Begin Press Release: 

Kailub Russell Goes Out a Champ

Rancho Cucamonga: Champions dream of retiring on top, but few pull it off. Kailub Russell is an exception. The KTM factory rider won nine races this year to win his eighth consecutive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) title, and called it a career.

A longtime Dunlop rider, Russell has had a storied off-road career; two-time ISDE gold medalist; two-time Full Gas Sprint Enduro Pro Champion; AMA National Enduro Champion; record-setting GNCC racer who amassed 67 premier class wins en route to eight championships.

One of the secrets to Russell’s success is his tire combination, one he rarely changes despite the huge variety of gnarly terrain and conditions encountered in GNCC racing. Up front, he normally runs the Geomax® MX33, and in back a Geomax AT81—the same tires available to the public.

“The MX33 front gives me control and the feeling I’m looking for in every type of terrain we come across,” says Russell. “And the AT81 is a great all-around tire for the variety of different surfaces of dirt we find during a race. Most races always have some soft terrain along with very slippery hard pack and this tire allows me to find the most traction the track has to offer. There’s an advantage in knowing you have the best tires on the track no matter what the terrain. That gives me the most comfort and confidence in my line choices.”

“Kailub Russell is one of the greatest off-road riders in history, and it’s great to see him finish his long and decorated career as a champion,” said Mike Buckley, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing. “Big congratulations to Kailub from all his friends and fans at Dunlop.”

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit: www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (January 29, 2018)–With anticipation at an all-time high for the start of the 44th annual AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, an AMA National Championship, Racer Productions is pleased to announce the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) broadcast cable television schedule. 

The VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC kicks off the 2018 broadcast racing coverage on April 1 at 5:00 p.m. EST. NBCSN will generate highlight episodes of all 13-rounds, and programming will continue until November 25 with the AMSOIL Ironman GNCC airing at 5:30 p.m. EST. 

Each highlight episode will focus on the most intense racing action of the weekend, either pro ATV or bikes. An additional 13 full-length highlight episodes will be released separately on RacerTV.com showcasing the discipline that was not featured on NBCSN. This season will serve as the seventh year that GNCC and NBCSN have partnered together, making this the 18th consecutive year that GNCC has been broadcast on cable television. 

Finally, GNCC LIVE streaming returns with live coverage of all six UTV pro races, in addition to the 13 ATV and 13 bike pro races for a total of 32 live racing programs. Race fans and family members can watch their favorite professional and top amateur off-road racers compete for the race win and the coveted National Championship at every round on the 2018 circuit.

All highlight and GNCC LIVE shows will be archived on www.RacerTV.com for viewing. See below to view the full NBCSN television schedule.

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 Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

• 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. 

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (January 18, 2018)–Racer Productions, producer of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) an AMA National Championship, is pleased to announce the return of FMF Racing as the title sponsor for the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class.

The inaugural season of the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class witnessed intense racing action between former GNCC champions, including top international talent, ultimately crowning United Kingdom’s Jason Thomas as the National Champion. Now in its second year, the class is expected to expand with the help of FMF Racing.

“FMF Racing continues to support the off-road community and it’s important for our brand to align with the GNCC series for over 20 years as the official exhaust,” said FMF Marketing Director, Don Emler Jr. “With the XC3 class now heading into its second year we are pleased to step up to offer title sponsorship for such a great 2-stroke series. FMF was founded on 2-strokes 45 years ago and this is a major heartbeat for our company. The sound, the smell, the feeling you get when riding a 2-stroke is amazing!”

The FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class class not only houses the growing amount of 125 two-stroke machines in off-road racing, but also serves as a transitioning step for younger riders who are up-and-coming, as well as riders in the more senior part of their career looking to compete at an elite level.

“We are extremely proud to have FMF back on board as the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class sponsor,” said GNCC Event Director, Tim Cotter. “Having a premier class sponsored by a brand as popular as FMF not only brings prestige to the FMF XC3 class, but also to the entire GNCC Racing Nation.”

FMF’s support will allow for a $13,000 purse exclusively for the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class. In addition, OEM contingency is expected to return and will be announced as it becomes available. Wiseco will once again provide a $100 holeshot award.

GNCC Racing kicks off at the 22nd Annual Maxxis Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina, the weekend of February 24 and 25.

