Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 13 - Crawfordsville, IN

North Wilkesboro, NC - The final round of the 2008 GNCC series took place in Crawfordsville, IN. The weather in Indiana in October is unpredictable, and fortunately the Powersport Grafx team was met with perfect weather and track conditions for its final race of the year.

Without a doubt, the best race of the day took place in the XC2 Pro Lites class between Powersport Grafx team riders Kailub Russell and Cory Buttrick. The XC2 race started with Russell grabbing the $100 Thumpertalk.com holeshot award with his teammate Buttrick close on his heels. Buttrick and Russell quickly began to set a blistering pace, pulling away from the rest of the XC2 field and passing their way through the XC1 Pro class in the process. At the end of the first lap, the pair were over 20 seconds ahead of the 3rd place rider. Russell and Buttrick traded positions often, with Buttrick doing a lot of the leading and pace setting that pulled the teammates out to over a 2 minute lead by the end of the 4th lap.

On the 6th lap, disaster struck for Buttrick as mousse foam tube in his rear wheel became dislodged resulting in Buttrick being forced to exit the track, head to the pits, then return to the spot he left, dropping him out of the top-3 in the class. Cory put his head down and put on the charge of a lifetime on the last lap and ended up passing his way back into 2nd place with two turns left in the race. Russell was able to cruise into the finish for his 2nd victory of the season in the class. Russell finished the day in a season-best 6th place overall position and Buttrick came through in 8th place overall. Russell's finish secured him 3rd place in the overall season points, a mere 2 points behind 2nd.

Jordan Ashburn returned to GNCC racing aboard his KTM 450SXF and went immediately back to his winning ways in the Open A class. Jordan took a commanding win by over 4 minutes and led every lap except for the first. Ashburn's impressive ride landed him the day's Top Overall Amateur award with a 13th place overall finish.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 12 - St. Clairsville, OH

North Wilkesboro, NC - The penultimate round of the 2008 GNCC series took the Powersport Grafx team to St. Clairsville, Ohio. The Power Line Park GNCC is notorious for its weather, either cold and wet or hot and dusty. For 2008 Mother Nature gave racers beautiful blue skies and temperatures in the upper 70s--nearly perfect racing conditions.

In this 3rd GNCC in the XC2 Pro Lites class, Cory Buttrick took his 3rd consecutive podium with a 3rd place class finish. After another solid start, Cory B. found himself in a battle for the lead in the early laps of the three hour race. Lapped traffic became a factor as the two leaders were able to put a small gap on Buttrick near the halfway mark. Cory rode consistent to keep the comfortable cushion he had over 4th place to secure the podium spot and a 9th place overall finish on the day.

Kailub Russell looked to be back to his winning ways win he ripped a monster holeshot in the XC2 Pro Lites Class netting him the $100 Thumpertalk.com Holeshot Award. Kailub rounded the first lap in 2nd place, right on the heels of race leader Jason Thomas. Unfortunately, on the 2nd lap disaster struck. Coming into a tricky section leading to a creek, Kailub in an attempt to avoid a crashing rider went off a creek bank into a deep section of water drowning out his bike. He was able to get going after over 5 minutes of work on the bike which dropped him to a 12th place position. Kailub didn't give up, instead he rode hard to the finish for a 7th place class finish.

Steward Baylor's first win in the 200A class didn't come easy. It took a three hour battle and a last lap pass to give the 2008 GNCC Youth Champion the win by a mere 8 seconds. Steward's impressive ride nearly landed him his first top-20 overall finish with a very respectable 21st on the day.

Lee Rowland had a tough go in the 200B class in St. Clairsville. After running in the top-5 early in the race, Lee ran into some problems and dropped back to a 9th place finish in the class. Lee sits in 4th place in the overall 200B Class points.

