Strang Tops John Penton GNCC
A
fter two-straight unlucky
races that resulted in a DNF
and a 12th overall, Josh Strang
(Babbitts Online/Monster Ener-
gy/Kawasaki Team Green) threw
his hat back into the ring among
championship contenders with
an inspiring performance in hot
and demanding conditions at the
John Penton GNCC in Millfield,
Ohio, May 23.
After getting off to a top-five
start, Strang paced himself in
the heat while keeping the front-
runners in sight. Then, on the
final lap, the Aussie off-roader
pounced, passing FMF/KTM's
Ben Kelley in a grass track sec-
tion to take the lead. At the end of
the lap, Strang crossed the finish
line with just over five seconds to
spare ahead of Kelley.
"It was hot today, and I just
rode there behind the boys,
about 10 to 15 seconds behind,
and then I think honestly they just
started getting tired," said Strang.
"There was one section that I
used to pass Ricky [Russell] early
in the race and it was faster, so
I knew if I got right behind Ben
right there and tried to do that I
could get past and I was able to."
The win was special for Strang.
"This is the only race of the se-
ries that I have raced every year
I've been here [15 years] and this
is my first time to win it."
Strang received the traditional
Penton gas tank that goes to the
winner.
After winning the second round
of the season, Kelley has been
stymied in his attempt to win
another, but his runner-up finish
in Ohio helped extend his lead
in the championship standings.
He now sits nine points ahead of
AmPro Yamaha's Steward Baylor,
who had won the previous four
races.
IN
THE
WIND
P36
Josh Strang finally
nabbed a win at the
John Penton GNCC
after 15 years of
trying.
PHOTOS: KEN HILL
