Knight dominates US GNCC Rnd 9

Returning to the US Grand National Cross Country Series for the first time since being crowned champion in 2008 David Knight has also returned to his winning ways by claiming victory at the Snowshoe GNCC, round nine of the '09 US GNCC series. Competing for the first time since parting company with the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team, and aboard a privately entered Kawasaki, Knight dominated the Snowshoe event having led almost from the start until the finish. Eventually placing close to five minutes ahead of second place rider Paul Whibley, Knight showed that despite recent disappointing results he's lost none of his speed of hunger for success.

From a fifth row start Knight quickly worked his way to the front of the XC1 Pro class where he battled with Aussie Josh Strang for much of the race. Comfortably ahead of the rest of the XC1 Pro class Knight claimed a sizeable winning margin after Strang crashed into a deer when almost insight of the finish.

David Knight: "It's great to have enjoyed myself like I did, and to have returned to the top of a podium. I always said I needed to start enjoying myself with my racing again, which I certainly did this weekend. The race went well apart from making a few mistakes, going the wrong way, and getting stuck once. I pinned it off the start from the fifth row and was soon up at the front. I caught Strang near the end of the first lap but I wasn't sure if I was leading or not. I'd lead for a while then make a mistake and Josh would move back into the lead, then I'd catch and pass him again and start to pull away before making another small mistake. It went on like that for a few laps. I really enjoyed the racing. Eventually I past him and started to pull away. I feel bad for him hitting a dear on the last lap because he should have been second. Considering how long I had to set the bike up it worked great. It was a little snappy on the slippery rock sections, but generally it was great. The track wasn't too difficult so it was just a case of keeping everything moving, not stopping in any of the rock sections. I have to say a big thanks to Bart Hayes from Powersport Grafx for helping me out during the weekend. It's great to be back enjoying my racing."

Results - '09 US GNCC Rnd 9
1. David Knight (Kawasaki) 3.09:23.125
2. Paul Whibley (Kawasaki) 3.14:56.968
3. Nate Kanney (KTM) 3.16:26.671
4. Charlie Mullins (Suzuki) 3.17:34.421
5. Jimmy Jarrett (Kawasaki) 3.17:57.953
6. Josh Strang (Suzuki) 3. 18:57. 937