RK Excel America

Millfield, OH – FMF/KTM Rider Cory Buttrick earned his first career XC1 win at the most fitting race of the series, his hometown race and the race named in honor of the legendary KTM man himself, John Penton.

Buttrick was quite confident going into the race. “I always like this track and I always perform better when my friends and family are around to cheer me on,” remarked Buttrick in a pre-race interview.

What Buttrick and the rest of the riders didn’t expect was the weekend rainstorm which would turn the track into a complete mess. The normally three-hour race was cut down to two-hours due to heavy rain storms. The course was drenched in rain and very hard to navigate.

Buttick nailed the holeshot at the start of the XC1 class but slipped to 2nd behind Thaddeus Duvall within the first lap. “I just had to slow down a bit on the first lap to allow for more caution in some of the deep mud holes. I knew those mud puddles would make or break the race today so I took the first lap to figure out the course,” stated Buttrick.

Alongside Buttrick for the battle for the lead position was his teammate, Nate Kanney. At one point Kanney was as high up as 2nd and right on the tail of Josh Strang and Buttrick as the three riders battled it out for the lead position on the final lap. Approximately four miles to the finish all three riders became stuck in a mud hole. Buttrick was able to get up with the help of a friendly push from Strang and Kanney took an outside line up the far edge of the hill to catch up to Buttrick. As Buttrick charged ahead, Kanney suffered unfortunate luck and had a bike malfunction which caused him to DNF as he was sitting in 2nd place.

“I felt so good today. The past few races I have been battling up front and suffered some bad luck. It’s good to know that I can run the pace and I know a win is coming. Hopefully I can regroup and put my bike on the top of the podium at Snowshoe,” stated Kanney. “However, I am really happy for Cory. I just wish we could have had both team bikes on the podium today.”

Buttrick eventually crossed the checkered flag to take his first career XC1 win. “It feels so amazing to get my first win at my home track in front of my friends and family. I can’t explain how excited I am to get this win. I definitely couldn’t have done it without the support of my team.”

“Buttrick picked a great day to earn his first career win,” stated FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen. “We have all known he was capable of winning a GNCC for some time. We hope that this win serves as motivation to continue the trend for the remainder of the series.”

The XC2 class was full of surprises. Reigning champion, FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell had a top three start but got stuck in a mud hole on the first lap and dropped back. On the second lap, he became stuck again, this time getting barbed wire stuck in his rear wheel. Russell returned to the mechanics area to get it taken care of but had lost precious time to the leaders. He would get stuck once more before the race ended and due to time lost eventually finished the race a lap down and 10th for the day. “It just wasn’t my day today,” commented Russell. “I tried my best but continuously got stuck and just couldn’t find my rhythm.”

His teammate Steward Baylor spent the majority of the day battling for a podium position. “I started 6th and was pretty much handed 4th when two riders got stuck ahead of me,” remarked the 15 year-old Baylor. “Then I was stuck and back to 7th and then again some riders had bad luck and I was back up to 3rd.” Baylor remained in 3rd until the final lap where he got stuck near the end of the course and lost over two minutes trying to pull himself from the mud hole. He eventually finished a hard fought 7th overall.

Taking the win in the XC2 class was KTM privateer rider Jesse Robinson. A regular podium contender this season, Robinson was excited to get his first win of the year. “We are very excited to see Robinson do so well today. He is one of the most experienced riders in the XC2 class and is very deserving of this win,” remarked Kallonen.

Not only did KTM win the XC1 and XC2 classes but also won the Women’s class as Maria Forsberg earned her sixth straight win and the 2010 Championship plate. Equally impressive KTM also won each of the youth races (results below). “The John Penton GNCC is very important to KTM. The race is in honor of John Penton and it is important to KTM that we finish well at this race. We are excited to win both the pro races but to have KTM riders win all classes today was a remarkable feat. Congrats to all champions,” stated Kallonen.

Next Event: Snowshoe, WV – June 27, 2010

Somerset, PA – FMF/KTM riders Cory Buttrick and Kailub Russell both landed on the podium at the seventh round of the GNCC Series after each earning 2nd overall in their respective classes.

