Recently crowned two-time GNCC National Champion Kailub Russell will once again try his hand in putting an underpowered KTM 150XC two-stroke into the center of the podium this Sunday, despite a highly competitive field equipped with 450-and 350cc four-strokes, as well as higher powered 250cc two-strokes in the XC1 Pro class. While it seems like a feat that couldn’t easily be accomplished, Russell nearly pulled it off at the last round after an intense three-hour battle with Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Josh Strang. However, after a hard-fought come-from-behind performance, Strang prevailed with a big victory for the Yamaha brand, their first of the 2014 season. But perhaps even more important is the confidence boost that Strang has been searching for since his championship-defending season in 2011. The Australian native has thrown his name back into the ring of heavy hitters who will all be looking to claim the final victory of the season, whether it’s for pride, points or even to seal the deal on a ride for next season.

One rider who has proven his merit this season is N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Jordan Ashburn, who has been a strong podium contender in the second half of the season. Ashburn has put forth one of the most consistent seasons of his pro career, where he currently sits third in the championship standings but the Tennessee native is looking for that first victory before the season is over.

In addition to the current heavy hitters and past GNCC Champions, the Ironman GNCC will welcome a full panel of notable riders to the XC1 Pro line this weekend. Previously injured Factory FMF/KTM riders Charlie Mullins and Steward Baylor have proven to be recovered and ready to challenge the front-runners, while XC2 Pro Lites Champion Grant Baylor will make his XC1 debut this Sunday. Additionally, World Enduro Champion and Italian native Alex Salvini will compete in his first-ever GNCC under the JCR/Honda tent, alongside his teammate for the weekend - Icelandic Enduro and Motocross Champion Kari Johnnson. Australian Enduro Champion Daniel Milner will also compete in his second GNCC of the season as N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s newest addition, adding even more of an international flare to the front row.

After sitting out four rounds this season with injury, Mullins made an impressive return to racing last round with a solid fourth place overall. The 2011 champ even led a few laps early on, and is expected to be a big contender this weekend. Additionally, two-time GNCC Champ Paul Whibley will be looking to contest the win aboard his N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha ride. Whibley experienced a few setbacks at the beginning of the season but the New Zealand native has continued to garner strength as the season progresses.

As an Indiana native, JCR/Honda’s Chris Bach heads into the weekend with a home state advantage over the rest of the field. With an all-new team and manufacturer behind him, Bach has put forth a solid effort despite a few unlucky issues along the way. Bach holds eighth place in the championship standings, just behind Factory Husqvarna’s Andrew DeLong.

KTM Support rider Grant Baylor wrapped up the XC2 Pro Lites Championship at the last round and will shift his gears to the XC1 Pro class for the season finale, opening up a big spot in the center of the XC2 podium. With Raines Riding University/Atlas Cycles’ Ricky Russell out with injury for the rest of the season, riders such as Trevor Bollinger and KR4 Arrive-N-Ride’s Nick Davis will look to assume the position. Bollinger and Davis have been consistent podium finishers this season, while RideMPS.com/AMSOIL/Honda’s Layne Michael has thrown himself into the mix several times.