KTM Race Report: Russell's Win Streak Grows to Three
Monday, June 23, 2014 | 6:55 PM
Factory FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell increased his win streak to three in a row at the ninth round of the GNCC Series held at Snowshoe Ski Resort.
The Snowshoe GNCC has a unique start as rider’s line up on the main village city center drive and take-off in rows of five riders spaced 10 seconds apart. As the series point leader, Kailub Russell was placed on the first row alongside Jordan Ashburn, Josh Strang and Factory KTM XC2 Pro Lites support rider Grant Baylor. The fifth rider would have been Charlie Mullins, who is currently second in the point standings but had to sit this round out with injury.
Russell had a great jump and was able to move into the lead at the first large downhill. He put approximately five seconds on the field as they came into the first checkmark where it was noticeable that the roll-off system of his goggles had been broken off and he had a stream of tape rolling behind him.
“A rock from one of the other riders broke my roll-off system within the first minute of the race,” stated Russell. “I pushed as hard as I could to get a gap on the rest of the field so that I could stop and exchange my goggles the first time into the pits.”
Russell pulled a 15 second gap and switched his goggles at that first pit stop. From that moment on he rode a mistake-free race to stretch his lead every lap on his way to the win. At the end of the three-hour long race he took the victory by three minutes over the second place ride of Jordan Ashburn.
“I had a lot of fun out here today,” stated Russell. “I really like this course and am excited to get my second win here and to increase my win streak to three in a row. I hope to keep this momentum going for our return after the summer break.”
Russell’s XC1 Pro teammate, Steward Baylor, had his best finish of the season placing 4th in the XC1 Pro class. Baylor started from the second row and came up through the pack to move into 4th position with two laps remaining. Baylor’s little brother, Grant, also put together a tremendous ride taking the win in the XC2 Pro Lites class. Grant Baylor now leads the series points with a 17 point margin.
The Factory FMF/KTM Women’s GNCC racer, Kacy Martinez, took her eighth win of the season. Her win at Snowshoe secured her the championship crown four rounds early. Martinez adds this victory to her X-Games gold medal won earlier this month.
“I’m so excited to wrap this championship up early,” stated Martinez. “We are also working on the EnduroCross Series Championship, so I am glad to win this one and now focus on the other during the break. I want to give a big shout out to my team for all of their hard work; none of this would be possible without them.”
Next Event: New Berlin, NY – September 6-7, 2014
Overall Results (XC1 and XC2 combined):
- Kailub Russell – KTM
- Jordan Ashburn
- Andrew Delong
- Grant Baylor – KTM
- Steward Baylor – KTM
- Trevor Bollinger
- Nick Davis – KTM
- Chris Bach
- Josh Strang
- Jessie Groemm – KTM
Overall Results WXC:
- Kacy Martinez – KTM
- Brooke Cosner – KTM
- Sarah Baldwin – KTM
- Becca Sheets
- Cassidy Brown – KTM
- Felicia Robichaud – KTM
- Amanda Maheu
- Samantha Steiner – KTM
- Karlynn Beam – KTM
- Heather Cosner
Overall Results XC1 Pro Class:
- Kailub Russell – 233
- Charlie Mullins – 180
- Josh Strang – 165
Overall Results XC2 Pro Lites Class:
- Grant Baylor – 232
- Ricky Russell – 215
- Trevor Bollinger – 185
Overall Results WXC Class:
- Kacy Martinez – 179 *CHAMPION
- Becca Sheets – 152
- Mandi Mastin – 144