GNCC Racing

KTM Race Report: Mullins Wins Limestone 100 GNCC

Monday, April 28, 2014 | 5:15 PM

Factory FMF/KTM rider Charlie Mullins took his second win of the season at the fifth round of the GNCC Series, the Dunlop Limestone 100. His teammate, Kailub Russell, charged back from a hard mid-race crash to finish on the podium in 3rd position.

Mullins took his second win of the GNCC Series in Indiana
Mullins took his second win of the GNCC Series in Indiana Photo: Ken Hill

With warm temperatures and a smoother track than the previous courses this year, the riders were excited to tackle the Limestone course. Mullins, Russell and the third member of the Factory FMF/KTM GNCC XC1 Team, Steward Baylor, all had an impressive start off the line sitting in the top five. Russell quickly moved into the lead followed closely by Mullins and Thad Duvall. The three riders pulled away from the rest of the field within the first two laps. While leading a few miles before the pit stop on lap three, Russell’s front end washed out down a high speed straight-away. Russell was uninjured in the crash but his bike was badly damaged. He nursed the bike into the pit area where his team quickly set to work to replace the damaged exhaust, bent handlebars, levers and hand guards. 

Kailub Russell had some bad luck but returned and battled finishing 3rd overall
Kailub Russell had some bad luck but returned and battled finishing 3rd overall Photo: Ken Hill

Russell returned to the course in 16th position and immediately began to charge back through the pack turning the fastest lap time of the race consistently for the final three laps. Meanwhile, Mullins had taken over the lead out front and began to pull away from Duvall. Mullins went on to claim his second win of the season with a minute lead over the 2nd place ride. Russell was able to make an impressive come from behind charge to come within one second of Duvall at the finish. Russell finished 3rd overall will Baylor was able to hang on for 5th in the XC1 class and 7th overall.

Mullins (center), DuVall (left) and Russell (right) rounded out the podium at Limestone 100 GNCC
Mullins (center), DuVall (left) and Russell (right) rounded out the podium at Limestone 100 GNCC Photo: Ken Hill

“I am bummed to hear that Kailub had a big crash,” stated Mullins. “I’m happy I was able to move into the lead and put some time on the field to take the win. It is always a close battle between Kailub and I and I am looking forward to the next round.”

After five rounds, Mullins now holds a 7 point lead over Russell in the championship point standings.

Grant Baylor didn't have the start he wanted but was able to move up and finish in 2nd place
Grant Baylor didn't have the start he wanted but was able to move up and finish in 2nd place Photo: Ken Hill 

In the XC2 Pro Lites class, Factory KTM support rider and series point leader, Grant Baylor, had a disappointing jump off the line. At the end of the first lap he was sitting in 7th place but gaining ground on the top riders. He continued to improve his lap times and was able to move up to 2nd place by the end of the three-hour event. He is currently ranked 2nd in the GNCC XC2 Pro Lites championship point standings just two points shy of the leader.  

Martinez won her fourth race of the season by approximately 30 seconds over 2nd place
Martinez won her fourth race of the season by approximately 30 seconds over 2nd place Photo: Ken Hill

Factory FMF/KTM GNCC WXC rider Kacy Martinez captured her fourth win of the season in the Women’s Pro class. Martinez started the race in 10th position but quickly caught the lead riders in the first lap. She battled for the top spot for the next two laps before she began to stretch her lead out front. She went on to win the race by approximately 30 seconds over the 2nd place ride of KTM rider Mandi Mastin.

Next Event: May 11, 2014 – Hurricane Mills, TN 

Overall Results – GNCC XC1 Pro Class:

  1. Charlie Mullins – KTM
  2. Thad Duvall
  3. Kailub Russell – KTM
  4. Paul Whibley
  5. Steward Baylor – KTM
  6. Takeshi Koikeda
  7. Jordan Ashburn
  8. Josh Strang
  9. Chris Bach
  10. Jason Thomas – KTM 

Overall Results – GNCC XC2 Pro Lites Class:

  1. Ricky Russell
  2. Grant Baylor – KTM
  3. Jessie Groemm – KTM
  4. Layne Michael
  5. Jedediah Haines
  6. Trevor Bollinger
  7. Callan May
  8. Shane Hufford – KTM
  9. Derrik Allen
  10. Samuel Evans – KTM

Overall Results – WXC Class:

  1. Kacy Martinez – KTM
  2. Mandi Mastin – KTM
  3. Becca Sheets
  4. Rachel Gutish – KTM
  5. Brooke Cosner – KTM
  6. Karlynn Beam – KTM
  7. Felicia Robichaud – KTM
  8. Allie Spurgeon
  9. Samatha Steiner – KTM
  10. Cassidy Brown – KTM

Overall National Championship Point Standings:

  1. Charlie Mullins – 125
  2. Kailub Russell – 118
  3. Josh Strang – 90

Overall GNCC XC2 Pro Lites Point Standings:

  1. Ricky Russell – 123
  2. Grant Baylor – 121
  3. Trevor Bollinger – 105

Overall Point Standings WXC Class:

  1. Kacy Martinez – 99
  2. Becca Sheets – 88
  3. Mandi Mastin 65