Buttrick started the XC1 Pro race in 2nd place around the first turn and had moved into the lead by turn two. Buttrick led the majority of the first lap before being passed by his teammate Nate Kanney who led the race as they passed the check point at the end of lap one with Buttrick right behind him.

Kanney, Buttrick and Barry Hawk marked the top three as the second lap began. The three swapped positions multiple times the next few laps with Kanney leading the end of the second lap and Buttrick leading after the third lap. “It was really fun today. I would be leading Nate and then a lapper would get in my way and he would go around me. Then moments later the same would happen to him and I would get back around. It was cool to be battling for the lead with my teammate,” remarked Buttrick.

Soon Charles Mullins had moved up into the mix for the lead position and it became a four-way battle for the number one spot. “I felt great out there,” remarked Kanney. “My bike was running great the whole race and every time someone caught me I was able to increase my speed and get right back around them.”

Unfortunately, during the battle for the lead, Kanney suffered a big crash on lap five sending his bike to the ground and his body into a tree. Kanney was down for about a minute before he recovered and continued to race. “I was really bummed after my crash because I felt so good today. I tried to make back the time I lost but it was so close to the end of the race, I didn’t have enough time. I am just glad to know that I was able to run the pace needed to lead the race today and that I will be healthy for the next round.”

When the checkered flag flew, Mullins took the win and Buttrick finished 2nd overall. Kanney was able to finish in 5th place after his crash.

The XC2 Pro Lites class also had its share number of crashes as the muddy and rocky course proved to be one of the most challenging courses so far this season. Rookie FMF/KTM rider Steward Baylor nailed the holeshot on his 250 XC two-stroke, followed by Jason Thomas and fellow FMF/KTM rider and current points leader Kailub Russell. Shortly into the race, Russell had his first crash of the day.

“I think I fell three times on the first lap. I was just having an off day and making rookie mistakes,” remarked Russell. Despite his early race crashes, Russell was able to pass the entire field before the end of the first lap and came across in the lead at the completion of lap one.

A crash on the second lap allowed Thomas back by and the remainder of the race Russell had to play catch up to make up for time lost during his crashes. “Unfortunately I didn’t perform the best today and the win went to Jason. I am happy to still be in the points lead but will definitely shoot for being back on top of the podium at the next round,” stated Russell.

Baylor, who dropped to 3rd after his early holeshot, had a pretty good lead on the 4th place runner nearing the final lap. Unfortunately, he got stuck in a mud hole which allowed the 4th place bike of KTM rider Jesse Robinson to get around him and take the 3rd place position. Baylor finished 4th overall putting three KTM riders in the top five.

For the fifth straight race in a row, RPM/KTM rider Maria Forsberg dominated the Women’s class and took home another win. She continues to lead the points as the series heads to round 8.

Next Event – Millfield, OH – June 6, 2010 – Round 8

Union, SC – FMF/KTM Factory rider Kailub Russell strengthened his points lead after earning his third straight win in the XC2 Pro Lites class at the fourth round of the Grand National Cross Country Series.

The weather at the Big Buck was hot, thus soaking up the moisture in the ground resulting in a dusty course for the GNCC riders. Luckily Russell was able to get off to a great start rounding the first turn in 2nd position behind KTM privateer Dustin Gibson who grabbed the early lead. Russell quickly moved his KTM into the lead and had caught up to the XC1 riders within the first two miles. “I caught up to the end of the XC1 pack pretty quickly, but once close, the dust really slowed me down,” remarked Russell. Soon the 2nd place XC2 rider, Jason Thomas, was hot on his tail and started to battle with Russell for the lead. “I lost time in the dust and had to pick up my pace to pull from Thomas.” Russell continued to improve throughout the race constantly picking up his pace. Once he started to pull away he rode a consistent race playing it safe in the dusty conditions. “I feel like I could have tried to improve my overall result but I didn’t want to risk the win in the dust.”

