Already the series point leader, Kailub Russell can now add the Lead Belt National Enduro win to his list of accolades.
Factory FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell proved yet again just how versatile an off-road racer he is when he grabbed his first career Kenda AMA National Enduro Series victory at the Lead Belt National Enduro, round five of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series, in St. Joe State Park near Park Hills, Missouri, Sunday.
Russell’s win came in just his fourth attempt in the series. He became the fourth different winner of 2015, and there has not yet been a repeat winner in the series (although this was round rive, only four rounds have been completed; Round three in Texas was cancelled due to inclement weather).
Even though he was unfamiliar with the format, he was still able to finish second in the first three events of the year. He got off to a great start on the on the slick Missouri course Sunday, winning the first special test of the day by 19 seconds over N-Fab/Am Pro Yamaha’s Grant Baylor. Russell went on to win second, fourth and fifth special tests to cinch the overall win by 1 minute and 37 seconds over Baylor, who stayed in the hunt for the overall by winning special test number three and special test number six. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew DeLong. the defending Kenda AMA National Enduro Champion, finished third, another minute and 5 seconds back.
Russell rode the event aboard a brand new 2015.5 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition, the same model that recently won the AMA 250cc East Supercross Championship with Marvin Musquin at the controls.
“I always ride good at the beginning of the race,” Russell said. “The difference is today I was able to ride good through the end and earn my first win. I got off to a good start and won the first test, but I’ve done that at all of the nationals so far and still came up short. But today was good and the new bike is awesome. I love this bike and it goes a long ways when you’re having fun on the bike.”
MotoTech KTM’s Steward Baylor finished fourth in the event. The 2012 National Enduro Champion struggled during the day and later said that he was he thought he was just pushing too hard. Even though he finished off the podium, Steward Baylor still holds second in the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series point standings, 23 points behind Russell.
Four-time Kenda AMA National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt was fifth on his Factory FMF/KTM after suffering from mishaps in the last two sections, while pro motocross and off-road racer Ryan Sipes finished sixth on his AirGroup Racing Husqvarna at the halfway point. A poor time in special test four dropped him outside the top five.
Moto-Tech KTM’s Trevor Bollinger settled into seventh bythe end of the race, with Husqvarna-supported Craig DeLong in eighth. KTM-mounted Evan Smith was the top Rekluse AA-Expert rider, while finishing ninth overall. N-Fab/Am Pro Yamaha’s Brad Bakken completed the top 10.
The Kenda AMA National Enduro Series resumes on June 14th in Upton, Wyoming.
Kenda AMA National Enduro Series
Lead Belt National Enduro
St. Joe State Park
Park Hills, Missouri
Results: May 17, 2015 (Round 5 of 10)
Overall
1. Kailub Russell-KTM
2. Grant Baylor-Yam
3. Andrew DeLong-Hus
4. Steward Baylor-KTM
5. Russell Bobbitt-KTM
6. Ryan Sipes-Hus
7. Trevor Bollinger-KTM
8. Craig DeLong-Hus
9. Evan Smith-KTM
10. Brad Bakken-Yam
Kenda AMA National Enduro Series (After 5 of 10 rounds)
1. Kailub Russell-105/1 win
2. Steward Baylor-82/1 win
3. Russell Bobbitt-82/1 win
4. Grant Baylor-76
5. Andrew DeLong-71/1 win
6. Brad Bakken-58
7. Trevor Bollinger-47
8. Cory Buttrick-45
9. Ryder Lafferty-42
10. Craig DeLong-41
Your Privacy Choices