Washington, GA – Factory FMF/KTM riders Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins battled for the entire three-hour race at the second round of the GNCC Series to finish less than a bike length apart when they crossed the finish line to finish first and second respectively.

It was Mullins who grabbed a great start rounding the first corner in third position. Russell was close to him but slid out in the first corner to recover mid-pack. Russell quickly made up time and headed into the woods inside the top ten.

At the end of the first lap, Mullins, Russell and Thad Duvall battled for the top spot. From there, the three continued to swap the lead multiple times always staying within a three second window of each other for the entire seven lap race.

On the final lap, Russell led Mullins as they headed into the woods. Halfway through Mullins was able to make a pass for the lead. Unfortunately, he took a bad line in a mud section moments later allowing Russell to get back around. “Once I got back by Charlie, I was determined to not let him get the win. I wasn’t going to lose it on the last lap,” commented Russell.

Russell did hold on for the duration of the final lap to finish just a bike length ahead of Mullins at the finish. Now two races into the series, the two teammates are tied for the points lead.

Joining them in victory circle was their teammate, Maria Forsberg, who took the overall win in the Women’s class over fellow KTM rider Kacy Martinez. “I had a lot of fun today,” commented Forsberg. “I always like this event; I just wish it were a little muddier.” Heading to the third round, Forsberg, Martinez and Jessica Patterson are tied for the women’s points lead.

In the XC2 Pro Lites class, it was KTM support rider Grant Baylor who nailed the holeshot and took the early lead. Although he lost the lead on the second lap, he never stopped pushing and was able to hang on to finish a strong second place overall.

Next Event: Morganton, NC – April 6, 2013

Overall Results (XC1 and XC2 combined) –

1. Kailub Russell – KTM
2. Charlie Mullins – KTM
3. Thad Duvall
4. Josh Strang
5. Chris Bach – KTM
6. Paul Whibley
7. Andrew Delong
8. Grant Baylor – KTM
9. Zach Osborne
10. Jordan Ashburn

Overall Results Women’s Class –

1. Maria Forsberg – KTM
2. Kacy Martinez – KTM
3. Jessica Patterson
4. Ashley Copeland
5. Mandi Mastin – KTM
6. Hannah Otto – KTM
7. Becca Sheets
8. Felicia Robichaud – KTM
9. Rache Gutish
10. Emily Raines

Overall Point Standings XC1 –

1. Kailub Russell – 55
2. Charlie Mullins – 55
3. Josh Strang – 39

Overall Point Standings XC2 –

1. Andrew Delong – 50
2. Grant Baylor – 41
3. Zach Osborne – 39

Overall Point Standings Women’s –

1. Kacy Martinez – 38
2. Maria Forsberg – 38
3. Jessica Patterson – 38