RaceChat with Kailub Russell

Photo: Krista Shaw

Alright Kailub, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you. The GNCCs have been on a two-and-a-half-month break but you came out here and looked like right where you left off.
Yeah, I got a decent start then I made some mistakes and I worked my way backwards, which isn’t typical for me. I just put my head down and started charging and ended up catching those guys, then I’d crash and they’d get a little ways back ahead of me again. It was pretty frustrating because it seemed like every time that I would catch up, I’d make a stupid mistake that would drop me back again.

Is there added pressure in the fact that you’re so close to wrapping this championship up and having the two guys you’re battling with right in front of you?
Yeah it’s pretty difficult, and maybe that’s why I was making mistakes, I really want to beat Cory [Buttrick] and Jason [Thomas] so I can get this title. I know if I don’t beat them it’s just one more race that I’m going to have to do.

So you’re saying that when you wrap it up you’re definitely moving up to the 450s, is that right?
Yeah, exactly. I’m really wanting to win the next race so that I can ride the 450 at the last two rounds.

Is that going to be what your gonna do next year? You’re not gonna stick around and defend the championship?
Well, at this point nothing is set in stone, but I’m pretty certain I’ll be on a 450. This whole season I’ve done all my practicing on a 450. It worked out really well for Thad doing that last year, and so far it has been pretty good for me. I really like riding the bigger bike and I’m hopeful that I’ll be up on the front row next year racing XC1.

Ok so the next race we’re coming up to is pretty much your home track, you live pretty close to there. Do you feel pretty confident on racing at Yadkinville?
Yeah, definitely. It’s not a real fun track, but it’s not that bad—it’s just hard to pass and it’s kinda dusty if it doesn’t rain. Hopefully the weather will be good, I know we’re supposed to get some rain this week so hopefully the track will be in good shape. It’ll be really nice to be able to sleep in my own bed and stuff, hopefully that works in my favor!

Okay Kailub, thanks again for talking with us. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks!
Alright, thanks!