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 Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

Facebook: @gnccracing
Instagram: @gncc_racing
Twitter: @gnccracing
YouTube: @racertv

About FMF Racing
Owner and founder Don Emler started FMF Racing in 1973. Don’s vision was to provide the top level US racing equipment at the grass roots level. FMF was formed in Don’s garage and is still located in Southern California in a 100,000 sq. ft. state of the art manufacturing facility. FMF’s goal is simple; design and manufacture the world’s best performance exhaust 100% in the USA under one roof.

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.

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.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the American Motorcyclist Association 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.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (December 14, 2017)–Racer Productions, producer of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) , an AMA National Championship, is pleased to announce the 2018 series schedule. The 13-round GNCC series takes place in nine different states through the eastern half of the United States, making stops at many of the series’ traditional favorites, while adding three all-new venues to the schedule.

The GNCC series will kick off with the Big Buck GNCC on February 24 and 25 in Union, South Carolina, then continue to the Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida, held in conjunction with the 2018 Daytona Beach “Bike Week” festivities on March 10 and 11. The Big Buck and Wild Boar GNCCs will also play hosts to the opening rounds of the six-race UTV championship.

After Florida, the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series continues to its first new venue of the season in Georgia. This new location in the Peach State will be announced in the coming week and promises to incorporate the same grueling obstacles that GNCC racers are used to, while adding a new batch of terrain they have yet to experience.

“We’ve taken the time to develop a one-of-a-kind GNCC schedule, and it’s already shaping up to be a great season,” explained GNCC Trail Boss, Jeff Russell. “The three new venues all have something different to offer and should be an instant hit with the GNCC Racing Nation.”

After summer break, the series will grace another new facility in Harpursville, New York for the Black Sky GNCC. The Johnson Family Farm is no stranger to woods racing where they have hosted a few local off-road events, but still offers plenty of virgin woods for the GNCC track crew to develop a unique and brand-new course.

The Mason-Dixon GNCC will be the following round on the weekend of September 29 and 30 in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania – another hotbed for off-road racing. Located adjacent to High Point Raceway, the racetrack will travel across the Mason-Dixon line with sections in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

“It’s been over 15 years since we’ve been at the High Point Raceway property” continued GNCC Trail Boss Jeff Russell. “By being able to host and start the race on the Mathews Farm, we are excited to layout a brand new track that will cross over to one of America’s most iconic motocross tracks, as well as travel between Pennsylvania and Racer Productions’ home-state of West Virginia.”

The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series schedule welcomes back many of its most seasoned venues for 2018, including Steele Creek in Morganton, North Carolina; Camp Coker Bullet in Society Hill, South Carolina; X-Factor in Peru, Indiana; The John Penton in Millfield, Ohio; Tomahawk in Odessa, New York; West Virginia’s popular Snowshoe GNCC; St. Clairsville, Ohio’s Powerline Park; and the Ironman in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Following the season opener in South Carolina, the UTV championship will head to Florida for the Wild Boar GNCC before travelling to Moree’s Sportsman’s Preserve for the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC, then Ohio’s John Penton GNCC and back to Ohio for the penultimate UTV round at Powerline Park. The Side-by-Side championship will conclude with the Ironman GNCC season finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

The six-race ATV and Bike Micro 50cc championship will begin at the new round in Georgia, before heading to North Carolina for their second round at Steele Creek, then to Indiana for the X-Factor GNCC, on to New York for the Tomahawk and Black Sky GNCCs, then concluding in Pennsylvania at the Mason-Dixon GNCC.

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After all, he had 29 points over second-in-points Trevor Stewart of the Johnny Campbell Racing (JCR) Honda team after the pemultimate Big 6 Grand Prix Series round in Gorman, and with Stewart opting to skip the Big 6 Grand Prix Series finale—the Vikings Grand Prix hosted by the Vikings Motorcycle Club at the Crazy Horse Campground in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, for the first time—Bell basically just needed to start and finish the race to take the title.

Of course, getting a good start and running near the front of the pack almost made him forget that fact. However, when some Big 6 Grand Prix Series visitors—FMF KTM Factory Off-road Racing Team’s Kailub Russell, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Off-road Team’s Thad Duvall —and a few others managed to slip past him, Bell remembered the big pictur.

“Today was just to get it across the finish line,” Bell said. “Obviously, I wanted to race with these guys, but the bigger picture was to finish the season strong [and seal the championship]. I got myself into a good position and I just let those guys go at it.”

