Despite tough weather conditions Factory Husqvarna’s newly crowned National Enduro Champion Andrew DeLong finished third in Rd. 11, the Mountain Ridge GNCC after rain left the rocky course extremely slippery.
DeLong called it a tough day, as he battled with the stacked field and the wet conditions on his FC 350, but still managed to finish on the XC1 Pro podium with his third-place finish.
DeLong: “I got out to a good start and went into the woods about eight or ninth. I started picking guys off, but kept falling on the first lap. I couldn’t get anything going – I was sliding around and just couldn’t get myself together.”
Despite his frustrations, DeLong kept inside the top 10 in the first half of the race and then relied on his conditioning during the second half to regroup and charge through the field. ”I dropped the hammer and had some good lap times. I couldn’t stay off the ground to save my life, but I was able to maintain it and keep things going,” he said.
At the checkered flag, Andrew was fourth overall and third XC1 Pro to pick up his second GNCC podium this season. But although he matched his best finish of the season, Andrew wasn’t entirely pleased with his result, and is gunning for even better finishes at the final two rounds. He said although it turned out to be a good day he felt he could have battled for the win. “If I would have rode like I know how, I think I could have been up front but it was still a good day in the end – a solid day for points.”
Andrew’s brother, Craig DeLong, carded another victory in the 250 A division to finish ninth overall. Fellow 250 A racer Austin Lee made it three Husqvarna motorcycles inside the top 10 with his 10th overall finish.
CAPTION: Andrew DeLong battles wet and slippery conditions in Pennsylvania to finish on the XC1 Pro podium. Photo by Shan Moore
Mountain Ridge GNCC XC1 Pro Results:
1, Kailub Russell
2, Jordan Ashburn
3, Andrew DeLong (Husqvarna)
4, Ryan Sipes
5, Paul Whibley
2014 GNCC Points Standings
1, Kailub Russell (298/8 wins)
2, Josh Strang (205)
3, Jordan Ashburn (201)
4, Charlie Mullins (181/3 wins)
5, Paul Whibley (177)
6, Andrew DeLong (160) Husqvarna