Ironman GNCC Delivers History, Heartbreak
K
ailub Russell turned back the
clock at Sunday's Ironman
GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana,
claiming his first victory of the
2026 season and extending his
record as the winningest mo-
torcycle racer in Grand National
Cross-Country history. While
the eight-time GNCC Champion
enjoyed a relatively trouble-free
afternoon, the penultimate round
of the series produced plenty of
drama behind him, including late-
race heartbreak for two riders
who appeared headed for strong
finishes.
Russell, who returned to com-
petition last season following a
four-year hiatus, entered the race
with 68 career victories, already
well ahead of the legendary Scott
Summers' 46. His 69th came in
convincing fashion, as the AmPro
Yamaha rider, Russell, took con-
trol early and never looked back.
Perfect weather greeted the
riders, although the dry condi-
tions created thick dust and deep
silt that made visibility and trac-
tion unpredictable. With passing
opportunities limited in places,
getting a good start was espe-
cially important.
FMF KTM Factory Racing's
Grant Davis, winner of the John
Penton GNCC in September,
grabbed the holeshot after Rock-
star Energy Husqvarna's Craig
DeLong ran wide in the first turn
despite getting the quickest jump
off the line. Russell tucked into
second, followed by his AmPro
Yamaha teammate Liam Draper.
Meanwhile, championship
leader Jordan Ashburn's after-
noon started disastrously when
the Phoenix Honda Racing rider
crashed in the first turn, taking
out FMF KTM's Ben Kelley and
Liqui Moly Beta's Josh Strang.
Russell wasted little time mov-
ing to the front. By the seven-mile
mark, he led Draper, with Red
Bear Rocky Mountain Kawasaki's
Steward Baylor Jr third, followed
by Davis and Evan Smith.
By the end of the opening
WIND
IN THE
P52
Kailub Russell was
thrilled to take his
first overall win of the
season and do it on a
450 for the first time
in his career.
PHOTOS: MACK FAINT
