DeLong Back On Top
A
fter leading this weekend's
Powerline GNCC in St. Clairs-
ville, Ohio, for the final five laps of
the six-lap race, Rockstar Energy
Husqvarna's Craig DeLong had
to block FMF/KTM Factory rider
Johnny Girroir with two turns to
go on the final lap to grab his first
win of the season. The defend
-
ing series champ led most of the
five laps by at least 30 seconds
on the slippery, old-school track,
until Girroir caught fire to give the
crowd one of the most exciting
finishes in GNCC history.
Meanwhile, Babbitt's Monster
Energy Kawasaki's Grant Baylor
came from last place to round
out the podium, making the race
even more exciting.
DeLong grabbed the holeshot
to start the race but was quickly
passed by Coastal Racing Gas
-
Gas' Ryder Lafferty. However,
DeLong was able to regain the
lead at the start of lap two.
Behind Lafferty, Coastal Rac-
ing GasGas' Jordan Ashburn,
Phoenix Honda Racing's Mike
Witkowski and Girroir were tied
up in a scrum of their own.
With clear air out front, De
-
Long was able to slowly build
his lead until it reached a gap
of 30 seconds from Girroir, who
had passed Witkowski mid-lap.
Ashburn pulled into the pits with
clutch problems, and after a
lengthy repair, was only able to
muster 20th place at the finish.
FMF Factory Racing Landers'
Grant Davis led the XC2 250 Pro
class and, on adjusted time, was
sitting in the top three overall for
a while.
Not wanting to throw the
lead away, and knowing he
had a considerable cushion,
DeLong backed off the pace a
bit. However, it was just enough
for Girroir to get into position to
see DeLong, and the race was
on. Girroir picked up the pace
and was right on DeLong's rear
fender for most of the final mile.
Within sight of the finish, Girroir
tried to slip under DeLong, but
WIND
IN THE
P38
Defending champ Craig
DeLong got back to
his winning ways in
St. Clairesville, Ohio.
PHOTOS: MACK FAINT.
