Kailub Russell overcomes an off-track excursion through the trees to win the 27th Annual John Penton GNCC.
When FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell gets on a roll, he gets on a roll!
The defending AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Champion, Russell extended his current GNCC win streak to five in a row Sunday during the 27th Annual Wiseco John Penton GNCC at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio. Russell established himself right from the start of the XC1 Pro race, grabbing the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award and pulling ahead of Westfield Powersports KTM’s Jordan Ashburn and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing/Bel-Ray’s Josh Strang.
It wasn’t a wire-to-wire win, however. Russell missed a corner and got tangled up in the trees on lap two, which allowed Ashburn and Strang past him. But Russell was able to get back on track and retake the lead before the end of the lap. He then began to gap Strang and Ashburn, leaving the two to battle for second place. Strang found his way past Ashburn to take the spot. Russell go on to finish line with 2 minutes in hand.
“After I caught up from falling down and was back in the lead my main goal was to pull away and just ride steady for the remainder of the race,” Russell said. “To get another win and extend my points lead is always my main goal, and today was just a good day.”
Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/FAR Racing Husqvarna’s Thad Duvall overcame a second-turn crash to work his way up from fifth to third on lap three. Duvall was able to get within 20 seconds of the fading Strang before a tangle with a lapped rider derailed Duvall’s charge. That allowed Strang to secure the runner-up spot.
“I was a little under the weather today after being sick all week,” Strang said. “I ran out of energy with two laps to go. It’s disappointing, but it’s all part of it and I’ll be back and stronger in New York.”
Coastal Racing/Husqvarna/MSR’s Layne Michael earned the $100 Hot Cams XC2 Pro Lites Holeshot Award, and he appeared set for the win until teammate Craig Delong put in a last-lap charge and was able to pass Michael and claim the win. Michael was second, with KTM/FMF/RPM Racing’s Mike Witkowski making his first podium appearance of the season in third. Series points leader and JCR Honda/Lucas Oil/Maxxis/FLY Racing’s Trevor Bollinger battled mechanical issues but would recover to finish fourth.
After numerous podium finishes thus far in the season, Delong was happy to finally celebrate win.
“Once I saw that Layne had a minute on us I just told myself this race wasn’t starting out that great,” Delong said. “Mike [Witkowski] and I started chipping away, and before we knew it we had caught Layne [Michael]. After coming so close to the win at Indiana it feels so good to finally get it. I almost need some time to let it sink in because I’ve been working all season for this day.”
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kacy Martinez claimed the the top spot of the podium in the 10 a.m. race held prior to the Pro men’s contest, taking home the WXC victory as well. N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Tayla Jones finished second overall, with Athens Sport Cycles/Bonzi Engines/MSR/Mika Metals/Forma’s Hayden Vancuren third overall and the 125 B/C division win. Vancuren was also the top-finishing amateur rider.
The 2016 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series continues with round eight, the Dunlop Tomahawk GNCC at the Seneca Highlands in Odessa, New York, June 11-12.
2016 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC)
27th Annual Wiseco John Penton GNCC
Sunday Creek Raceway
Millfield, Ohio
Results: May 29, 2016 (Round 7 of 13)
XC1 Pro
1. Kailub Russell-KTM
2. Josh Strang-Hus
3. Thad Duvall-Hus
4. Ricky Russell-Suz
5. Steward Baylor Jr.-KTM
6. Russell Bobbitt-KTM
7. Cory Buttrick-KTM
8. Grant Baylor-Yam
9. Jordan Ashburn-KTM
10. Chris Bach-Hon
2016 AMSOIL GNCC Overall National Championship Standings (after 7 of 13 rounds)*
1. Kailub Russell-196/5 wins
2. Josh Strang-167/2 wins
3. Chris Bach-105
4. Trevor Bollinger-89
5. Jordan Ashburn-84
6. Craig Delong-81
7. Daniel Milner-80
8. Steward Baylor Jr.-75
9. Thad Duvall-74
10. Ryan Sipes-66
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2016 National Champion.
XC2 Pro Lites
1. Craig Delong-Hus
2. Layne Michael-Hus
3. Michael Witkowski-KTM
4. Trevor Bollinger-Hon
5. Jesse Groemm-Bet
6. Benjamin Kelley-KTM
7. Vance Francis-Hon
8. Zack Hayes-KTM
9. Samuel Evans-Yam
10. Mason Atherton-Hus
2016 AMSOIL GNCC Pro Lites Series Standings (after 7 of 13 rounds)
1. Trevor Bollinger-171/5 wins
2. Craig Delong-159/1 win
3. Layne Michael-120/1 win
4. Jesse Groemm-117
5. Bejamin Kelley-101
6. Tegan Temple-88
7. Samuel Evans-79
8. Austin Lee-77
9. Trevor Barrett-77
10. Joshua Toth-74
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