VOLUME 56 ISSUE 41 OCTOBER 15, 2019 P59
still bothering him during the race on Sunday, and
after running in third place midway into the three-
hour race, Russell decided to call it a day rather than
take a chance on further injury.
Russell's chief rival in the title chase, Rockstar En-
ergy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Thad Duvall, also
suffered an injury before the race and was a specta-
tor in West Virginia. He suffered a season-ending leg
injury the Tuesday before the Mountaineer GNCC.
Russell basically secured the championship right
then and there but didn't make it official until the race
actually started. So, DNF or not, Russell is once
again the GNCC champ.
"It's a sad way to end the year, but it's racing dirt
bikes," said Russell. "I had a pretty good crash this
CLINCHES 7TH GNCC TITLE
championship in less-than-dramatic fashion,
first career XC1 Pro victory
