Factory KTM’s Russell Wins Unadilla GNCC

Factory KTM's Kaliub Russell
Factory KTM's Kaliub Russell
Factory KTM’s Kaliub Russell

2013 GNCC Results

Following an day-long GNCC battle with Factory FMF/KTM teammate Charlie Mullins at Unadilla in Berlin, N.Y., Kaliub Russell was victorious. With his win, Russell also took over the GNCC Championship lead with 260 points, leading Mullins by five.

The two factory riders have been racing close since the opening round of the GNCC Series back in March. Despite their constant nail biting performances, the two riders managed to finish in an even tighter battle than usual – this time crossing the line just a second apart.

It was Mullins who grabbed the holeshot at the start of the race and was able to lead the first lap. Russell made a pass on Mullins for the lead at the beginning of the second lap but Mullins never fell back. The two riders remained within 5 seconds of each other for the eight lap race. After the halfway mark, they were joined by the third place ride of Josh Strang who had stepped up to challenge for the lead position. The three riders continued their close battle.

Despite being pressured the entire race, Russell was able to hold on to take the victory while Mullins held off Strang to secure second place. Now ten rounds into the series, Russell leads the championship point chase by 5 points over Mullins.

Kaliub Russell says: “It feels really good to get the win here today and take over the point lead. As usual, Charlie gave me a good battle the whole day and I am happy I was able to come out on top.”

KTM support rider and current GNCC XC2 Pro Lites point’s leader, Grant Baylor, grabbed the holeshot off the start of the XC2 race but crashed in the second corner. When he recovered, he was nearly dead last and had to spend the rest of the race trying to catch the leaders. At the end of the race, he was able to move up to 4th position. He still holds a 37 point lead on the championship.

Factory FMF/KTM rider Maria Forsberg put together her sixth win in the Women’s GNCC class. She was challenged by fellow KTM rider Kacy Martinez for the first half of the race before Martinez suffered a crash and lost some time to Forsberg. Forsberg went on to pull a 3 minute lead on the pack before crossing the checkers to take the win in her class, but also the overall for the morning class of a recording-breaking 715 riders. Martinez joined her on the podium earning second overall for the morning class.

Next Event: Gusher, PA – September 21-22, 2013

2013 Unadilla GNCC Results:

Overall Results GNCC XC1 Class –

  1. Kailub Russell – KTM
  2. Charlie Mullins – KTM
  3. Josh Strang- Kawasaki
  4. Rory Mead – KTM
  5. Jordan Ashburn

Overall Results GNCC XC2 Pro Lites Class –

  1. Andrew Delong- Husqvarna
  2. Zach Osborne – Honda
  3. Scott Grills- Kawasaki
  4. Grant Baylor – KTM
  5. Shane Hufford – KTM

Overall Results Women’s Class –

  1. Maria Forsberg – KTM
  2. Kacy Martinez – KTM
  3. Sarah Baldwin – KTM
  4. Ashley Copeland – KTM
  5. Becca Sheets – Yamaha

Overall Point Standings GNCC XC1 Class –

  1. Kailub Russell – 260
  2. Charlie Mullins – 255
  3. Josh Strang – 174

Overall Point Standings GNCC Pro Lites XC2 Class –

  1. Grant Baylor – 227
  2. Jason Thomas – 190
  3. Andrew Delong – 151

Overall Point Standings GNCC Women’s Class –

  1. Becca Sheets – 155
  2. Maria Forsberg – 154
  3. Kacy Martinez – 153

 

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