Grant Baylor's fight for the 85cc 7-11 championship continued at Round 12 of the GNCC series. Grant got off to a great start grabbing the early lead, battling with 2nd place rider in both the race and points, Aaron Plessinger. Plessinger eventually made a pass on Grant that he was able to hold until the end of the race. The championship will be decided between these two riders at the final round as Grant now sits in 2nd place in the class points, 3 points behind the leader.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 11 - New Berlin, NY

North Wilkesboro, NC - The historic Unadilla Valley Sports Center hosted Round 11 of the 2008 GNCC series. The Powersport Grafx team made the long trek from its base in North Wilkesboro, NC to compete in one of the most popular events in the GNCC tour. Unadilla is most famous for its motocross track, but its great GNCC course is gaining notoriety as well. Weather is always an issue in Upstate New York this time of year, and it was no exception for this race. The rain held off all day until an hour before the afternoon race when it began to pour, and continued to do so throughout the entire 3 hour event. Fortunately, the area had not seen any rain for 3 weeks so the track help up surprisingly well given the circumstances.

It has been two races in the XC2 Pro Lites class for Cory Buttrick, who moved up after wrapping up the 4 Stroke A Lites title at round 9, and in those two races Buttrick has landed on the podium both times. Cory held 2nd place position for the majority of the race until being passed on the next-to-last lap by Jason Thomas. Buttrick didn't back down though, and put on a last lap charge to regain the 2nd place position in the class. Cory finished an impressive 6th place overall--his best-ever overall finish.

Kailub Russell came to Unadilla looking for redemption after a tough race at the previous GNCC round at Snowshoe, WV. Unfortunately for Kailub, he was in for another tough day at the office due to the very muddy conditions. Russell fought hard the entire 3 hours for his 6th place class finish which landed him inside the top 20 with a 19th place overall finish. With two rounds left in the GNCC series, Kailub sits in a solid 3rd place position in the overall XC2 Pro Lites class standings.

Looking for a new challenge after wrapping up the 250 A Class championship the previous round, Jordan Ashburn decided to race a KTM 450SX at Unadilla in the Open A class. It was a great decision as Jordan rode to a first place finish in the Open A Class and a very solid 13th place overall finish, making Jordan the top amateur racer at the Unadilla GNCC.

Steward Baylor's day didn't start so well with a crash in the first turn. But, showing the poise that made him the 2008 GNCC Overall Youth Champion, Baylor put his head down and charged for the entire 3 hour event and moved his way into a 3rd place position in the 200A class. Steward's ride was good enough for a 55th overall finish out of 300+ riders in the afternoon race.

Lee Rowland put in a great come-from-behind ride in the competitive 200B class. Rowland came through the first lap in 12th place in the class and managed to move his way into third place by the end of the race. Lee sits in 4th place overall in the 200B class standings.

Grant Baylor extended his points lead in the 85cc 7-11class with an impressive win. Baylor was the only rider in his class to complete all 6 laps, putting Grant into the top 10 overall with a 9th place finish out of the nearly 200 youth racers.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 10 - Snowshoe, WV

North Wilkesboro, NC - Round 10 of the GNCC series took the Powersport Grafx race team to elevation 4848 feet in the mountains of Snowshoe, WV for the first round back from the 2 month Summer break. The Snowshoe GNCC is known as the toughest race on the tour with its huge rocks, steep hills, and underground springs that make for some very muddy sections. A grand prix style start is used at the Snowshoe GNCC with riders taking off in waves of 5 on the main paved road in front of the resort which made for interesting race conditions as time adjustments have to be made for final positions. Weather conditions were perfect for racing with clear skies and temperatures in the low 80s.

Fresh off a week of training in Arizona with his trainer Steve Hatch, Kailub Russell came to the Snowshoe GNCC looking for a win. Starting on the first row of XC2 Pro Lites Racers Kailub rounded the first lap in 3rd position and quickly moved into 2nd place in the class. Unfortunately, Kailub fell victim to one of the many fender-deep mud holes on the course and dropped back to 6th place. Kailub put on a charge back up to 3rd place but again got stuck and spent quite a bit of time pulling his bike out, dropping all the way back to 11th by the race's end. Kailub sits in 3rd place in the overall XC2 Pro Lites points.

Cory Buttrick made his pro racing debut in the XC2 Pro Lites class at the Snowshoe GNCC and made quite the impact in his first GNCC since wrapping up the 4 Stroke A Lites class championship before the summer break. Starting well behind the majority of the class due to the unique starting arrangement which was based on class points, Buttrick charged into 4th place in the class on the first lap. Buttrick kept his pace going and had moved into second place in the very competitive XC2 class by the end of the second lap, a position he would secure until the finish of the race. Not only did Cory score a podium finish in his XC2 debut, he also had his best-ever overall finish with a 7th place finish.

