In the afternoon race, three-time GNCC National Champion Kailub Russell shot off the line to capture the holeshot and the early lead, with his teammate Bobbitt in fourth place off the start. Russell led the opening lap with Josh Strang close in tow and the leading duo quickly pulled a gap on the rest of the field. On lap two, both Russell and Strang stopped for fuel at the same time, with Russell maintaining the advantage out front. 

Meanwhile, Bobbitt was engaged in a battle for the third place position, first with Thad DuVall – who eventually ran out of gas and dropped back – and then Steward Baylor Jr. On the final lap, Bobbitt held a favorable position as he was on his way to a podium finish in the third place position. However, with Baylor pressuring him closely, the former National Enduro Champion went down on the final lap, which allowed Baylor to make his move into the third place position. 

“I was coming around the last lap and I got a pit board from the team saying, ‘I’m impressed,’ and then I immediately crashed well within their sights,” Bobbitt laughed. “After I went down Baylor was able to capitalize on my mistake and take over the podium position.” 

Just before the start of the final lap, Russell started to feel the effects of the Georgia heat. While leading Strang on the final lap, Russell began slowing down due to his condition and eventually stopped near his pit to drink some water. Russell’s time in the pits allowed Strang to make the pass for the lead and ultimately pull away as they neared the checkered flag.

Russell commented, “I haven’t been on the bike that much since my knee injury and racing hard in the hot and humid conditions really took a toll on me. I’m glad I finished the full three-hours in one piece and I was able to gain points toward the championship.” 

Russell went on to salvage a second place finish, despite feeling under the weather. Bobbitt, who made his first GNCC appearance of the season, finished an impressive fourth place in the XC1 Pro Class.

FMF KTM Factory Team rider Charlie Mullins missed the first two rounds of the GNCC Series due to a foot injury suffered during pre-season. Mullins is expected to return for round three of the series.