GNCC KICKS OFF IN GRAND STYLE IN DELEON SPRINGS, FLORIDA
10 March 2006 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

The first round of the Grand National Cross Country Championship series kicked off in DeLeon Springs, FL during the Daytona Bike Week and Juha Salminen came out swinging and took a commanding win.

400 riders were entered in the afternoon program and more than 35 pros lined up to take on the mighty KTM Off-Road team of Juha Salminen, Mike Lafferty and Robbie Jenks. As the flag dropped, Salminen jumped way out in front on his KTM 250 XC and grabbed the holeshot and an early lead, never to be contested for the remainder of the 2 hour and 40 minute race. The sandy course contained deeply dug out whoops, but proved to be no match for Mike Lafferty as the New Jersey resident had a dreadful start and came last off the line of Pro riders. He gathered himself quickly and put his head down, picking riders off one by one until he moved into third place where he finished for the day. Robbie Jenks finished in 15th.

When asked about the conditions of the race course, Juha said, ''There were no good lines, you just had to hope for the best. It was difficult today.'' He also added, ''Next Sunday is another race; the first race doesn’t tell you anything. I have a nice points lead now, but we’ll have to wait for next week and see what happens there.''

Mike Lafferty said, ''I messed up on the start and just had to charge early. I had to pin it because I wanted it. I felt stable and strong and the confidence was there. The KTM 450 XC was running awesome and we’re going for it again next weekend. I want to be a contender in the GNCC series.''

Round 1; Orange Crush GNCC, DeLeon Springs, FL

1. Juha Salminen KTM
2. Charlie mullins
3. Mike Lafferty KTM
4. Nathan Woods
5. Barry Hawk, Jr.
6. Fred Andrews
7. Glenn Kearney
8. Ricky Dietrich
9. Nathan Kanney
10. Ryan Voase

Photo courtesy of D Agrati

www.ktm.at

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