Jordan Ashburn is known for leading the 250A class from start to finish, so it was a bit odd to see him come across the finish after lap one trailing the leader by 11 seconds. Ashburn showed the composure of a champion and methodically worked his way into the lead, a position that was able to secure and hold to the finish with over 5 minutes between himself and second place. This was Jordan's 7th win of the season which secured him the 2008 250A class championship. Jordan finished an impressive 15th overall on the day, his best overall finish of the season.

In his second GNCC on a big bike, 2008 Overall Youth Champion Steward Baylor put in a terrific ride in the 200A class finishing a solid 2nd place.

After coming through lap one in 2nd place in the 200B class, Lee Rowland learned first-hand why the Snowshoe GNCC is the toughest on tour. Trouble through the deep mud and gnarly rock sections dropped Lee to a 6th place finish on the day. Rowland now sits in 4th place in the overall class points.

Grant Baylor put in an impressive ride in the 85cc 7-11 class leading every lap but one on his way to a win by a margin of over 10 minutes. Grant sits in first place in overall class points with a 17 point lead over 2nd place.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 9 - Somerset, PA

North Wilkesboro, NC - Round 9 of the 2008 GNCC Series took the KTM/Powersport Grafx team to the rough and rocky Mountain Ridge ATV Resort in Somerset, PA. The course lived up to its reputation by providing racers with one of the gnarliest courses on the GNCC circuit. The GNCC Series takes a two month summer break following this round, and all team riders will head into the summer with their heads held high after solid performances on Sunday.

After being edged-out for the Thumpertalk.com $100 holeshot by a wheel, Kailub Russell quickly moved into the lead in the XC2 Pro Lites class on the first lap. A mistake dropped Kailub back to 3rd place for two laps, but he moved into 2nd on the 4th of 5 laps and had a comfortable lead. Unfortunately, a crash in a very rocky section of the course dropped Kailub back to 4th place. At the finish, Kailub was again edged-out by less than a bike length for 3rd in the class. Kailub finished the day 12th overall, and now sits in a solid 3rd place in the overall championship hunt.

Cory Buttrick got off to another of his signature holeshots in the 4 Stroke A Lites class. Even though he only needed to finish 1 lap to secure the class championship for the season, Cory was pushing hard on the first lap and ended up going down. Cory came through the finish in 5th place on the first lap, but put his head down and charged into the lead on lap three, and never looked back to take the class win by over a minute. Cory was again the top amateur with a 15th place overall finish. Look for Cory to make his XC2 Pro Lites debut at the Snowshoe GNCC in September.

Jordan Ashburn led every lap of the 250A class, crossing the finish line 5 minutes ahead of his nearest class competitor for his 6th win of the 2008 season. Jordan was 20th overall, his 3rd top-20 overall finish of the year. Heading into the break Jordan sits atop of the class championship stands with a 24 point lead.

Lee Rowland came through on lap 1 in 4th place in the 200B class and held that position for the entire 3 hour event. Lee sits in 5th place in his class championship standings, a mere 1 point behind 4th place.

After wrapping up the Overall Youth Championship at the previous round in Yadkinville, NC, Steward Baylor made his GNCC afternoon race debut in the very competitive 200A class. Steward ran second place in the class early, before slipping into 3rd on the 2nd lap, a position he would hold through the finish. Steward finished a very impressive 41st overall.

Grant Baylor did his best impression of his big brother, Steward, by leading the 85cc 7-11 class wire-to-wire, taking the win by over 7 minutes. Steward heads into the summer break with a 19 point lead in the overall class points.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 8 - Yadkinville, NC

North Wilkesboro, NC - The KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Team didn't have to travel far from its home base for round 8 for the 2008 GNCC Series. The race took place on the Wellborn Family Farm only 30 miles East of the PG race shop. A lack of rain in the area for nearly a month meant extremely dusty conditions for all racers.