Wait—Russell? Duvall? Aren’t those GNCC guys? Yes, they did indeed decide to go up against some of the best in the west. Both—along with new FMF KTM rider Josh Toth and fellow New England native Ben Kelley—had been in Southern California for more than a week for KTM’s team photo shoot (not Duvall, of Course), the 5th Annual Kurt Caselli Memorial Ride Day and for testing their 2018 bikes.

“I came out last weekend for the Kurt Caselli ride and didn’t have anything going on at home so I decided to hang out and do some training and come out and race this Big 6 race,” Duvall explained.

After all, riding in Arizona is a lot more pleasant this time of year compared to back in West Virginia.

The Vikings GP soon became a two-man duel between Duvall and Russell, basically a carry-over of the battles they’ve had all year in the GNCCs. This time, however, Duvall got the upper hand and beat the five-time GNCC champ by 31 seconds in the $2000, 90-minute WCGP at the 2017  Big 6 Grand Prix Series finale.

 “It’s kind of cool to finish the season with a win, I guess,” Duvall said. “It was awesome. I really enjoyed it.”

Russell used the race to see where he rates as he prepares to make a bi-coastal assault on both the GNCCs and Big 6 Grand Prix Series next year. He clearly demonstrated he’ll be a factor right away.

“I wasn’t sure [where I’d stand speed-wise compared to the Big 6 regulars] with this track,” Russell said. “I knew Thad would be good—he’s a good sand rider, a good rider in general. I thought Zach would be—I don’t want to say anything bad, but I thought he’d be one of the guys to beat because I’ve seen him ride sand before, but he probably played it safe. He had the championship he’s thinking about.”

Instead, Russell led most of the race. Well, he did until the final laps when he began to experience brake issues which he later attributed to a rock getting stuck between the brake pedal and the engine case.

The first of the Big 6 Grand Prix Series regulars turned out to be defending series champion Eric Yorba, the FMF/Maxxis/RPM Racing KTM rider displaying the number-one plate for the last time this year. However, he didn’t make it easy on himself, crashing on the first lap and having to come from last to end up third, 49 seconds behind Russell.

“These guys are amazing riders,” Yorba said. “I knew if there was one Big 6 where them being from the East Coast wouldn’t make that much of a difference, it would be this race. Say we go to 29 Palms or something like that—then they might be a little out of their element. But here, I knew they were going to be tough, for sure, and they’d be tough to beat.”

And on this day, there was no beating them.

As if to emphasize this, consider that another GNCC regular from back east—Trail Jesters KTM rider Ben Kelley—fell in the first turn of the WCGP Pro II line, picked himself up dead last and stormed back to win the class, finishing an amazing fourth overall with new FMF KTM team member Josh Toth second in class and eighth overall.

Perry Concepts Honda rider Travis Damon was fifth overall, fourth Pro, matching his series-best finish this season from round six. Bell settled for sixth overall, easily earning the number-one plate, followed by JCR Honda-mounted Eythor Reynisson from Iceland (getting in some training ahead of next year’s European MX championships),  Toth, Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/ Precision Concepts Kawasaki’s Justin Seeds and Purvines DA8 Racing Yamaha rider Nick Burson.

Bell ended the season with 184 points, Stewart taking second at 155 and Yorba third with 137. But if the Vikings race was any indication, the West Coast crew could have their hands full with the newest rider to commit to Big 6 next year, Russell.

2017 AMA District 37/Maxxis Big 6 Grand Prix Series
2017 AMA Big 6 West Coast Grand Prix (WCGP) Series
Vikings M.C. Big 6 GP
Crazy Horse Campground
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Results: December 9-10, 2017 (Round 8 of 8)

WCGP PRO
1. Thad Duvall-Hus
2. Kailub Russell-KTM
3. Eric Yorba-KTM
4. Travis Damon-Hon
5. Zach Bell-Hon

WCGP PRO II
1. Ben Kelley-KTM
2. Josh Toth-KTM
3. Clay Hengeveld-Kaw
4. Beau Baron-Hon
5. Mitch Anderson-KTM

For full results, visit www.big6racing.com

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Ironman Raceway hosted over 2398 riders in the course of the two-day Ironman GNCC event, but at the conclusion of today’s 1 p.m. pro bike race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell who stood atop of the podium and earned his 47th career overall win, making him the all-time winningest bike GNCC rider.

