FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell will attempt to go six for six at inaugural Tomahawk GNCC in New York this weekend.
Factory FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell has so far run away with the point lead in the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis, and the reigning series champ will be hoping to keep his perfect win streak alive at the inaugural Tomahawk GNCC in Odessa, New York, this weekend.
Russell has won the first five rounds of the 13-round series, and if he can win the Tomahawk GNCC he will join 2006 GNCC Champion Juha Salminen of Finland as a winner of the first six consecutive rounds in an AMSOIL GNCC season.
But a win by Russell isn’t a foregone conclusion. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Josh Strang is currently second in the championship standings, and the former series champion will be gunning to make it to the top of the box after finishing second to Russell in over half of the races this season. Reigning XC2 Lites Champion Grant Baylor is also gathering steam, having hustled his way up to third in the championship standings after a strong runner-up finish at the Limestone 100 GNCC in Indiana, two weeks ago. Baylor battled with Russell for the lead throughout most of that race. Similarly,
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KR4/FAR Husqvarna’s Thad DuVall is another contender who is beginning to catch fire in the series. DuVall finished third at the Limestone 100 GNCC after leading the first two laps.
JCR Honda’s Chris Bach and N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn currently hold fifth and sixth place respectively in the GNCC National Championship standings. The two men are separated by five points, and both have posted consistent finishes, landing in the top 10 all but once.
Then again, if DirtWise/Maxxis/KLIM’s Jason Thomas has his way, and XC2 Pro Lites rider could break through and score an overall win. Thomas was able to add another class victory to his season at the Limestone 100 GNCC, and he currently heads the class point standings. Husqvarna Support rider Craig DeLong, the brother of reigning AMA National Enduro Champion Andrew DeLong, is currently second in XC2 Pro Lites standings after finishing inside the top five throughout the first five rounds. RideMPS.com/AMSOIL Honda’s Layne Michael sits third, only four points behind DeLong.
Sunday’s race schedule begins with Youth Bike racing at 8 a.m., followed by amateur and women’s classes at 10 a.m.. The XC1 Pro and XC2 Pro Lites along with the top amateur classes will start at 1 p.m.
The Tomahawk GNCC will run at Seneca Highlands, which has hosted off-road racing for several years under the Western New York Off-Road Association (WYNOA), and it earned the title as the “Best Hare Scramble of the Year” in the WYNOA Series in 2012. The track is located just a few miles from the legendary Watkins Glen International road course.
Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids (6-11). Kids five and under are free. All admission includes pro pit access. Local racers are invited to compete at this event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur racer entry fee is $40 and riders can sign up at the track.
To reach the event from I-86, take Exit 52B, Route 14 (Watkins Glen). Follow Route 14 north to Route 224. Turn right onto Route 224 east, then left onto Route 228 north. Turn left at stop sign, travel 1 mile, then left onto Carley Road for 3 miles and look for the GNCC race signs.
For more information, visit gnccracing.com.
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