Kelley Claims Victory at Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida
PALATKA, Fla. (March 2, 2026) – Ben Kelley of FMF KTM Factory Racing surged to victory at the Moose Racing Wild Boar, the second round of the 2026 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series. This performance not only marked an impressive recovery following an early-race incident but also propelled Kelley to the series points lead.
Kelley, who experienced a first-turn pileup, demonstrated resilience by rapidly navigating through the challenging sandy terrain. “I ripped a good start but stalled it in the first corner; I knew I would have to work through the pack. This race is brutal, so I tried to conserve energy and pick guys off one at a time,” Kelley remarked post-race. He skillfully regained the lead after being overtaken briefly by teammate Grant Davis.
Davis showed a strong performance as well, finishing second overall in the XC1 Open Pro class. He managed a lead change during a quick pit stop but ultimately fell behind Kelley as the race progressed. “I had a pretty good race, but I crashed on the first lap. I had to cruise a bit because of a sore hand. I made a pass for the lead in the pit going to the white flag, but I hit a tree on the last lap,” Davis explained.
The tough conditions of the Palatka course presented challenges throughout the race, yet both riders exemplified the grit and determination that characterize GNCC Racing. Kelley’s victory reinforces his goal following a third-place finish in the previous series round and solidifies his standing as a contender for the championship this season.
