In the XC1 Pro Class, former 2011 GNCC Champion, Charlie Mullins, had a rough start, colliding with current GNCC Champion Kailub Russell. No problem for Mullins though, starting from dead last, he piloted his factory KTM through the pack to eventually battle with Yamaha’s Paul Whibley. After three hours of racing, Mullins was leading the pack and the first to take the checkered flag.

Rory Mead

Maxxis/KLIM/DirtWise/KTM Race Team rider Rory Mead kicked off the series with a very calculated ride to take the victory in the XC2 Pro Lites class which serves notice to the competition that Mead is a serious contender for the 2014 championship. “I began the race steady and hooked up with my teammate Jesse early on the first lap when we were both back in the pack. From there we just settled into a steady pace that took us to the front by the middle of the race, and then we started gapping the rest of the field. It was just like another day at the practice track riding together. With two laps to go, I just focused on extending my lead out to over two and a half minutes. ”

Martinez picked up right where she left off in 2013 with another overall win in the Women’s Class. “Coming into Florida, I felt prepared and ready to race. I went out to walk the track on Saturday and it was totally opposite of what I was expecting, there was no sand, just mud like a regular GNCC. I got a good start and got out front early. I felt comfortable on my KTM and felt like I was riding great. Can’t wait until the next round.”
Honorable mention goes out to Motorcycle Superstore / Bell Helmet support riders Andrew DeLong, who finished 5th overall in the XC1 Pro Class aboard his factory Husqvarna, and to Andrew’s younger brother Craig, who took top honors in the 250A class.