Russell participated in one AMA National Enduro event in 2014 where he missed the podium by one spot. “I definitely am beginning to enjoy the format of National Enduro racing and feel it could be helpful to my GNCC training,” commented Russell. “We have decided to try the first two and see how it goes and if I am competitive enough I plan to continue to race the remainder of the series.”

Russell will be joined by teammate Russell Bobbitt at the opening round. Bobbitt, a four-time National Enduro Champion and winner of the final round last season, will return to the series with his eye on the top prize. Bobbitt was a favorite to win last year’s championship heading to the first round before an injury suffered at that race caused him to sit out the majority of the year. Now 100% recovered, he again, is labeled as one to watch.

FMF KTM Factory rider Charlie Mullins will also compete in this series. The 2013 AMA National Enduro Champion, suffered two wrist injuries in the middle of last season after sweeping the first four rounds. He underwent a second surgery at the end of 2014 to correct the injury once again. He, unfortunately, will sit out the opening round and it has yet to be determined at what point he will return to the series.