Racing

A Look Back At The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series Opener

Kailub Russell claims series point lead with a win at round 1 of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series in Union, South Carolina

By Shan Moore

February 28, 2018

The week wouldn’t be complete without a photo essay looking back at the action from this weekend’s AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series opener thanks to photographer Darrin Chapman.

The XC1 Open Pro class gets underway with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Josh Strang (114) edging out AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell (212) for the holeshot.Darrin Chapman

Jason Thomas (111) and Michael Witkowski (282) battle for the lead shortly after the start of the XC2 250 Pro class, while eventual winner Josh Toth (1) fights to get into the mix.Darrin Chapman

FMF KTM’s Kailub Russell leads JRC Honda’s Trevor Bollinger midway into the three-hour race.Darrin Chapman

Former SX/MX star Ryan Sipes (Rockstar/Maxxis/Leatt Husqvarna) ran in the top five during the early stages of the race, but he was forced to drop out due to fuel issues.Darrin Chapman

Becca Sheets rips through the South Carolina pines. The Fly/Maxxis/Seat Concepts KTM rider led most of the WMX race, but she gave up the lead to Tayla Jones less than a mile from the finish.Darrin Chapman

Steward Baylor was one of the pre-race favorites before the race. The South Carolina native finished the race in third on his Tely Energy Racing KTM.Darrin Chapman

Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Ben Kelley now has started the year with a podium at the Kenda AMA National Enduro in Sumter, South Carolina, and a podium (second place) in the XC2 250 Pro division at last weekend’s GNCC.Darrin Chapman

Husqvarna-backed Coastal Racing’s Craig DeLong searches for traction through one of the “rotty” turns on the Big Buck course. DeLong was fifth in the XC2 250 Pro class.Darrin Chapman

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Josh Strang grabbed the holeshot to start the XC1 Open Pro race, then settled into fifth place at the finish.Darrin Chapman

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thad Duvall chased Kailub Russell across the finish after leading much of the XC1 Open Pro race.Darrin Chapman

Bonanza Plumbing/Trail Jester KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker finished a solid third in the highly competitive WMX’s class.Darrin Chapman

FMF KTM’s Josh Toth reached the checkers some eight seconds ahead of XC2 250 Pro runner-up Ben Kelley. Like Kelley, this finish was Toth’s second national podium in a row after finishing second in the Sumter National Enduro earlier this month.Darrin Chapman