KTM Race Report: Russell Crowned GNCC XC1 Pro Champion

Factory FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell wrapped up his second consecutive GNCC XC1 Pro Championship Title two rounds early after taking the win at the Mountain Ridge GNCC.

Russell had a poor start off the line and rounded the first corner in dead last. Russell took his time making his way through the pack as the course was very dusty despite a few rain showers that came and went throughout the 2 hour and 40 minute race. At the end of the first 10-mile lap, Russell was sitting in 5^th place. On the next lap, he had plowed his way into a podium position and passed for 2^nd place. He remained in 2^nd place for the next two laps as he inched his way toward the lead rider.

Kailub Russell was able to make the pass on Ashburn for the lead around the halfway point. Photo: Ken Hill

At the halfway point, Russell and leader, Jordan Ashburn, came into the gas stop at the same time. Russell was able to make the pass on Ashburn quickly after the pit stop to take over the lead. Once out front, he put into two solid laps to claim the overall win and clinch the championship two rounds early.

Russell’s championship marks his second GNCC XC1 Pro Championship Title for the Factory FMF/KTM Team. “It feels great to get the championship wrapped up early, “stated Russell. “My team worked so hard to help me accomplish this goal and I am so grateful for their hard work. I hope to continue my win streak at the next two rounds to finish the season off with a couple more victories.”

Kailub Russell earned his second straight GNCC XC1 Pro Championship Title. Photo: Ken Hill

Joining Russell on the podium was his teammate, XC2 Pro Lites rider, Grant Baylor. The young-gun won the XC2 Pro Lites class by over eight minutes on the next closest competitor; a time so quick that he ended up finishing 2^nd overall.

“I really wanted to catch Kailub (Russell),” stated Baylor on the podium. “I have been close to winning the overall a couple times this year and could see it in sight again today. I have two more rounds to try to do it, so hopefully I can get it done.”

Grant Baylor finished an impressive second overall and first in the XC2 Pro Lites class. Photo: Ken Hill

Factory FMF/KTM rider, Kacy Martinez, already crowned the WXC Champion, finished 2^nd at the Mountain Ridge race. She was edged out by fellow KTM rider Sarah Baldwin for the win. Brooke Cosner finished 3^rd on her KTM to make it and all orange podium.

Kacy Martinez has already clinched her 2014 WXC Championship but will continue to race to win at the last two events. Photo: Ken Hill

Next Event: St. Clairsville, OH - October 4-5, 2014

Overall Results (XC1 Pro & XC2 Pro Lites Combined):

Kailub Russell – KTM
Grant Baylor – KTM
Jordan Ashburn
Andrew Delong
Ryan Sipes – KTM
Paul Whibley
Trevor Bollinger
Nick Davis – KTM
Craig Delong
Austin Lee

Overall Results XC2 Pro Lites:

Grant Baylor – KTM
Trevor Bollinger
Nick Davis – KTM
Michael McGinnis – KTM
Samuel Evans – KTM
Mark Heresco – KTM
Zach Love – KTM
Callan May
Derrik Allen
Mat Herrington – KTM

Overall Results WXC Class –

Sarah Baldwin – KTM
Kacy Martinez – KTM
Brooke Cosner – KTM
Becca Sheets
Jessica Patterson
Karlynn Beam – KTM
Ashley Copeland
Britney Gallegos – KTM
Annelisa Davis
Heather Cosner

Overall Point Standings XC1 Pro:

Kailub Russell – 293 *CHAMPION
Jordan Ashburn – 187
Josh Strang – 186

Overall Point Standings XC2 Pro Lites:

Grant Baylor – 292
Trevor Bollinger – 235
Ricky Russell – 233

Overall Point Standings WXC:

Kacy Martinez – 180 *CHAMPION
Becca Sheets – 159
Sarah Baldwin – 154