Jean Turner | June 27, 2016
After a disappointing DNF at the previous round, FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell answered back in a big way, taking the overall victory at the Snowshoe GNCC, round nine of the 2016 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country series presented by Maxxis on June 26.
Kailub Russell (center) tops the XC1 Pro podium at the Snowshoe GNCC, flanked by Jordan Ashburn (left) and Grant Baylor (right). Photography by Ken Hill
Russell captured the holeshot off the live-engine start at the Snowshoe GNCC race, opened up a gap and held it all the way to the finish in typical style. Although he didn’t hold the virtual lead (on adjusted time) throughout the entirety of the race, he retained the physical lead all the way to the checkered flag.
After starting from the second row (riders start in 4-rider rows at the unique Snowshoe venue), Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride team’s Thad Duvall made his way into third. While Russell was still physically out front, Duvall held the lead on adjusted time on the second lap. Duvall eventually made his way up to Russell’s rear tire, and joining their battle for the physical lead was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Josh Strang. The three rode within seconds of each other until Strang dropped back, leaving Duvall to challenge Russell.
Trevor Bollinger took advantage of his first-row start to get on the overall podium with a career-best second-place finish at Snowshoe GNCC. Photography by Ken Hill
JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger took advantage of his first-row start to stay with the leaders, and the Pro 2 Lites rider also reeled in Russell around the halfway point. But Russell kept his cool, and eventually pulled away for the victory. His race was made a little easier when Duvall faced a mechanical issue with two laps remaining. Bollinger remained in second place while N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Grant Baylor was third overall, second XC1 Pro rider. Westfield Powersports KTM rider Jordan Ashburn was hot on his heels but had to settle for fourth overall, third XC1 Pro at the Snowshoe GNCC.
Bollinger’s second place overall was a record-tying feat for a Pro 2 rider.
“I think I belong up there with the XC1 Pro guys, and I work too hard not to think that,” Bollinger said. “It was good to ride with Kailub and Thad. I definitely learned some things and I’m going to try and carry this over into next year. It’s hard to catch them from the second row, but to be able to start with them was eye-opening. Today was just awesome!”
Coastal Racing Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong rode an equally impressive race, finishing second in Pro 2 and fifth overall.
In the morning WXC race, Fly Racing Yamaha’s Becca Sheets took her third win of the season, finishing second overall in the A.M. race behind overall winner Phil Smith. RPM/KTM’s Rachel Gutish made her first podium appearance of the season with Bonzi/RideMPS.com Yamaha’s Brooke Cosner completing the WXC podium at the Snowshoe GNCC.
Snowshoe GNCC Results:
- Kailub Russell (KTM)
- Trevor Bollinger (Hon) Pro 2
- Grant Baylor (Yam)
- Jordan Ashburn (KTM)
- Craig DeLong (Hus) Pro 2
- Steward Baylor (KTM)
- Josh Strang (Hus)
- Benjamin Kelley (KTM) Pro 2
- Vance Francis (Hon) Pro 2
- Ryan Sipes (Hus)
