Media Contact: Jen Kenyon
[email protected]
304.284.0084

For Immediate Release

Morgantown, W. Va. (May 23, 2012) ”“ Factory FMF/KTM’sKailub Russell recently secured his fourth win of the 2012 Can-Am GNCC Series, tying up the championship points lead with AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley as the series heads into Round 7 this weekend. The Mountaineer Run GNCC adds yet another new venue to the schedule and it’s tough to say how the race day will unfold. One thing is for certain, Russell is on a roll this season and there isn’t much that can stand in his way at this point.

For the first time this year, Russell will wear the coveted reverse number plate combo”†with red numbers and white backgrounds”†aboard his KTM 350, but the honor will be shared with co-leader Whibley this weekend as the duo sits tied with 147 points. New Zealand’s Whibley has only won one race this season but the 2009 champ knows how important consistency is in the championship run, which is perhaps why he’s kept himself on the podium thus far.

Defending champion Charlie Mullins now trails the leaders in the overall standings but the Factory FMF/KTM rider hasn’t been far off pace all season. Mullins ran into a mechanical issue last round that caused him to finish eleventh place in the class, but he was able to gain points to stay within striking distance of Whibley and Russell. This season has been all about getting comfortable for Mullins and after switching bike models back and fourth, he’s beginning to get into his groove. New Zealand’s Rory Mead sits just behind Mullins for fifth place in the standings but Mead hasn’t been able to get a consistent string of finishes. Mead has one race win this season and the rest of his finishes trickle down to eleventh place.

Shenandoah Honda/Offroadchampion’s Thad DuVall and AmPro Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn have made a mark on the XC1 division this season as they continue to finish up front. Ashburn secured his first podium finish in Round 6 and DuVall has been within an arm’s length away on several occasions, making for a cutthroat battle for the top positions in the overall standings.

KTM/Fly Racing/WPUSA/PG-backed Privateer Steward Baylor Jr. still holds a commanding lead over the rest of the XC2 Pro Lites field, but the young gun is no longer undefeated in his class. F.A.R Husky’s Andrew DeLong took the victory in Round 6, beating out Baylor and the rest of the XC2 field and taking his first win of the season. It’s still KR4 Performance’s Jason Thomas with second place in the overall standings, while Husaberg/RidePG.com-backed Jesse Robinson sits in third. Obermeyer Yamaha/Raines Riding University/Offroadviking.com’s Jedediah Haines and Brad Bakken round out the top five.

Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., amateurs and Women riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.

To get to the track, take I-68 Morgantown WV, Sabraton exit, take RT.7 east approx. 11 miles to Masontown, WV ”“ make left at main pharmacy ”“ follow signs 3 miles to Marvin’s Mountain Top. For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.

About GNCC Racing:

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.