Darrin Chapman

Thad Duvall Dominates John Penton GNCC

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider breaks Kailub Russell’s win streak

May 29, 2018

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing' Thad Duvall sprinted early and stormed to victory at the John Penton GNCC, putting a temporary hold on Kailub Russell's domination of the Grand National Cross Country Series.

“It is an awesome feeling to take the trophy home in front of all my friends and family,” Duvall said. “The track was rutted and muddy, the heat didn’t help either. I powered through and felt good all day.”

Thad's Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Josh Strang finished second, bumping Russell to third overall after three hours and 14 minutes of racing.

“I definitely didn’t make it easy on myself today,” Russell admitted. “I made quite a few mistakes and couldn’t stay off the ground, but I guess if you can get yourself on the podium on a bad day, that’s still a good day for the championship.”

Duvall dominated the Ohio race, crossing the finish line with more than two minutes to spare ahead of his teammate Strang.Darrin Chapman

2018 John Penton GNCC Overall Results

Position	Rider	Brand
1	Thad Duvall	Husqvarna
2	Josh Strang	Husqvarna
3	Kailub Russell	KTM
4	Steward Baylor	KTM
5	Jordan Ashburn	Beta
6	Ricky Russell	Yamaha
7	Trevor Bollinger	Honda
8	Cory Buttrick	Husqvarna
9	Andrew Delong	GasGas
10	Layne Michael	Husqvarna

Strang held off a strong, last-second push by Kailub Russell to secure the runner-up slot, his best finish of the season.Darrin Chapman

Josh Toth won the XC2 250 Pro class with a fifth overall finish, moving him closer to point leader Ben Kelley in the XC2 standings.Darrin Chapman

2018 GNCC Point Standings

Position	Rider	Brand	Points
1	Kailub Russell	KTM	196
2	Thad Duvall	Husqvarna	181
3	Steward Baylor	KTM	135
4	Trevor Bollinger	Honda	118
5	Josh Strang	Husqvarna	111
6	Ben Kelley	KTM	105
7	Josh Toth	KTM	90
8	Ricky Russell	Yamaha	78
9	Jordan Ashburn	Beta	61
10	Craig Delong	Husqvarna	58

Beta USA’s Jordan Ashburn put in one of his best rides at The John Penton this past Sunday. Ashburn started the race mid-pack but managed to make his way through for a top-five finish in the XC1 Open Pro class.Darrin Chapman

Kelley finished seventh overall and second in the XC2 250 Pro division, but still maintains a 20-point lead over Toth in the class standings.Darrin Chapman

GasGas/FAR’s Nick Davis got a good jump off the second row and grabbed the $100 Hot Cams Holeshot Award.Darrin Chapman

Delong held the lead in the XC2 250 Pro class for the first three laps and ultimately finished 10th overall.Darrin Chapman

After starting the race in the 10th-place position, Tely Energy Racing KTM's Steward Baylor Jr. put his head down and pushed hard to finish fourth.Darrin Chapman

The win was Duvall’s second of the series and it moved him to within 15 points of Russell in the overall standings.Darrin Chapman