N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell snagged the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award once the race started, but K Russell, who clinched his fifth consecutive and fifth career GNCC title at the Powerline Park GNCC just one round ago, quickly stole the lead and headed into the woods first. R Russell wasn’t ready to settle for second and took back the lead after K Russell made a small bobble. But all eyes were on Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Thad Duvall, who was back in action at the AMSOIL Ironman GNCC after missing three rounds due to an injury. Duvall worked his way into third. When the Russell duo reached Twin Hills they were wheel-to-wheel and had a small gap on Duvall.

R Russell was the first to check into timing and scoring, with K Russell not even a second behind him. K Russell worked his way back to the front again during the mid-way point of the second lap, but R Russell remained in the hunt and kept K Russell honest. Duvall then secured the second position on the third lap, and the top three contenders became a little more distant until the last lap when Duvall ratcheted up the competition level even more. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make the pass on K Russell, who ended up claiming the last win of the season. The victory marked K Russell’s 47th career GNCC win, breaking Scott Summers’ bike all-time GNCC win record.

“I’ve worked super hard up until this point, and I have a lot of people around me,” said five-time GNCC champion, Kailub Russell. “It’s just the attitude that I bring to the race track that allows me to be so successful and never give up. To take the most wins away from Scott [Summers] is pretty awesome. I grew up watching those guys race so it’s pretty surreal.”

Although he finished as the runner-up, Duvall’s comeback ride was proof that he will be back in full force next year as he makes his bid for the title.

“I’m a little disappointed in second, because I thought I had the win in me,” explained Duvall. “It took me a couple laps to get going, I was pretty timid with my wrist at first. I haven’t ridden that pace for a couple months now, but once I got going I just kind of stayed even.”

R Russell rounded out the top three overall. Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/KR4/ Husqvarna’s Grant Baylor had one of his best rides of the season, where he narrowly missed the podium in fourth, and Josh Strang raced his Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing-backed machine into the top five.

Indiana native and RPM/KTM rier Mike Witkowski found himself in a favorable position after the green flag waved on the AMSOIL Ironman GNCC XC2 250 Pro start to earn the $100 Hot Cams Holeshot Award. JCR Honda’s Austin Lee led the first two laps, until Austria’s Pascal Rauchenecker made the pass for the lead and continued leading until the checkered flag–marking his first career GNCC win. The 2017 class champion, Josh Toth, placed his N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha in the runner-up position, while Coastal Racing’s Craig Delong rounded out the class podium.

Jimmy Jarrett shot off the line to earn the $100 Wiseco Holeshot Award in the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class, but at the conclusion of the three-hour race it was Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Jack Edmondson standing in the middle of the box. Chris Venditti and Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/ Husqvarna Team’s Hunter Neuwirth finished second and third.

With a 23rd overall finish, Levi Keller was awarded top amateur honors and the Open A class win. After a hard crash, Coastal Racing’s Alex Teagarden recovered to finish second overall, and Cody Barnes held the third place position on the afternoon amateur overall podium.

Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM’s Becca Sheets took the 10 a.m. overall win over the nearly 900 racers. John Maschino and Phil Smith filled the overall podium. The Motorcycle Shop/Kenda/Bell/V3 Off-Road’s Brooke Cosner and RPM/KTM’s Rachel Gutish place second and third in the WXC class.

Michael Beeler Jr. ended his youth racing career on a high note where he claimed the overall in the 8 a.m. race. MXTire.com/Cernics Racing/Sidi-backed Ryder Leblond and Max Fernandez rounded out the overall top three.

2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series
AMSOIL Ironman GNCC
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Results: October 29, 2017 (Round 13 of 13)

XC1 Open Pro
1. Kailub Russell-KTM
2. Thad Duvall-Hus
3. Ricky Russell-Yam
4. Grant Baylor-Hus
5. Josh Strang-Hus
6. Trevor Bollinger-Hon
7. Steward Baylor Jr.-KTM
8. Jordan Ashburn-Bet
9. Russell Bobbitt-KTM
10. Jonathan Girroir-KTM

2017 AMSOIL GNCC Overall National Championship Standings (after 13 or 13 rounds)*
1. Kailub Russell-320**
2. Thad Duvall-227
3. Ricky Russell-220
4. Steward Baylor-207
5. Josh Toth-192
6. Grant Baylor-180
7. Trevor Bollinger-152
8. Craig Delong-141
9. Layne Michael-140
10. Josh Strang-130
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion.
**2017 AMSOIL GNCC Overall National Champion