Russell took a dominating win finishing five and a half minutes over the 2nd place rider, KTM privateer Jesse Robinson. A regular on the podium this season, Robinson, struggled with some problems in the beginning of the race and made a hard charge through the pack to come up to 2nd place. Russell’s teammate, 15-year old sensation, Steward Baylor rounded out the podium in 3rd position becoming the youngest XC2 rider to ever finish on the podium.

“Kailub was on top of his game today. I am proud of all three KTM riders on the podium. It is great to take a podium sweep and to have Steward earn a podium finish at such a young age,” stated FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen.

In the XC1 class FMF/KTM riders Cory Buttrick and Nate Kanney started 7th and 9th respectively. Buttrick suffered a crash on the first lap and lost valuable time and positions. Kanney quickly climbed through the pack moving as high up as 4th before he suffered a crash on the end of the first lap. He had a problem starting his bike from the impact of the crash and started near last at the time of recovery. He charged hard through the dust the remainder of the race and rode up to 9th position. Buttrick played catch up throughout the day as well after his crash. He spent the majority of the race in 7th position, but a last minute charge earned him one more spot as he picked off Barry Hawk with only a mile to go.

“I feel like a have the speed and potential to be on the podium each race but I continue to make small mistakes that set me back. I hope to improve at the next round and return to the podium,” said Buttrick.

Adding to the success of the weekend was RPM/KTM rider Maria Forsberg who took an easy win in the Women’s class in the morning. Forsberg has won three of the four rounds this season and currently holds the points lead.

Next Event: Round 5 – April 24-25, 2010 – Hurricane Mills, TN

Overall Results –
1) Joshua Strang
2) Thaddeus Duvall
3) Paul Whibley
4) Charles Mullins
5) Kailub Russell – KTM
6) Glenn Kearney
7) Cory Buttrick – KTM
Barry Hawk
9) Chris Bach – KTM
10) Jesse Robinson – KTM

Overall Results XC-1 Class –
1) Joshua Strang
2) Thaddeus Duvall
3) Paul Whibley
4) Charles Mullins
5) Glenn Kearney
6) Cory Buttrick – KTM
7) Barry Hawk
Chris Bach – KTM
9) Nate Kanney – KTM
10) Eric Bailey

Overall Results XC-2 Class –
1) Kailub Russell – KTM
2) Jesse Robinson – KTM
3) Steward Baylor – KTM
4) Jason Thomas
5) Scott Watkins
6) David Synder
7) Dustin Gibson – KTM
Jason Greer
9) Mark Fortner
10) Brian Lawson

Overall Results Women’s Class –
1) Maria Forsberg – KTM
2) Mandi Mastin
3) Leeann Bange
4) Emily Raines
5) Samantha Steiner – KTM
6) Shelby Rouen – KTM
7) Ashley Crouch
Nina Cobb
9) Tayler Wright
10) Veronica Mastin – KTM

Morganton, NC – FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell dominated the XC2 class and finished an impressive 3rd place in the overall standings at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC. His teammate, Cory Buttrick, earned his career best XC1 finish with a 2nd place overall result.

The weather remained fair until the start of the race at which point it began to pour rain. The rain continued to worsen as the race progressed but that didn’t stop Buttrick from coming out in 2nd place in the first corner and maintaining his position from start to finish. Throughout the entire race Buttrick remained within 5-10 seconds off of the leader, Josh Strang, with the exception of an extended gas stop that put him about 16 seconds back. “Cory rode strong the entire race. He has adjusted to the XC1 class and his results are showing it,” commented FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen.

Buttrick’s teammate, Nate Kanney, started around 10th position and worked his way into the top five within the first few laps. Kanney ran as high up as 3rd position but a few mistakes at the end of the race caused him to slip back a few positions. He eventually finished the race in 5th place.

The XC2 class was the talk of the day as FMF/KTM rider and reigning XC2 Champion, Kailub Russell dominated the class to take home the win and an impressive 3rd place finish in the overall standings. Russell started the race in 2nd place behind Jason Thomas. Within the first two laps the riders battled close to one another. After the first pit stop, Russell was able to make the pass stick and started to pull away from Thomas. On lap 3, Russell turned the fastest lap time of the entire race. “I felt great today and I seemed to ride better as the race progressed,” stated Russell. “I had a strong ride and am glad to be back on top.”

