Australian Josh Strang has extended his series lead after he finished third in the Wiseco John Penton GNCC, round nine of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Series in Ohio, on Sunday.

Strang rounded out the podium in a race won by Kiwi Paul Whibley, the FMF Makita Suzuki charging back after getting knocked down on the start.

The defending series champ was able to work his way back through the pack and closed on the two leaders near the end of the race, finishing eight seconds behind Kailub Russell for third.

“I worked my way back up to the leaders, but then those guys got away from me in the John Penton section, but the last two laps I felt pretty good and passed Buttrick for third,” said Strang.

“I caught Kailub on the moto track, but then I crashed and I was afraid [Charlie] Mullins was going to catch me. But overall, the day went pretty good and I was able to build on my points lead a little.”

Heading into the summer break, Strang now holds a 14-point lead over Mullins in the series standings with six races remaining.