Kailub Russell grabbed a 3rd place start in the XC2 Pro Lites Class and quickly moved into the lead on lap one. Unfortunately on lap two Kailub began to experience a clutch issue that resulted in him having to pull off the track in the middle of his 3rd lap and head for the pits. After as quick a pit as possible to resolve the issue, Kailub re-entered the track where he left it, and began to charge towards the front of the pack. In the last 3 laps Kailub made 8 passes, clawing his way back to a respectable, and hard-earned 6th place finish. Kailub still sits in 3rd place in the overall points.

Cory Buttrick grabbed yet another of his signature holeshots and quickly began working his way through XC2 and XC1 Pro class riders on his way to a 12th place overall finish as the top amateur. Cory's 7th win in a row keeps him atop the 4 Stroke A Lites overall points.

In the 250 A class, Jordan Ashburn led wire-to-wire for his 5th win of the season. For the second time this year, Jordan cracked the top-20 overall with a 19th place finish. The win extended Jordan's lead in the overall class points to 22 over second place.

Lee Rowland rode a solid race in the 200 B class for 3rd place. Lee's 61st overall finish was his best of the season.

By going undefeated in the first 8 rounds, Steward Baylor clinched the overall Youth Championship with his 8th straight win of the season. Look for Steward in the afternoon race at round 9 in Somerset, PA.

Grant Baylor's race started off great as he led the first lap of the 85cc 7-11 class. Unfortunately Grant suffered a race-ending engine problem on lap two which ended his day prematurely. Grant still sits in the top spot in overall class points.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals, and CV4 products.

Team KTM/Powersport Grafx Race Report
GNCC Round 7 - Sparta, KY

North Wilkesboro, NC - Round 7 of the GNCC series took the KTM/Powersport Grafx team to the rolling fields and tight woods of the Sparta, KY course. Temperatures in the mid-80s and dusty conditions made for a long hard day at the races.

After a mid-pack start and a hard crash on the first lap, Kailub Russell showed the composure and patience of a champion as he methodically clicked off lap after lap moving his way through the very fast XC2 Pro Lites Class. Kailub made a pass for the lead on lap 4 and never looked back, riding his (and the classes) two fastest laps on the penultimate and final laps of the race. This is Kailub's first win as a professional and moves him into 3rd place in the XC2 class points.

Cory Buttrick continued his winning ways in the 4 Stroke A Lites class, leading every lap to take his 6th straight win, extending his class points lead to 10. Cory was once again the top overall amateur with a 12th place overall finish.

Jordan Ashburn had a rough start to his race, coming around the first lap in 10th place in the 250 A class. Jordan charged hard to finish the race 3rd in his class allowing him to hold onto an 11 point lead in the overall class points.

Steward Baylor continued his dominance of the GNCC Youth Race by leading every lap of the Spartan GNCC and taking his 7th win in the Supermini 14-15 class and the overall Youth race win.

Grant Baylor rode well for a solid second place finish in the 85cc 7-11 class which allows him to hold onto his lead in the overall class points. Grant finished a very impressive 8th overall in the Youth race, his best overall finish of the season.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals and CV4 products.

Team KTM/PowersportGrafx Race Report
Round 6

North Wilkesboro, NC- The historic “John Penton GNCC” in Millfield, OH was the site of this weekend’s race. Torrential rains soaked the surface overnight. Heavy showers during the race ensured that this would be an epic event.

In the Youth race, Steward Baylor again dominated to win the overall. Steward has been the overall winner in all 6 events so far this season.

Grant Baylor finished second this event and continues to hold the points lead in the 85cc 7-11 class.

Kailub Russell grabbed the holeshot and early lead in the XC2 pro lites class. Like many other riders on this day, Kailub got lost and eventually fell to 7^th position at the finish. Kailub is 4^th in class points.

Jordan Ashburn showed off his great wet weather skills. Jordan grabbed the 250A holeshot and held 3^rd overall for the first two laps!  His bike fell victim to the wet conditions and eventually stopped while he led the 250A class. Jordan finished 3^rd in class and 29^th overall.

Cory Buttrick had a mid-pack start and led all but the first lap. Cory won the 4 stroke A lites class and was top amateur with a 9^th overall. Cory leads the class points and is 14^th in the overall points standings.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals and CV4 products.

