KTM Race Report: Russell Crowned GNCC Champion at Unadilla GNCC

Factory FMF KTM rider Kailub Russell was crowned the 2015 GNCC Champion after an impressive fourth place result at round ten of the series just one week after injuring his knee.

Russell debated whether or not to compete in the GNCC race after injuring his knee at the ISDE race one week ago. However, with the title on the line he suited up and gave it all he had to come home with a top five result while wrapping up the championship title three rounds early.

Kailub Russell crossed the finish line in fourth place overall. Photo: Ken Hill

Russell got off to a good start and put in a couple decent sprint laps early on to secure a place inside the top ten. “I knew I needed to be inside the top ten to clinch the title so I went to work early to put myself in position,” stated Russell.

Near the halfway mark, he stepped up his game and began creeping up on the top five riders. On the final lap he was able to move into fourth place and secure the championship.

Russell earned his third consecutive GNCC title three rounds early. Photo: Ken Hill

“It was a good day,” stated the champion. “If I was going to write down on paper what I wanted to do, this would have been it. I was able to manage the race pretty well today and I had a lot of fun on the track. I’m very honored to win another championship and am grateful to my team, my family and my friends that have helped support me this season.”

Next Event: Central City, PA – October 4, 2015

Russell celebrates his third title win with the Factory FMF KTM team, friends and family. Photo: Ken Hill

Overall Results (XC1 Pro and XC2 Pro Lites Combined)

Josh Strang
Thad DuVall
Ryan Sipes
Kailub Russell – KTM
Andrew DeLong
Chris Bach
Jason Thomas – KTM
Nick Davis
Grant Baylor
Tyler Medaglia

Overall Point Standings –

Kailub Russell – 283
Thad DuVall – 192
Grant Baylor – 180