Russell’s XC2 teammate, Steward Baylor, is improving each week. He started within the top five and raced there the majority of the day. He suffered one crash which dropped him to 6th but he was able to work his way back up to 4th by the end of the race. “I am improving each round. I have struggled with crashes at the first three rounds, but I think once I keep it on two wheels I can definitely land on the podium,” remarked Baylor.

Also putting in a great ride was RPM/KTM Women’s rider Maria Forsberg. She started her race in 2nd position and moved to the lead shortly within the first lap. Once out front she began to pull from the field to finish 1st with an impressive 2 minute lead over the rest of the field. Forsberg is now tied with Mandi Mastin for the points lead.

Next Event: Union, SC – April 10-11, 2010

Overall Results XC1 –
1) Josh Strang
2) Cory Buttick – KTM
3) Charles Mullins
4) Paul Whibley
5) Nate Kanney – KTM
6) Glenn Kearney
7) Chris Bach – KTM
Barry Hawk
9) Kenneth Gilbert
10) Eric Bailey

Overall Results XC 2 –
1) Kailub Russell – KTM
2) Jason Thomas
3) Scott Watkins
4) Steward Baylor – KTM
5) Jesse Robinson – KTM
6) Dustin Gibson – KTM
7) Mark Fortner
Brian Lawson
9) David Synder
10) Nicholas Hunter – KTM

Overall Results (All Classes) –
1) Josh Strang
2) Cory Buttrick – KTM
3) Kailub Russell – KTM
4) Charles Mullins
5) Paul Whibley
6) Nate Kanney – KTM
7) Glenn Kearney
Chris Bach – KTM
9) Jason Thomas
10) Barry Hawk

Women’s Class –
1) Maria Forsberg – KTM
2) Mandi Mastin
3) Ashley Crouch
4) Leeann Bange
5) Shelby Rolen – KTM
6) Randi Bailey
7) Jessica Morrison
Aubrie Williams – KTM
9) Taylor Dressler
10) Tayler Wright

Washington, GA – FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell earned his first win of the season in the XC2 class at the second round of the GNCC Series dubbed “The General’ while his XC2 teammate Steward Baylor also put in a decent ride to finish 4th.

Russell was out front early after earning a 2nd place start. He spent the majority of the race swapping the lead position with competitor Jason Thomas. Baylor started in 9th position and quickly worked his way up through the pack. The cold, soggy conditions seemed to fit the South Carolina native well as he blitzed by riders to the front of the pack. At one point Baylor actually took the lead but shortly after got stuck in the mud and lost time. After he recovered from the mud hole he collided with a lapper and lost a few more positions. He eventually finished in 4th while Russell pulled away out front to take the win with a 38 second lead over Thomas. KTM privateer Jesse Robinson rounded out the podium in 3rd. All top three XC2 riders finished 6th, 7th and 8th respectively in the overall standings for the day from all classes combined.

“It feels great to get my first win of the season. This round went a lot better for me than the first week. I felt comfortable all day and really had fun on my bike,” commented Russell after the race.

In the XC1 class, FMF/KTM rider Nate Kanney got a good jump off the line rounding the first corner in 7th position right behind the 2009 AMA National Enduro Champion and FMF/KTM rider Russell Bobbitt. The third factory KTM rider, Cory Buttrick came around the first lap in 9th. Kanney and Bobbitt quickly sprinted into the top five within the first half of the race. At one point, Kanney took the lead and Bobbitt was as high up as 3rd. At the end of the race both riders had trouble with lappers causing Kanney to drop to 5th and Bobbitt to 7th. Buttrick who climbed through the pack early in the race got stuck in one of the tracks six deep mud holes and was fortunate enough to recover and finish 6th for the day.

