BUCKSNORT, TN

With points leader Matthew Harris missing in action from the 65cc (7-9) class, round nine of the Mid-South Youth Cross Country Series, presented by Pirelli, Answer, MSR, Pro Taper and Maxxis, was completely open for the possibility of a new winner. Not that Harris' vacancy left the class without stiff competition. Landon Morrison was also looking to gain some much-needed points on class leader Harris. Leighton Tittle (27, above) has been looking for his first win of the season, and he finally found the top spot on the podium at Bucksnort.

Tittle had some motivation, though, from his new sponsor, McEwen Motorsports, in that if he won, a new set of gear would be waiting. It wasn't a piece of cake to get there, though. The track had received some heavy rain, like it does every year just before this race. The hills and hollows of the Foxhollow farm generally drain well.

When the flag fell, the Suzuki-mounted Morrison jumped out to the early lead, followed by KTM rider Tittle and Wesley Hardin, on his KX65. These three young racers have been battling all season, and this day would be no different. Through the creek crossings and over the hills and tree roots, the trio of riders were keeping pace with one another until lap seven, when Tittle made his move on Morrison. He passed the leader and then set his sights on his first win of the season. In a 30-minute race, though, anything can happen - but when the checkered flag fell, Tittle had his first win of the season, and a new set of racing gear to pick out!

Morrison kept pace with Tittle but would have to settle for second on the day. Hardin put in his best ride of the season, rounding out the class in third. Fourth place went to KTM rider Garrett Russell from Symsonia, Kentucky.

"I had fun racing today," Tittle said, "and I was glad to win my first race of the season. I want to thank my mom and dad and McEwen Motorsports for helping me out."

Racing in the 65cc (10-11) division (the Mini A class) was handled by Brett Gourley from Boone, Indiana. Gourley and his family drove all night long and covered more than 700 miles after a week of racing in Texas to put the young KTM rider on the top podium spot Sunday morning. Gourley grabbed the holeshot and led the race until he crashed and Illinois racer Ben Jones got by. Gourley remounted, and on lap two he passed Jones and then held on for the win. Coming in second was Jones, with Kalib Hagan, Dillion Bryant and Blake Pierce finishing third through fifth, respectively.

Mr. Gourley was exhausted but rewarded for his driving by seeing all of his boys take home wins in their respective classes!

Round 10 of the MSXC Youth Series will be held in Kingston Springs, Tennessee, on May 2. More info can be found at msxcracing.com.

Results

P/W (4-6): 1. Dylan Proffitt (Cob); 2. Grayson Huddleston (KTM); 3. Chase Hale (KTM).

P/W (7-8): 1. Daniel Spurgeon (Cob); 2. Nathan McCoy (KTM); 3. Jeremy Lenard (KTM); 4. Garrett Elrod (Cob); 5. Brady Huddleston (KTM).

MINI A: 1. Brett Gourley (KTM); 2. Ben Jones (Kawasaki); 3. Kalab Hagan (KTM); 4. Dillon Bryant (Suzuki); 5. Pierce Blake (Kawasaki).

MINI B: 1. Leighton Tittle (KTM); 2. Landon Morrison (Suzuki); 3. Wesley Hardin (Kawasaki); 4. Garrett Russell (Kawasaki).

JR A: 1. Brandon Gourley (Kawasaki); 2. Austin Lee (KTM); 3. Jake Froman (Kawasaki); 4. Colin Brasher (Honda); 5. Blake Clark (KTM).

JR B: 1. Hunter Hutchinson (KTM); 2. Andrew Clark (KTM); 3. Kelly Adkins (Yamaha); 4. Blake Rinsch (KTM); 5. Dalton Riddle (Suzuki).