GNCC Racing

KTM Race Report: Russell Crowned National Enduro Champion

Monday, September 28, 2015 | 9:55 AM

Factory FMF KTM rider Kailub Russell finished on the podium at the ninth round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series to clinch the 2015 championship title and become the first rider in the history of off-road racing to claim the GNCC and National Enduro Championships in the same season. 

Kailub Russell clinched the 2015 National Enduro Championship this past weekend at the Black Coal Enduro in Indiana.
Kailub Russell clinched the 2015 National Enduro Championship this past weekend at the Black Coal Enduro in Indiana. Photo: Shan Moore

Russell, who injured his knee at the 90th running of the ISDE event two weeks ago, managed to secure the GNCC championship last weekend. Then just one week later, he earned a podium result at the National Enduro that allowed him to wrap up the series championship one round early.

Russell was consistent with his results throughout the day staying ahead of the riders nearest him in the point standings. He had a rough go on test two when he jarred his knee in a corner. “That incident was really painful but I was able to recover and manage the pain throughout the rest of the race,” stated Russell. 

Russell was able to stay ahead of the riders that were nearest to him in points to earn his first National Enduro Championship.
Russell was able to stay ahead of the riders that were nearest to him in points to earn his first National Enduro Championship. Photo: Shan Moore

He went on to claim the test win in the third test of the day and stayed within the top five in the remaining tests to land his KTM on the podium in the third place position. “It feels great to come here and get a good result. A few weeks ago, when I hurt my knee, I wasn’t sure what I would be able to do with the two championships I had on the line. I am so thankful I was able to ride through this injury and win these championships. I had a great season and I am very grateful to my team for their support,” reported Russell. 

Not only did Russell make history as the first off-road rider to clinch the GNCC and National Enduro Championships in the same season, but he and his father Jeff Russell also became the first father and son duo that have won championships in the same series. 

Congrats to Kailub and Jeff Russell, who have become the first father and son duo to win championships in the same series.
Congrats to Kailub and Jeff Russell, who have become the first father and son duo to win championships in the same series. Photo: Shan Moore

Russell’s teammate, Russell Bobbitt, remains second in the overall point standings but had a disappointing seventh place result at this round. Bobbitt is dealing with an injury that has been nagging him for the past several weeks and this race proved to be a struggle. He has two weeks off to prepare for the finale where he hopes to put his KTM back in a podium position. 

Next Event: Matthews, IN – October 11, 2015 

Overall Results –

  1. Ryan Sipes
  2. Chris Bach
  3. Kailub Russell – KTM
  4. Grant Baylor
  5. Josh Strang
  6. Nick Fahringer
  7. Russell Bobbitt – KTM
  8. Cory Buttrick
  9. Steward Baylor – KTM
  10. Andrew DeLong

Overall Point Standings –

  1. Kailub Russell – 201 *CHAMPION
  2. Russell Bobbitt – 160
  3. Steward Baylor – 156