XC2 250 Pro
1. Pascal Rauchenecker-Hus
2. Josh Toth-Yam
3. Craig Delong-Hus
4. Layne Michael-Hus
5. Ben Kelley-KTM
6. Evan Smith-KTM
7. Austin Lee-Hon
8. Mike Witkowski-KTM
9. Ryder Lafferty-KTM
10. Trevor Barrett-Yam

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings (after 13 of 13 rounds)
1. Josh Toth-347*
2. Craig Delong-289
3. Layne Michael-280
4. Mike Witkowski-224
5. Ben Kelley-193
6. Austin Lee-182
7. Jesse Groemm-164
8. Zack Hayes-138
9. Sam Evans-122
10. Zach Nolan-112
*2017 XC2 250 Pro Class Champion

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am
1. Jack Edmondson-Hus
2. Chris Venditti-Yam
3. Hunter Neuwirth-Hus
4. Matthew Sims-Yam
5. Tayla Jones-Hus
6. Luke Renzland-Yam
7. Mark Heresco Jr.-KTM
8. Kenny Day-Yam
9. Jaryn Williams-Yam
10. Josh Brehm-Yam

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am Points Standings (after 13 of 13 rounds)
1. Jason Thomas-292*
2. Hunter Neuwirth-253
3. Jack Edmondson-238
4. Mark Heresco Jr.-233
5. Jaryn Williams-162
6. Josh Adkins-148
7. Devan Welch-132
8. Paul Whibley-117
9. Nate Smith-62
10. Dustin Gibson-61
*2017 XC3 125 Pro-Am Class Champion

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (October 23, 2017) – The 23rd Annual AMSOIL Ironman GNCC is slated for this weekend, October 28 and 29, for the motorsports-crazed town of Crawfordsville, Indiana. After setting the record for the largest attended GNCC event last year, Ironman Raceway is prepared to host over 2,000 racers and thousands of fans who will be raising awareness for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Previously announced as a “pink race,” the entire Ironman Raceway facility will be decorated in pink starting at the front gate flowing through the pits, and even into the woods, with the goal to give back to the local community that has grown into a favorite stop on the circuit over the past 23 years. Funds will be donated to the Montgomery County Free Clinic (MCFC), and just last year GNCC made a group donation of $7,793 to the MCFC.

Yamaha Motor Corporation will once again be contributing to the Ironman GNCC fundraising efforts, and will donate $50 for each class win at the Ironman GNCC by a Yamaha rider, and $100 for each 2017 National Championship clinched on a Yamaha. With 20 titles already in hand, and 14 more possible, Yamaha is set to play a big role in the fundraising efforts.

Zakowski Motorsports will again be at Ironman Raceway for their annual breast cancer awareness campaign. Their popular $10 t-shirt line will return with all-new designs, in addition to hoodies and a large assortment of miscellaneous “pink” items. Over the past few years, Zakowski Motorsports has donated over $71,000 to various breast cancer awareness organizations. For the first time ever, Zakowski Motorsports will team up with Walker Fowler Racing to sell limited edition autographed Walker Fowler t-shirts for $20, with all proceeds from the entire collection going to breast cancer research. Make sure to keep an eye out for the neon pink canopy near Pro Row as they try and meet their fundraising goal of $20,500.

Number-plate background codes will be relaxed for the race and riders are encouraged to run pink backgrounds, available via HBD MotoGrafx. A $25.95 pink front number plate background will result in a $5 donation, while a full set of front and side backgrounds will retail for $59.95 and includes a $10 donation. In addition, each order will include one free mini plate. The last day to order official GNCC pink backgrounds is tomorrow Tuesday, October 24.

HBD MotoGrafx will also sell exclusive GNCC breast cancer awareness race stickers for a minimum $1 donation. Stickers will be available at rider registration throughout the weekend. Finally, the limited edition pink podium backdrop will be autographed by each podium finisher during the weekend, and auctioned off during JJ Lawhorn’s concert Saturday night starting at 9 p.m.

Racers and spectators can get in on the fun by bringing and wearing pink clothes, riding gear, graphics and other decorations in addition to the planned Halloween festivities. The GNCC Trick-or-Treat for the kids makes its return for the Ironman GNCC on Saturday evening, October 31, from 5-6 p.m. Following the Trick-or-Treat will be a costume contest presented by Team Faith at 6 p.m. at their location in Sponsor Village.

