Knight dominant in GNCC opener

From KTM Racing

MELBOURNE, FL -- "Can David Knight hold on to his three minute lead to dominate the first round of the GNCC Series?" asked the announcer as the Red Bull KTM of Knight neared the checkers.

Knight answered that question by crossing the finish line a few moments later, three minutes and 20 seconds ahead of his closest competitor.

Despite Knight's huge lead at the finish, his race did not start the same. In fact, the defending XC-1 Champion was dead last around the first turn after having trouble on the start. The faulty start did not stall him for long as he was already into sixth by the end of the first lap.

"I just followed some of the fast guys through sections picking riders off one by one until before I knew it I was closing in on the top three," commented Knight.

While Knight was moving through the pack, his Red Bull KTM teammate, Nathan Kanney was enjoying the view from up front as he led early on during the second lap of the event. Kanney had a great start and was able to pass Suzuki's Travis Pastrana for the lead shortly after the completion of lap 1.

Kanney held on to the lead until the third lap when he politely moved over for the harder charging Knight. It was from that point forward that Knight was able to slowly stretch his lead over the near three-hour long race.

"I'm really glad to start the season on a positive note," Knight said. "This course was incredibly difficult compared to last year. The track was rough and the weather was more hot and humid than in the past. I'm happy that I ran up front but it was not easy and every rider that finished today should pat themselves on the back."

Results Overall
1. David Knight, KTM
2. Jim Jarrett, Suzuki
3. Garrett Edmisten, Kawasaki
4. Barry Hawk, Yamaha
5. Paul Whibley, Suzuki
6. Nathan Kanney, KTM

Standings
1. David Knight 30
2. Jim Jarrett 25
3. Garrett Edmisten 21
4. Barry Hawk 18
5. Paul Whibley 16