Obermeyer/MCS Racing Suzuki Race Report: Powerline Park

After Ricky Russell and the Obermeyer/MCS Racing Suzuki Team earned their first podium finish for 2016 at the previous round, the team was looking to keep the momentum rolling and with the wave of the green flag, Russell launched his Suzuki RM-Z450 towards the first turn earning a position near the front of the field.

The opening lap found the Obermeyer/MCS Racing Suzuki Team pilot running in fifth place. As the field crossed the finish line check point, less than six seconds separated the top five positions. Russell continued to keep the podium in sight as the race continued.

Ricky Russell started the race out in the fifth position, but would fight his way to finish out the day in the third spot of the XC1 Pro class. Photo: Raceday Pix

Russell moved the Suzuki into fourth position at the end of lap three, but the final lap of the race turned out to be a crucial pivot in the podium positions. Less than 2 miles from the checkered flag, the reliability of the Suzuki RM-Z450 came into play and Russell was able to get by a failing competitor's machine and claimed the final podium spot.

We all understand that luck is a part of racing, but you also have to be in position to take advantage of the situation and that is exactly what Ricky Russell was able to do this weekend earning two podiums in a row. Russell never gave up, kept charging to the finish and was able to spray the champagne as we set our sights on the final round of the season.

Ricky Russell made the move on the last lap of the three hour race to earn his second-straight podium finish. Photo: Raceday Pix

The Obermeyer/MCS Racing Suzuki Team was not finished with their day of celebration as fellow team member Vince Smith claimed victory in the Open A class. Smith rounded the first turn in third and was in the lead by the time he crossed the finish line at the end of lap one. The Suzuki rider enjoyed nearly a minute lead at the midway point of the 6 lap race.

The Open A class has a deep field of competitors and the battle for the lead erupted on lap five, Smith found himself in second place when the white flag was displayed. The Nashville Indiana native knew it was now or never and he raced the Suzuki RM-Z450 to his fastest lap of the day along with his first win in the Open A class. With this win, Smith is now only six points out of third place in the season standings and we are headed into his hometown race.