GNCC Racing

Russell Increases Points Lead at Tomahawk GNCC

Monday, May 11, 2015 | 2:00 PM

FMF KTM Factory rider Kailub Russell earned 2nd overall at the sixth round of the GNCC Series to further increase his point lead in the championship standings. His teammate, Kacy Martinez, also increased her lead in the standings after claiming her fifth win of the season in the WXC class.

The location for the sixth round was new to the GNCC circuit and consisted of terrain that was dry, with large roots and sharp rocks. The course was 11.5 miles with some fresh cut trail and the pro riders were able to do six laps over the three-hour duration of the race.

FMF KTM Factory rider Kailub Russell extended his points lead after a 2nd place finish at the sixth round of the GNCC Series.
FMF KTM Factory rider Kailub Russell extended his points lead after a 2nd place finish at the sixth round of the GNCC Series. Photo: photographer

Russell got a great jump off the start of the XC1 Pro class and was able to come around the first corner in 3rd position. He moved into the lead after the first lap and led until the end of lap three. At that point, Russell was passed by Chris Bach. Russell remained close for the next two laps and actually got into the lead before the 2 lap card but crashed shortly after. 

“I crashed right after the two lap card and just couldn’t catch-up after that,” stated Russell. The factory rider eventually settled for 2nd and still managed to further increase his point lead in the championship standings.

“It was a tough day for sure,” stated Russell. “I never really felt comfortable today. I didn’t feel like I rode to win today and struggled with bike set-up and a lot of dust on the rough track. It’s not the end of the world that I got 2nd place and I’m happy to still walk away with some good points toward the championship.” 

Kacy Martinez took the WXC win at the Tomahawk GNCC
Kacy Martinez took the WXC win at the Tomahawk GNCC Photo: Ken Hill

Martinez pulled the holeshot in the WXC class. She led the race early on and made one mistake on the first lap that dropped her to 2nd place. She quickly rebounded and moved back into the lead and went on to win the race by 2 minutes. Now six rounds into the series, Martinez has a comfortable lead in the championship points.

Next Event: Masontown, WV – May 24, 2015

Kailub Russell charged hard throughout the race, and would finish the day on the podium in second place overall
Kailub Russell charged hard throughout the race, and would finish the day on the podium in second place overall Photo: Ken Hill

Overall Results (XC1 Pro and XC2 Pro Lites Combined) –

  1. Chris Bach
  2. Kailub Russell – KTM
  3. Ryan Sipes
  4. Grant Baylor
  5. Andrew DeLong
  6. Jason Thomas – KTM
  7. Tegan Temple – KTM
  8. Layne Michael
  9. Takeshi Koikeda
  10. Christopher Douglas – KTM

Overall Results WXC Class –

  1. Kacy Martinez – KTM
  2. Jessica Patterson
  3. Brooke Cosner
  4. Becca Sheets
  5. Rachel Gutish – KTM
  6. Shawn Davidson
  7. Felicia Robichaud
  8. Kendall LaFollette
  9. Cassidy Brown – KTM
  10. Samantha Steiner – KTM

Overall Point Standings (XC1 Pro and XC2 Pro Lites) –

  1. Kailub Russell – 175
  2. Josh Strang – 118
  3. Grant Baylor – 108

Overall Point Standings WXC Class –

  1. Kacy Martinez – 119
  2. Becca Sheets – 106
  3. Jessica Patterson – 92