GNCC – Mullins takes the victory at Steele Creek

The entire pre-race buzz surrounded dual points leaders Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins heading into Round 3 of the 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series. But, only one of the two Factory KTM riders remains atop the point standings after Sunday’s epic battle at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC, where Mullins bested Russell in a grueling three-hour battle at the Steele Creek Campground in Morganton. Chris Bach rode his way to his first podium finish of the 2013 season, while rookie Aaron Plessinger edged out defending champ Jason Thomas in the final moments of the XC2 Pro Lites race.

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC’s Josh Strang ran into some issues mid-race when he got tangled with a lapped rider and crashed, causing him to lose several positions. The Australian maintains fourth Overall in the championship standings.

Mullins now holds a five-point lead over Russell heading into the fourth round in South Carolina. “This is my first time ever winning Steele Creek,” Mullins said. “I’ve had a few close calls but I finally sealed the deal today and it feels good to get the win.”

The 2013 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series continues April 20-21 with the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC. For more information on the series, visit the website.

XC1 Pro Results:

1. Charlie Mullins (KTM)
2. Kailub Russell (KTM)
3. Chris Bach (YAM)
4. Jordan Ashburn (YAM)
5. Rory Mead (KTM)
6. Nick Fahringer (HSB)
7. Ricky Russell (YAM)
8. Takeshi Koikeda (KTM)
9. Adam Bonneur (KAW)
10. Ian Blythe (KTM)

XC1 Pro Standings:

1. Charlie Mullins (85)
2. Kailub Russell (80)
3. Chris Bach (52)
4. Josh Strang (48)
5. Paul Whibley (43)
6. Thad DuVall (42)
7. Jordan Ashburn (39)
8. Ricky Russell (39)
9. Takeshi Koikeda (37)
10. Adam Bonneur (33)

XC2 Pro Lites Results:

1. Aaron Plessinger (YAM)
2. Jason Thomas (KTM)
3. Grant Baylor (KTM)
4. Andrew DeLong (HSQ)
5. Jed Haines (YAM)
6. Shane Hufford Jr (KTM)
7. Cody Gragg (YAM)
8. AJ Stewart (YAM)
9. Travis Coy (KTM)
10. Zach Nolan (KTM)

XC2 Pro Lites Standings:

1. Andrew DeLong (78)
2. Jason Thomas (66)
3. Grant Baylor (62)
4. Shane Hufford Jr (46)
5. Zach Osborne (42)
6. AJ Stewart (38)
7. Mark Heresco Jr (31)
8. Aaron Plessinger (30)
9. Travis Coy (27)
10. Jesse Groemm (24)