Once again, KTM privateer Chris Bach, surprised fans in the XC1 class earning his second podium of the year. Bach rode a smooth race and finished 3rd overall showing all race fans that his podium in Florida was not a fluke.

In the Women’s class, RPM/KTM rider Maria Forsberg finished on the podium with a 3rd overall. Forsberg was looking to earn another win, but like her FMF/KTM teammates, a mistake in the mud hole set her back and she recovered in time to earn the final podium position.

The second round of the series was a great weekend for KTM having 5 of the top 10 riders in the XC2 class and 6 of the top 10 in the XC1 class finish aboard KTM motorcycles.

Next Round: March 20-21, 2010 – Morganton, NC – Round 3

Overall XC1 –
1) Joshua Strang
2) Paul Whibley
3) Chris Bach – KTM
4) Charles Mullins
5) Nate Kanney – KTM
6) Cory Buttrick – KTM
7) Russell Bobbitt – KTM
Homero Diaz – KTM
9) Kenneth Gilbert
10) Eric Bailey

Overall XC2 –
1) Kailub Russell – KTM
2) Jason Thomas
3) Jesse Robinson – KTM
4) Steward Baylor – KTM
5) Dustin Gibson – KTM
6) Scott Watkins
7) Jake Korn – KTM
Brad Bakken – KTM
9) Josh Weisenfels
10) Robby Norwood

River Ranch, FL – FMF/KTM rider Kailub Russell finished on the podium in the XC2 class at the opening round of the GNCC Series at the Westgate Resort Dude Ranch while teammate Steward Baylor finished 7th overall.

Russell, the defending XC-2 Champion, shined in Monday’s practice session and looked to be the one to beat on Tuesday afternoon. Russell had a great jump at the start of the XC2 race, rounding the first turn in 2nd, but a bobble in the slick terrain caused him to lose balance and run alongside his bike before he got back on board at the end of the pack. He quickly moved himself into the top three by the end of the first lap. Shortly after, Russell began to pump up and had to slow his pace. “I suffered from arm pump today a couple different times during the race which really set me back,” commented Russell. “I just didn’t get comfortable out there and lost some time to the front runners.”

On top of Russell’s arm pump issues, he also collided with another rider in a dangerous spot on the track where experienced riders where jumping the section while others were rolling the outside line. Russell leaped into the air to jump the section and collided with a rider who opted not to do the jump, sending them both to the ground. Despite his setbacks Russell still walked away with a solid 3rd place finish at the opener. KTM privateer Jesse Robinson earned 2nd overall.

Russell’s new teammate, 15 year-old Baylor, also had an up and down race. Baylor garnered a mid-pack start on his KTM 250 XC two-stroke and quickly moved into the top ten. Baylor was running in 6th position for the majority of the race before hitting a bridge which riders had to duck down behind their bars to cross under. The impact of the crash sent Baylor to the ground and caused him to lose a few minutes before recovering and returning to race action. He eventually finished 7th.

XC1 riders Nate Kanney and Cory Buttrick ran inside the top ten for the majority of the race. Kanney consistently changed positions within the top ten as he would put in a good time for half of a lap and then encounter a set back on the next. “The course was really tough today and I would charge hard through one section and catch up to some guys, then the next section I would ride straight into a rut that I thought would be a good line, sink in, and spend the next two minutes digging my bike out,” remarked Kanney. Despite his efforts to put in a good finish, a mechanical problem on the second to last lap caused him to DNF the race. Buttrick had a decent ride and finished in 8th position with blisters to prove it. Mexico’s Red Bull/KTM rider Sergio Diaz finished 9th overall.

However, the talk of the day was definitely about KTM privateer, Chris Bach, who got a great start in the XC1 class, ran inside the top three for the majority of the race, led for a small stint near the end and battled with Joshua Strang for the overall. Bach eventually finished in 2nd place just 7 seconds back from Strang.