Team KTM/PowersportGrafx Race Report
Round 5

North Wilkesboro, NC- Team riders continued their successful championship pursuits this weekend at the historic Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN.

In the Youth event, Steward Baylor again dominated to win the overall. Steward has been the overall winner in all 5 events so far this season.

Grant Baylor finished second this event and continues to hold the points lead in the 85cc 7-11 class.

Kailub Russell earned a hard fought 3^rd place finish this weekend. This was Kailub’s second podium of the season.

Jordan Ashburn returned to his winning ways. Jordan got the holeshot and dominated 250A. His margin of victory was over 7 minutes.

Cory Buttrick grabbed the holeshot in 4 stroke A lites and won by over 9 minutes. Cory was the top amateur and finished 12^th overall.

Team 200B rider Lee Rowland is sidelined by injuries. Lee will be out for at least 4 weeks.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals and CV4 products.

Team KTM/PowersportGrafx Race Report
Round 3

North Wilkesboro, NC - The team was greeted with amazing conditions for the 3^rd round of the Grand National Cross Country series held in Morganton, NC.

Clear skies and 70 degree weather on Friday gave way to a consistent rain all day Saturday into early Sunday with temperatures barely in the 40’s.

First off the line on Sunday morning were the youth classes. Once the muck cleared, Steward Baylor triumphed yet again and won the overall.  See Stewards interview on http://www.racerpress.com. In the 85 (7-11) class, Grant Baylor earned a solid 2^nd place for the third race in a row.

By the time the afternoon race rolled off, the track conditions were great.

Kailub Russell got off to a mid-pack start and finished 2nd. This was an outstanding finish for Kailub as he put up a hard charging fight to the end. Kailub was 11^th overall.

Jordan Ashburn struggled with a slight set-up issue to win his class by less than 3 minutes. In the early stages of the race, Jordan was lapping better than most of the Pros ahead of him and at one point was physically racing with the 3^rd place finisher is XC2! Jordan showed maturity beyond his years and slowed his pace to ensure victory. Jordan finished 21^st overall.

200B rider Lee Rowland gutted out a 5^th place finish after struggling

Cory Buttrick dominated the 4 stroke A lites class winning by over 10 minutes, but the real story is that Cory finished an astounding 10^th overall!

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals and CV4 products.

Team KTM/PowersportGrafx Race Report
Round 1 & 2

N. Wilkesboro, NC - The new season has begun and team riders showed their preparation at the first two rounds of the 2008 GNCC in Florida and Georgia.

FLORIDA

At the Florida opener, team XC2 rider Kailub Russell grabbed the holeshot and early lead in front of a stacked field of riders. Unfortunately, Kailub fell victim to the heat and sat out a lap late in the race. His KTM 250XCF performed flawlessly.

Jordan Ashburn, riding aboard his KTM 250XC, grabbed the lead on lap two and never looked back. Jordan won by nearly six minutes.

Cory Buttrick rode a steady race aboard his 250XCF. Cory finished second to Northeastern sand specialist Jake Korn.

Newest team member, Lee Rowland, raced to third in 200B aboard his KTM 200XC.

In the mini classes, team riders dominated. Steward Baylor won the overall aboard his KTM 105XC and Grant Baylor finished second in the 85 7-11 class.

GEORGIA

In XC2, Kailub Russell got off to a rough start with a major crash within sight of the starting area. After regaining his composure, he restarted 4 minutes behind and finished in 6^th position (20^th overall).

In 4 Stroke A lites, Cory Buttrick rode to a hard fought win, passing for the lead in the last 2 miles of the course. Cory comes away from Georgia with the points lead!

Jordan Ashburn again dominated his class and was the only 250A rider to finish all of the laps. Jordan also left Georgia with the points lead in his class.

Lee Rowland finished second in 200B and is the class points leader!

Steward Baylor was the overall winner again in the mini race. Steward leads the points in his class. Grant Baylor finished second in class and maintains second position in class.

In summary, the team left round two successfully and intact.

We would like to thank our sponsor partners: KTM, PowersportGrafx, KTM Hard Equipment, KTM Genuine Spare Parts, Pirelli, SCOTT goggles, Alpinestars, FMF, IMS products, Motorex, NGK, Synergy Seals and CV4 products.