GNCC Racing

Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing John Penton Race Report

Thursday, May 26, 2022 | 2:30 PM

The Grand National Cross Country Series visited Millfield, OH for the annual John Penton GNCC. Rain on race day turned the Ohio clay into a slick, muddy mess and provided a challenging racing landscape for the full three hour Pro main event.

Ricky Russell scored second overall in Ohio.
Ricky Russell scored second overall in Ohio. Mack Faint

Ricky Russell #212 just about nailed his start, coming into turn one in front; however, a cautious Russell was passed by eventual race winner Josh Strang in the opening corners. Russell and Strang stayed tight all race long, never more than a handful of seconds apart as the duo lead the field with Russell eventually finishing 2nd Overall. In XC2, Ryder Lafferty #19 put forth a strong opening lap, only to lose a few positions on lap two. Over the remaining three laps, Lafferty put his head down and charged back up through the field to 2nd XC2 and 7th Overall.

Ryder Lafferty with a second in XC2 250 Pro. 
Ryder Lafferty with a second in XC2 250 Pro.  Mack Faint

Cole Whitmer #518 put up another Open A win, though a heavy mistake on lap two saw him drop back a few minutes, only to rebound and win his class by over six minutes. Lane Whitmer #587 led from start to finish, winning the 4-Stroke A Lites class seemingly with ease. Shawn Remington #76 ran an uncontested 2nd in the 40+ A class all race long, leading to every Coastal rider finishing on the podium at The Penton.

Cole Whitmer with a third Top Amateur finish at The John Penton
Cole Whitmer with a third Top Amateur finish at The John Penton Mack Faint