Kailub Russell Creates History

Factory FMF/KTM rider, Kailub Russell, finished on the podium at the ninth round of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Championship in the USA to clinch the 2015 title and become the first rider in the history of off-road racing to claim the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) and National Enduro Championships in the same season.

Russell, who injured his knee at the 90^th running of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) two weeks ago, managed to secure the GNCC title last weekend. Then just one week later, he earned a podium result at the National Enduro Championship that allowed him to wrap up the series one round early.

Russell was consistent with his results throughout the day, staying ahead of the riders nearest to him in the point standings. He had a rough go on test two when he jarred his knee in a corner. “That incident was really painful but I was able to recover and manage the pain throughout the rest of the race,” stated Russell.

He went on to claim the test win in the third test of the day and stayed within the top five in the remaining tests to land his KTM on the podium in the third place position. “It feels great to come here and get a good result,” Russell continued. “A few weeks ago, when I hurt my knee, I wasn’t sure what I would be able to do with the two championships I had on the line. I am so thankful I was able to ride through this injury and win these championships. I had a great season and I am very grateful to my team for their support.”

Not only did Russell make history as the first off-road rider to clinch the GNCC and National Enduro Championships in the same season, but he and his father Jeff Russell also became the first father and son duo that have won championships in the same series.