf-cart passes available only at the promoter’s discretion, and the motocross track is off limits. The event encourages pink clothing for Race for the Cure, with donations supporting the Montgomery County Community Foundation’s Faith Alliance Fund. These details matter alongside the racing for spectators making a weekend of the trip. ^[1]

For viewers at home, GNCC’s official broadcast page lists Ironman youth-bike coverage on October 24 at 4 p.m. and Pro Bike coverage on October 25 at 1 p.m. The page warns that times can change. Follow its current viewing links and recheck shortly before the start rather than relying on an older season calendar. ^[3]

With the points leaders close and a different timetable in play, Ironman offers two reasons to pay attention this week: the racing itself and making sure you are watching the right session.