by: Kayla Bolton
Thursday, June 7, 2018 | 3:05 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(304) 284-0084
[email protected]
Thad Duvall Aims for Two-In-A-Row at Dunlop Tomahawk GNCC
Josh Toth and Ben Kelley Set to Battle for XC2 250 Pro Class Win
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 7, 2018) – After a grueling three-hour race just two weeks ago in Ohio, The 2018 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, an AMA National Championship, heads to New York for the 4th Annual Dunlop Tomahawk GNCC this weekend, June 9 and 10. Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Thad Duvall had a dominating performance at the previous round, and is looking to keep his momentum rolling into this weekend.
Duvall earned the win at last year’s Tomahawk GNCC, and with two wins under his belt thus far in 2018 he is eager to battle for a third and earn valuable points towards to the championship battle. Duvall sits 15 points out of the lead behind FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell for the title. Since Duvall has yet to finish off the podium and with the added momentum knowing that K. Russell has not earned a win at this venue, it could be the start to Duvall’s winning streak.
Russell rounded out the podium at The John Penton GNCC, after having trouble firing his bike on the starting line. K. Russell stated that he did not make it easy on himself throughout the race, but he still managed to land on the podium. This Sunday he will be looking to earn his first win at Tomahawk, and his sixth of the season.
Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Josh Strang is another rider who will be looking for the front spot of the race this weekend. Strang found himself at the front of the pack two weeks ago where he finished in the second-place position, which his best finish so far in 2018. Strang has had success at this race in the past, and he will be looking to earn his first overall win of the season on Sunday.
Coming into round eight currently sitting third in the championship standings is Tely Energy Racing/KTM’s Steward Baylor Jr. Since the beginning of the season S. Baylor has not finished outside of the top five, yet he will be aiming to take home his first overall win. Beta USA’s Jordan Ashburn put in a good ride at the previous round and is hoping to keep his drive going into round eight.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Josh Toth has earned four class wins in the XC2 250 Pro class, but still finds himself 20 points behind current points leader Trail Jesters/KTM’s Ben Kelley. After finishing second at the past three events, Kelley is hoping to return to the center of the podium Sunday afternoon. Costal Racing/Husqvarna’s Craig Delong has rounded out the podium for XC2 at the last two rounds. Delong had a rough start to the season, but he has been looking like his normal self these past couple weeks. Delong is aiming to earn his first class win and turn his season around.
The FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class saw Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Alex Teagarden took the win at round seven, which is his second of the season. Raines Riding University/Atlas Sales/Yamaha’s Jason Raines earned second and remains second in the points followed by MCS Racing/Kenda Tires/Moose Racing’s Cody Barnes in third place. FMF/Maxxis/RPM KTM’s Jesse Ansley holds onto the points lead after finishing fourth at the previous round, however he will be one to keep an eye on as he remains eager to return to the center of the podium this weekend.
Local riders expected to race on Sunday are Paul Best (65cc 10-11), Jojo Bowden (250 A), Jordan Burnette (200 C 16+), Toby Cleveland (YXC2 Super Mini Jr.), Colby Davis (200 B), Minnie Hansen (Women C), Jeffrey Hart (Super Senior A 45+), Bryon Ivett (Masters C 50+), Frank Messina (Senior A 40+), Kevin Monahan (Golden Masters 60+), Robert Monticup (Super Senior B 45+), Cody Nappo (YXC1 Super Mini Sr.), Scott Phelps (Super Senior A 45+) and Seth Vandermeer (250 C Jr. 25+).
All local riders are invited and encouraged to compete in the event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur race entry fee is $50, and riders can sign up at the track or pre-enter. To learn more about GNCC Racing, refer to the GNCC 101 webpage.
Spectator passes run $20 for adults and $10 for children (6-11), and kids five and under are free for the full weekend (Friday through Sunday), with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge.
The 1 p.m. pro races will be broadcast LIVE on the Internet via RacerTV on www.racertv.com both days. A highlight show featuring the event will air on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Previous Round Results and Point Standings
The Wiseco John Penton
Millfield, Ohio
Round 7 of 13
Sunday, May 27
XC1 Open Pro Event Results:
- Thad Duvall (HQV)
- Josh Strang (HQV)
- Kailub Russell (KTM)
- Steward Baylor Jr. (KTM)
- Jordan Ashburn (BET)
- Ricky Russell (YAM)
- Trevor Bollinger (HON)
- Cory Buttrick (HQV)
- Andrew Delong (GAS)
- Layne Michael (HQV)
*Overall National Championship Standings:
- Kailub Russell (196)
- Thad Duvall (181)
- Steward Baylor Jr. (135)
- Trevor Bollinger (118)
- Josh Strang (111)
- Ben Kelley (105)
- Josh Toth (90)
- Ricky Russell (78)
- Jordan Ashburn (61)
- Craig Delong (58)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2018 National Champion.
XC2 250 Pro Event Results:
- Josh Toth (KTM)
- Ben Kelley (KTM)
- Craig Delong (HQV)
- Austin Lee (HON)
- Nick Davis (GAS)
- Evan Smith (HQV)
- Zach Nolan (KTM)
- Sam Evans (KTM)
- Zack Hayes (KTM)
- Jonathan Johnson (YAM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:
- Ben Kelley (190)
- Josh Toth (170)
- Craig Delong (117)
- Pascal Rauchenecker (112)
- Austin Lee (101)
- Evan Smith (89)
- Liam Draper (82)
- Nick Davis (81)
- Jonathan Johnson (75)
- Michael Witkowski (66)
For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.
- Facebook: @gnccracing
- Instagram: @gncc_racing
- Twitter: @gnccracing
- YouTube: @racertv
About GNCC Racing
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,400 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
How to Watch
Racer TV and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) are the official homes for coverage of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) events. All 13 rounds, from the season opening Big Buck GNCC in South Carolina to the finale at Ironman Raceway in Indiana, will air in 30-minue; taped-delayed telecasts on NBCSN, while Racer TV provides live streaming coverage of the 1 p.m. ATV and motorcycle races from each event, in addition to the six UTV rounds. Catch all the action at http://www.nbcsports.com/ and http://www.racertv.com/.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.