The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series picks back up this weekend on October 28 and 29 with the AMSOIL Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids ages 6-11. Children five and under are free. All admission includes pro pit access. On both Saturday and Sunday, the youth division races are at 8 a.m., amateurs race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and pros race at 1 p.m. The sixth and final round of UTV racing will take place Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

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Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna’s Grant Baylor didn’t let the rain bother him as he raced his way to the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award to start the Powerline Park GNCC. Baylor maintained the lead through the endurocross section with Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Josh Strang, Beta USA’s Jordan Ashburn and FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell in tow. Baylor cruised through timing and scoring on the first lap still in the lead, while Strang went from second to fourth just one turn before the checkpoint, allowing for Russell to move into the runner-up position with Ashburn behind him in third.

Russell made the pass for the lead after Baylor took a bad line and got stuck. Ashburn capitalized on Baylor’s misfortune and also got by him for second. As they came out of the woods in a field section, Strang was back into third.

Another lead change occurred when Russell hit a log and went down, allowing for Ashburn to slide by. The crash caused Russell’s front fender to fall off creating another added obstacle to the already treacherous track. Russell got back past Ashburn and then Ashburn had more trouble at the creek jump where he went over the bars and couldn’t get his bike unstuck. Strang used this to his advantage and once again found himself in second.

N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell had worked his way into third in the Powerline Park GNCC, but also had issues at the creek jump allowing Baylor to move back up to third. Russell seemingly ran his own race up front fenderless and came to the finish 1:13.500 ahead of Strang who had one of his best rides of the season in second.

Russell’s win was enough for him to wrap-up his fifth-straight title, and he is now tied with Scott Summers for first on the all-time GNCC winner’s list.

“Today was a good day,” Kailub Russell said. “it looked like it was going to be really awesome this afternoon before it started raining and got slick. I made a dumb mistake and fell over and broke my front fender off, and then I was just roosting myself out. But yeah, it’s been a great a year and I’m happy to get number five and tie the all-time win record today.”

Meanwhile, FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Russell Bobbitt was continually pushing through the pack and was in fourth when the two-lap card came out. Baylor looked to be in a good position for the podium until taking a bad line through the creek jump just one mile before the finish. Bobbitt took the main line and made the pass on Baylor to land his first-ever podium finish, third place, at the Powerline Park GNCC.

Baylor followed in fourth, with R Russell in sixth overall. Jonathan Girroir rebounded from two different crashes on the first lap to have his best finish to date with ninth overall.

When the green flag waved for the second row, RPM/KTM’s Mike Witkowski grabbed $100 Hot Cams XC2 250 Pro Holeshot Award, but Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Layne Michael quickly took the lead. Michael led majority of the race in an overall podium position until having a small tip over just before the white flag came out.

Michael’s teammate, Craig Delong, was right there to make the pass and continued leading until the checkered flag flew, claiming his first win of the season. Michael and N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Josh Toth finished second and third. Trail Jesters/KTM Racing’s Ben Kelley and Witkowski rounded out the top-five in the XC2 250 Pro division.

Coastal Racing’s Jack Edmondson barely edged out Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna’s Tayla Jones for the $100 Wiseco Holeshot Award in the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class at the Powerline Park GNCC. Edmondson continued leading from start to finish for the class win, with his team manager Barry Hawk racing his way to second, followed by Devan Welch in third.

Eleventh overall earned Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Alex Teagarden top amateur honors. Matthew Keefer and Jojo Bowden finished second and third, respectively.

Bonanza Plumbing/Trail Jester KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker secured her first WXC win of the season along with the 10 a.m. overall. Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM-backed Becca Sheets was second, with 125 B/C class winner Randall Ervin finishing an impressive third overall. The Motorcycle Shop/Kenda/Bell/V3 Off-Road’s Brooke Cosner capped off the WXC top-three.

The 8 a.m. youth race kicked off the day with some exciting race action where each lap had a different leader. At the end of the race it was Mack Riemer standing in the middle of the box claiming his first win of the season. Max Fernandez and Shawn Myers rounded out the overall podium. Zack Davidson missed the podium, but his sixth overall finish allowed him to secure the overall youth championship.

The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series concludes in three weeks with the popular AMSOIL Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana, October 28- 29.

