Dry weather is finally expected to greet riders for Round 4 of the 2014 Grand National Cross Country series at Big Buck Farm in Union, SC.
Mud described the first three series and severe wet weather shortened Round 2. MotoSport rider and defending champion Kailub Russell took first place in the last two races and is in second place, a mere three points behind the leader, his teammate Charlie Mullins.
"I'm looking forward the race. I've always done well at this venue and look to have a solid ride and try and keep the win streak going," Russell said. "The weather seems like it's going to cooperate this weekend and should make our first decent race of the year."
Photos by Ken Hill
A first turn pile up and mechanical failure left Russell in ninth-place and 14th overall after Round 1. But two consecutive victories puts him right back into the hunt for a second consecutive championship. Both Russell and Mullins have won at Big Buck so they know the course well - as does Josh Strang who sits in third place, just nine points behind Russell. Strang has won at Big Buck twice and is the only rider this year to finish in the Top 5 overall every round.
The Big Buck course is considered a fast and wide-open course featuring woods, fields, creek crossings, rocks and hills. The XC1 and XC2 Pro bikes start on Sunday a day after the 4-wheelers compete which typically roughs up the course and makes for an interesting race.
GNCC Round 4 starts tomorrow with ATV racing. Russell and Company start at 1 p.m. (EST) Sunday at Big Buck Farm, 170 Red Barn Rd in Union, SC.
GNCC Overall National Championship standings:
- Charlie Mullins (70)
- Kailub Russell (67)
- Josh Strang (58)
- Jordan Ashburn (50)
- Steward Baylor (44)
- Paul Whibley (43)
- Grant Baylor (38)
- Thad Duvall (36)
- Trevor Bollinger (34)
- Ricky Russell (33)