In the Women’s class, RPM/KTM rider Maria Forsberg, made her debut appearance as a regular in the Women’s GNCC Series along with fellow KTM rider and WMA star Sarah Whitmore. Off the start, Whitmore got the jump, came in a little too strong, and laid it down in the first corner. Unfortunately, Forsberg was right behind her, ran into the back of her bike and also fell. Both KTM riders recovered quickly and were running 1st and 2nd within the first few miles. “I was really nervous after we crashed but we helped each other climb through the pack and were up front before we knew it,” remarked Forsberg. The two women riders battled back and forth for the first lap and half before Whitmore

suffered her first crash allowing Forsberg to pull ahead. Three-quarters into the race Forsberg had over a four minute lead on the rest of the field. She maintained her pace and took an easy win.
Unfortunately, the rough palmettos were not as kind to Whitmore who suffered a bad crash on the third lap which caused her to DNF the race with a broken nose and slight concussion. “Although, I had a rough experience at my first GNCC, I want to come back and try again,” remarked the ever- optimistic Whitmore.

Next Event: Round 2 – Washington, GA

Overall XC1 Class –
1) Joshua Strang
2) Chris Bach – KTM
3) Charles Mullins
4) Jimmy Jarrett
5) Thad Duvall
6) Glenn Kearney
7) Barry Hawk
Cory Buttrick – KTM
9) Sergio Diaz – KTM
10) Paul Whibley

Overall XC2 Class –
1) Jason Thomas
2) Jesse Robinson – KTM
3) Kailub Russell – KTM
4) Josh Weisenfels
5) Jake Korn – KTM
6) Dustin Gibson – KTM
7) Steward Baylor – KTM
Scott Watkins
9) Travis Hullfish
10) Corey MacDonald

Women’s Class –
1) Maria Forsberg – KTM
2) Mandi Mastin
3) Kelsey O’Donnell
4) Ashley Crouch
5) Shelby Rolen – KTM
6) Sarah Whitmore – KTM
7) Kelly Hall – KTM
Samantha Steiner – KTM
9) Vanessa Marcoux – KTM
10) Karine Geoffrion

Las Vegas, NV – RPM/KTM rider and reigning WORCS Women’s Champion, Kacy Martinez, was awarded the AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year Award during the 2009 AMA Banquet at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas, NV.

The 19 year-old WORCS Champion, had quite a successful year landing on the podium 7 times, 2 of which were class wins. Martinez will defend her title aboard her KTM 250 XC-F ride as a member of the RPM/KTM Racing Team for 2010.

“I want to thank all of my sponsors and family who helped me this season and that will continue to support me in the future. This award is a great honor to my family and I and I am grateful to be recognized for my achievements in 2009,” remarked Martinez.

For more information about Martinez and her racing accomplishments, please visit: www.rpmracingteam.com.

Yadkinville, NC – Shock Doctor/KTM rider Kailub Russell took home a win and a championship at the 11th round of the GNCC Series.

Russell started in 2nd place behind his teammate Cory Buttrick who grabbed the holeshot. Buttrick took the early lead and ran with it while Russell made a few minor mistakes which temporarily set him back. “Although it rained the day before the track conditions were not that bad. There were a few deep mud sections but the rest of the track was quite rideable,” remarked Shock Doctor/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen.

Buttrick led the first two hours of the race at which point Russell got back up to speed and began to close in on his teammate. Russell soon passed Buttrick and went on to pull a lead and take his eighth win of the season and the championship title. Buttrick finished a strong race in 2nd position.

In the XC-1 class Shock Doctor/KTM rider Nate Kanney got a great start rounding the first turn in 3rd position. Unfortunately, he crashed in the third turn and remounted in the back of the pack. His teammate, Kurt Caselli, also found himself in the back of the pack after his bike did not start on the first kick. Kanney and Caselli both began to charge through the pack and pick off riders.

Caselli’s luck got worse when a crash part way into the first lap caused him to pull out of the race. Kanney continued to press forward passing by multiple riders each lap. By the final lap, Kanney had worked his way into 5th place and was closing in on Glenn Kearney. When Kearney got stuck in a mud hole, Kanney capitalized on the mistake and moved into 4th position which he held through the checkered flag.