2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC)
Polaris Ace Powerline Park GNCC
St. Clairsville, Ohio
Results: October 8, 2017 (Round 12 of 13)

XC1 Open Pro
1. Kailub Russell (HSQ)
2. Josh Strang (HSQ)
3. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
4. Grant Baylor (HSQ)
5. Ricky Russell (YAM)
6. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
7. Trevor Bollinger (HON)
8. Ryan Sipes (HSQ)
9. Andrew Delong (HSQ)
10. Jordan Ashburn (BET)

2017 AMSOIL GNCC Overall National Championship Points Standings (after 12 of 13 rounds)*
1. Kailub Russell (290)**
2. Thad Duvall (202)
3. Ricky Russell (199)
4. Steward Baylor (193)
5. Josh Toth (180)
6. Grant Baylor (162)
7. Trevor Bollinger (137)
8. Craig Delong (130)
9. Layne Michael (130)
10. Russell Bobbitt (122)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion.
**Clinched 2017 AMSOIL GNCC National Championship

XC2 250 Pro
1. Craig Delong (HSQ)
2. Layne Michael (HSQ)
3. Josh Toth (YAM)
4. Ben Kelley (KTM)
5. Mike Witkowski (KTM)
6. Zach Nolan (KTM)
7. Sam Evans (KTM)
8. Jesse Groemm (KTM)
9. Triston Landrum (YAM)
10. Ryder Lafferty (KTM)

XC2 250 Pro Series Points Standings (after 12 of 13 rounds)
1. Josh Toth (322)
2. Craig Delong (268)
3. Layne Michael (262)
4. Mike Witkowski (211)
5. Ben Kelley (177)
6. Austin Lee (168)
7. Jesse Groemm (164)
8. Zack Hayes (138)
9. Sam Evans (114)
10. Zach Nolan (109)

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am
1. Jack Edmondson (HSQ)
2. Barry Hawk (HSQ)
3. Devan Welch (YAM)
4. Chris Venditti (YAM)
5. Shawn Page (KTM)
6. Hunter Neuwirth (HSQ)
7. Mark Heresco Jr. (KTM)
8. Jaryn Williams (YAM)
9. Tayla Jones (HSQ)
10. Josh Adkins (YAM)

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am Series Points Standings (after 12 of 13 rounds)
1. Jason Thomas (292)
2. Hunter Neuwirth (232)
3. Mark Heresco Jr. (219)
4. Jack Edmondson (208)
5. Jaryn Williams (150)
6. Josh Adkins (148)
7. Devan Welch (132)
8. Paul Whibley (117)
9. Nate Smith (62)
10. Dustin Gibson (61)

The post Polaris Ace Powerline Park GNCC Results: Kailub Russell Clinches Fifth GNCC Title appeared first on Dirt Bikes.

Ricky Russell jumped out to the early lead at the Mountaineer Run on his N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha-backed machine once the green flag waved and earned the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Pro Holeshot Award. Mason Atherton was in tow, but as they entered the woods Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Ryan Sipes led the way onto the dusty 12-mile course.

After dicing it out in the woods and settling into a pace, Sipes maintained the Mountaineer Run lead as they emerged in the first open field section with FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell sitting 30 seconds behind him. As the opening lap came to a close it was Sipes, K Russell and JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger sitting in podium contention.

Sipes continued charging and as they completed the second lap, he sat over a minute ahead of K Russell who was accompanied by Bollinger, the latter on his rear wheel. Bollinger secured the second-place position on the next lap right before the FMF PowerPoint rock garden, but K Russell quickly worked his way back by him.

All eyes were on K Russell and Bollinger who had cut the gap on Sipes to only 30 seconds as they set out on lap four of the seven-lap race. Sipes’ struggled through a pit stop where his quick fill gas can malfunctioned, followed by a machine that wouldn’t fire back up, but even with the added time he kept a comfortable gap over K Russell.

At the mid-way point of the Mountaineer Run, a change-up occurred for the final podium position where Bollinger fell back to fifth and R Russell and SRT/KTM’s Stu Baylor moved to third and fourth.

Sipes still had command of the lead once the two-lap card came out, while K Russell tipped over just before checking in timing and scoring. K Russell quickly remounted his bike, but the gap remained the same as the white flag came out.

Sipes continued his dominance on the last lap, while R Russell began closing the gap on K Russell. Sipes raced his way to the checkered flag 33 seconds ahead of K Russell, earning his first ever overall win. R Russell cut the gap to only five seconds by the time he crossed the finish line in third.

