another in a long line of gutsy
wins that the North Carolina rider
has become known for. Another
stepping-stone toward securing
a sixth-straight GNCC title.
Duvall gave Kailub a run for
his money and took over the
lead at several points in the
race. The two front-runners even
came together at one point.
"It was just one of those
things, I didn't mean to do it,"
said Russell. "He squared this
turn up and I just slid into him.
I thought 'oh, god.' We hit hard
and I thought we were both go-
ing to go down. I was just trying
to be aggressive because I didn't
want to be in the dust."
Russell took the lead for good
on the final lap, but Duvall was
rarely more than a bike-length
behind as the two powered for
the checkered flag. Russell was
expecting an aggressive move
I just tried to pin it there on the
last lap. He was able to get right
up next to me, but I knew it was
going to be slow coming out,
but I had the high dry line so I
had more momentum at the exit.
He almost had it, but I pinned it
heading onto the field and I was
able to hold him off."
For Duvall, it was a frustrating
defeat. But one that proved that
he is still in the hunt.
"I feel like I gave it my all,
especially on the last lap," said
VOL. 55 ISSUE 16 APRIL 24, 2018 P49
(Above) The Russell/Duvall rivalry has
been fierce but respectful between
these two riders. (Left) It was this
close at the finish, with Kailub Russell
out-dueling Thad Duvall for the overall
win at the Camp Coker GNCC in
South Carolina.
by Duvall to take the lead, but
the North Carolina rider was
ready for it. Russell blocked
Duvall's attempts and held on to
take the win.
"I knew he was going to try to
make a move on the last lap,"
said Russell. "I saw he picked
out a line in this little swampy
area and I knew he was going to
put on a good charge there, so
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
KEN
HILL
Duvall. "I tried a couple of banzai
moves but I couldn't pull it off. At
the beginning of the race I didn't
know if I had what it takes to
beat him today. I was just a little