Next Event: St. Clairsville, OH – October 3-4, 2009

New Berlin, NY (September 13, 2009) – For the first time this season, the entire Shock Doctor/KTM Team stood on the podium at the tenth round of the GNCC Series at the Unadilla Valley Sports Center..

Shock Doctor/KTM rider Kailub Russell took the top step of the XC-2 class podium with his teammate Cory Buttrick right next to him in 2nd. Both XC-2 riders had to work for their top positions as they both started outside the top ten. Buttrick had a better start and by the end of the first lap had moved into 2nd while Russell had climbed to 4th on the fast-paced course.

“The weather and track conditions were the best we have seen at this track in 4 years,” commented Shock Doctor/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen. “There was light ran each day leading up to the race and a slight drizzle on the race day which helped minimize the dust and keep the course in prime shape. It was a fast-paced track, and for once, the weather didn’t play a huge role during the race.”

For six laps of the eight lap main event Buttrick and competitor Jason Thomas battled for the lead. Russell continued to catch the two front runners but made small mistakes that set him back 10-15 seconds each time he came within striking distance. With two laps to go, Russell finally put it together and first made the pass on Jason Thomas. Once in 2nd he began to set his sight on teammate Buttrick. When Buttrick crashed with a lapped rider, Russell made the pass on his teammate and pulled out to a 10 second lead. With only half of a lap to go Russell made a small mistake and Buttrick was right back in the battle. The two KTM riders battled to the finish with Russell just edging out his teammate for the win.

The XC-1 class podium was flanked by Shock Doctor/KTM riders Nate Kanney, in 2nd, and Kurt Caselli placing 3rd. Kanney, the New York native, started his race in 6th position and had moved inside the top three within the first lap. The remainder of the race Kanney battled with Paul Whibley for the lead. “Each lap it was a different leader,” remarked Kanney. “Sometimes I edged out Paul as we came through the pits and then the next lap he would come out in front of me.”

Kanney eventually hung on for a hard fought 2nd place result, a mere 10 seconds back from Whibley. Caselli’s race was just as remarkable as he started in the bottom ten and managed to pick off one rider each lap to move himself onto the podium by the final lap. “This podium has been a long time coming for me,” stated Caselli. “I have struggled early on this season and really focused on turning that around during our break. I made some changes to my own program and we changed some things on the bike that I think really made a difference for me this week.”

Next Race: Round 11 – September 27, 2009 – Yadkinville, NC

Murrieta, CA – KTM Motorsports and RPM Racing are proud to announce a one-year contract with Maria Forsberg to race the 2010 Women’s Pro class at the GNCC Series.

Forsberg has raced in the WORCS Women’s Pro class as a member of the RPM/KTM Team for the past 7 years. Forsberg is a 4-time WORCS Champion, silver medalist at the 2008 ISDE in Greece and has been selected to compete in the 2009 ISDE competition in Portugal later this year.

“This is a great opportunity to grow as a rider. I have been racing the WORCS series for the past few years and I look forward to moving to the GNCC Series and testing my woods skills,” commented Forsberg. “I will do everything I can to win the GNCC Championship for KTM and RPM.”

Forsberg was discovered 7 years ago at a campground in Bremerton, WA by RPM Racing Team owner Mike Hurlbert. “I saw her ride and found out she was only 16 years old at the time. I got home and told my wife this young girl could be a future champion,” stated Hurlbert.

Seven years later Forsberg has proved to be a champion four times over. “Maria has helped put the RPM/KTM team in the spotlight. We are excited for her and thankful that KTM is giving Maria and the RPM Team this wonderful opportunity to move into the GNCC Series,” remarked Hurlbert.

“KTM has been looking to expand its GNCC team with a female rider for some time and Maria is the perfect fit,” commented Shock Doctor/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen. “She has already had great success in the WORCS races and we feel confident she will meet all expectations moving to the GNCC Series.”

Forsberg currently sits 3rd in the WORCS Women’s Pro Championship points after missing three rounds earlier in the season from a broken elbow. Upon completion of the 2009 WORCS events she will begin training for the 2010 GNCC Series.