Image: Octopi Media.

Eight-time GNCC champion and off-road legend Kailub Russell made his delayed Pro Motocross debut for Red Bull KTM in the 250 class at High Point, scoring points in his return from injury.

Russell suffered a host of injuries in a testing crash while preparing for what he called a dream opportunity to race for a factory team in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championship.

With his broken jaw and multiple broken ribs healed, Russell made his debut in the championship on Saturday at High Point by logging 15-21 moto scores to take 21st overall, a first turn crash hindering his chances for a better finish in moto two.

“I felt like I had more to offer today,” Russell explained. “But it’s tough with the first-turn crash and being that far back when you’re not used to being around that many people and hitting jumps and ruts and stuff.

“I was happy with how I rode in the first moto but I have some things to improve on and work on the next couple of weeks. I want to have some fun and do the best I can out there and I felt like today was a good day for that. I’d like to be better and more in the race but all in good time.”

Six weeks of recovery left Russell with not much time to prepare ahead of his debut, but he’ll now get two weeks to get valuable seat time and training under his belt ahead of round four at the famed RedBud MX on 3 July.