FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell wrapped up his fourth consecutive GNCC National Championship at the previous Polaris Ace Powerline Park GNCC in St. Clairsville, Ohio. K Russell recently moved into second on the all-time GNCC bike wins, and sits in the runner-up position by seven wins. The season finale will not only close another chapter in Russell’s career, but will serve as a springboard as he sets his sights on becoming the winningest bike rider in GNCC history in the 2017 season.

Josh Strang will not be participating in the season finale due to recovering from an ankle injury that occurred during the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) just two weeks ago in Navarra, Spain. The Australian rider will return in 2017 and restart his quest for the National Championship.

After narrowly missing the podium at the Powerline Park GNCC, Westfield Powersports KTM Presented by Moose Racing’s Jordan Ashburn will not only be a contender for the podium, but also for the win. Ashburn is known for his ability to excel at technical tracks such as the Ironman, and will be charging hard to finish off his season victorious.  

Coming back from a big win at the ISDE is Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride Team’s Thad Duvall. Duvall, a member of the first ever champion U.S. World Trophy Team, has plenty of drive heading into this weekend. That, mixed with his strong showings at the past three rounds, makes Duvall a top contender and a rider to keep an eye on this Sunday.

SRT/KTM/Kenda Tires’ Steward Baylor Jr. and MCS Racing Suzuki/Obermeyer/Kenda/MX Tech/Fly Racing’s Ricky Russell both have the opportunity to steal the fifth place position in points from Duvall. Both riders have shown great consistency the entire season, and while they may not always finish on the box, there have been many opportunities for them to shine. Most recently, R Russell has made his presence known at the past two podium presentations. R Russell will use his diligent racing strategies in an attempt to secure his first career professional overall win at the Ironman GNCC. 

Grant Baylor is another rider who shows great promise in putting his N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha-backed machine on the box this Sunday, along with JCR Honda/Lucas Oil/Maxxis/Fly Racing’s Chris Bach. Bach will be looking to represent his hometown crowd with a good season-ending finish, while G Baylor will be aiming to end his season on a high note after finishing fifth at the previous round. 

JCR Honda/Lucas Oil/Maxxis/FLY Racing’s Trevor Bollinger became a top XC2 Pro Lites contender at the 2015 Ironman GNCC after coming from behind to take the class win. Now, one year later, Bollinger has a total of 8 XC2 Pro Lites victories and a National Championship to add to his resume. The North Carolina native is hungry for the final win of the 2016 season, before he heads to Japan to represent the United States in the Japan National Cross Country Series on November 6. 

Coastal Racing/Husqvarna/MSR-backed teammates Craig Delong and Layne Michael hold the second and third place XC2 Pro Lites positions. Delong’s consistency has proven to be a deciding factor in the points chase, but like Duvall, Michael also comes into this round fresh off his ISDE victory. The battles between the two teammates have showcased their top talent and will cumulate this weekend at the 22nd Annual Ironman GNCC.

With the title already in hand, FLY Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/Yamaha-backed Becca Sheets will look to cap off her championship season with her sixth win of the year. Sheets will have to fend off FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kacy Martinez and Bonzi/RideMPS.com/Yamaha’s Brooke Cosner who are both equally equipped to take the top spot on the box. 

Sunday’s race schedule is as follows: youth bike racing begins at 8 a.m., followed by amateurs and women at 10 a.m. and pros and top amateurs at 1 p.m. This weekend is co-sanctioned with IXCR, a series that produces local racing events in Indiana, and will ultimately bring out a full slate of local racers. All local racers are invited to compete at this event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur race entry fee is $40 and riders can sign up at the track. To learn more about GNCC Racing please visit the GNCC101 webpage.

Local racers expected to compete this Sunday will be: Lucas Grounds (85 7-11), Sam Shaver (250 A), Ethan Marsh (85 7-11), Rod Marshall (Super Senior A 45+), Robert Kirchner (Silver Masters A 55+), brothers Sam (200 B) and Jackson Hall (65 7-11), Joel Creed (Golden Masters 60+), Logan Meadows (250 C Jr. 17-21), Cody Aliff (250 B), brothers Alex (Open A) and Mike Witkowski (XC2 Pro Lites), Vincent Smith (Open A), Duell Murphy (Open A) and Eric Douglass (250 A).

Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids (6-11), with kids five and under free. Gate admission includes pro pit access, autographs, parking and evening activities at no additional charge. Trick-or-treating will kick off the Saturday night festivities at 5 p.m., with a costume contest and Parts Unlimited hospitality dinner at 6 p.m. Stone Senate will take the stage at 7 p.m. with the popular Davisson Brothers following.

GNCC Racing encourages spectators to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness by dressing in pink all weekend long. The race facility will be adorned in pink, including a pink-themed podium backdrop, t-shirts and much more. Stuk MX will also sell exclusive GNCC breast cancer awareness themed stickers at their display for a minimum $1 donation, with contributions going to the Montgomery County Free Clinic (MCFC), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free mammogram examinations to the Crawfordsville and Montgomery County region.