S Baylor was accredited fifth overall, while Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna’s Grant Baylor and Bollinger finished sixth and seventh.

When it was time for the second line to take off, Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Layne Michael earned the $100 Hot Cams XC2 Holeshot Award. Michael led the first two laps of the race, until N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Josh Toth took over the lead. Toth stayed consistent in the lead until the finish, where he was awarded with the No. 1 plate for the XC2 250 Pro class championship. Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Craig Delong followed in second, while Michael followed his teammate in third.

N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley snagged the $100 Wiseco FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class holeshot, but Jason Thomas was able to get in the early lead and maintain the front position until the checkered flag flew. Whibley and Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Jack Edmondson rounded out the class podium. Thomas’ win vaulted him to the top of the points standings where he was presented with the National Championship.

Alex Teagarden secured top amateur honors with 18th overall, while Cole Mattison and Hunter Bush filled the rest of the amateur podium in the 1 p.m. pro race.

The WXC ladies topped the 10 a.m. overall podium at the Mountaineer Run, where Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM’s Becca Sheets claimed her second win of the season. Bonanza Plumbing/Trail Jester KTM”s Mackenzie tricker followed in second, while The Motorcycle Shop/Kenda/Bell/V3 Off-Road’s Brooke Cosner rounded out the podium in third. Randall Ervin was awarded the Overall Amateur award after his 125 B/C class win and tenth overall.

After a hard fought battle, MXTire.com/Cernics Racing/Sidi-backed Ryder LeBlond grabbed his first-ever youth overall win over Shawn Myers and Tely Energy’s Peyton Whipkey.

The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series travels to St. Clairsville, Ohio in two weeks, October 7 and 8, with the Polaris Ace Powerline Park GNCC.

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer Run GNCC
Marvin’s Mountain Top
Masontown, West Virginia
Results: September 24, 2017 (Round 11 of 13)

XC1 Open Pro
1. Ryan Sipes-Hus
2. Kailub Russell-KTM
3. Ricky Russell-Yam
4. Steward Baylor-KTM
5. Grant Baylor-Hus
6. Trevor Bollinger-Hon
7. Russell Bobbitt-KTM
8. Mason Atherton-Hus
9. Chris Bach-KTM
10. Josh Strang-Hus

2017 AMSOIL GNCC Overall National Championship Standings (after 11 of 13 rounds)*
1. Kailub Russell-260
2. Thad Duvall-202
3. Steward Baylor-193
4. Ricky Russell-184
5. Josh Toth-167
6. Grant Baylor-144
7. Trevor Bollinger-129
8. Layne Michael-116
9. Craig Delong-114
10. Jordan Ashburn-112
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion.

XC2 250 Pro
1. Josh Toth-Yam
2. Craig Delong-Hus
3. Layne Michael-Hus
4. Michael Witkowski-KTM
5. Ben Kelley-KTM
6. Austin Lee-Hon
7. Brendan Riordan-Yam
8. Dylan Macritchie-KTM
9. Jesper Borjessen-Hus
10. Jesse Groemm-KTM

2017 AMSOIL GNCC XC2 250 Pro Series Standings (after 11 of 13 rounds)
1. Josh Toth-301
2. Craig Delong-238
3. Layne Michael-237
4. Mike Witkowski-195
5. Ben Kelley-159
6. Austin Lee-158
7. Jesse Groemm-151
8. Zack Hayes-131
9. Sam Evans-100
10. Zach Nolan-94

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am
1. Jason Thomas-Hus
2. Paul Whibley-Yam
3. Jack Edmondson-Hus
4. Chris Venditti-Yam
5. Hunter Neuwirth-Hus
6. Tayla Jones-Hus
7. Devan Welch-Yam
8. Jaryn Williams-Yam
9. Mark Heresco Jr.-KTM
10. Josh Adkins-Yam

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am Points Standings (after 11 of 13 rounds)
1. Jason Thomas-292
2. Hunter Neuwirth-217
3. Mark Heresco Jr.-205
4. Jack Edmondson-178
5. Jaryn Williams-137
6. Josh Adkins-137
7. Paul Whibley-117
8. Devan Welch-111
9. Nate Smith-62
10. Dustin Gibson-61

The post Mountaineer Run GNCC Results: Ryan Sipes Nets First Overall Win appeared first on Dirt Bikes.