RUSSELL, BOLLINGER AGAIN AT
BIG BUCK GNCC
I
t's official. Kailub Russell is on
a roll in the AMSOIL Grand Na-
tional Cross Country Series. It
might have taken several rounds
for the defending champion to
find his stride, but he's back
to his winning ways, helping
himself to his second consecu-
tive win of 2016 at the Big Buck
GNCC in Union, South Carolina,
April 17. The KTM/FMF rider
quickly moved into the lead in
XC1 Pro class, and proceeded
to build a gap over the field, but
it was anything but business as
usual at round four of the GNCC
Series.
As opening ceremonies com-
menced, there was a noticeable
absence on the starting line.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's
Josh Strang was still in the pit
sorting out a last-minute me-
chanical issue and barely made
it to the start before the green
flag waved. Obermeyer Suzuki's
Ricky Russell grabbed the $250
All Balls Racing Holeshot Award
and enjoyed a few minutes of
clear air before Kailub Russell
moved in to relieve him of the
point. Strang found himself bur-
ied in the pack in the opening
lap, preventing him from making
an early charge for the lead.
As a result, Russell was able to
build a gap over the field rather
quickly as dust was a factor in
the grass sections.
Westfield Powersports KTM
rider Jordan Ashburn was keep-
ing Russell honest for the first
few laps as he remained just
seconds behind the leader.
Ryan Sipes was also on the
move, positioning his Coastal
Racing Rockstar Husqvarna into
third place by the end of the first
IN
THE
WIND
P26
A win for FMF/
KTM's Kailub
Russell (pictured)
at the Big Buck
now has him tied
on points with
Josh Strang for the
championship lead.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
KEN
HILL
