Josh Strang wins Tomahawk GNCC

The eighth round of the 2016 Grand National Cross Country series, the Tomahawk GNCC, took place over the weekend in Odessa, New York. Conditions were really dusty and dry, and the course included a lot of fast sections with loose embedded rock.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Josh Strang got a good start off the line and rounded the first corner in second place. As the leaders entered the woods, Strang quickly made the pass into the lead, and by the end of lap one, he was nine seconds ahead of second place. Over the next several laps, the Australian was in control of the race, clicking off smooth, consistent and safe laps while maintaining his lead.

While his competitors (including FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Kailub Russell, who started in dead last) came within his sights towards the end of the race, Strang was able to hold onto the lead, win the round and reclaim the Overall series points lead. Russell scored a DNF following a collision with a tree that saw his bike get damaged beyond the point of repair, and now sits one point behind Strang in the championship standings.

“Today went great,” said Strang. “I got into the lead early and was able to stay up front all day. The whole team worked hard and we had an awesome time at this round.”

Fellow Australian, N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha’s Daniel Milner, was unable to contest the round due to a broken fibula sustained last week.

XC1 RESULTS

1. Josh Strang
2. Grant Baylor
3. Jordan Ashburn
4. Ricky Russell
5. Russell Bobbitt

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

1. Josh Strang (197)
2. Kailub Russell (196)
3. Trevor Bollinger (107)
4. Chris Bach (105)
5. Jordan Ashburn (105)