The 2026 J Day Off-Road/Red Bull Championship started its Regional Series at Bostwick Creek MX in Green Cove Springs on Tuesday, February 24. Even though it didn’t feel like typical Florida weather with the cold temperatures, the track definitely had the Florida vibe. From sandy, whooped-out straightaways to tight sections through the “Snake Pit,” and with RacerTV and AG Media capturing all the action, it was a day to remember.
Story & Photos by Kyle Kupla
Ricky Russell had no trouble navigating the sandy Florida terrain, charging his way to the top step with the Pro AA overall win aboard his Lynnwood Motoplex Kawasaki.
With moto one underway, 29 Pro AA riders lined up, awaiting the green Fox Racing flag to drop. Big names filled the gate, including Angus Riordan, Ben Kelley, Zach Osborne, Carson Brown, Jiggs Fustini and Justin Cokinos, meaning J Day was in for a show.
Brayden Nolette (Beta) took the Fox Racing holeshot until Osborne sneaked inside to take the lead onto the moto track. On the opening lap, Russell charged through the pack into the lead, with Osborne battling to stay upfront.
As the laps wind down, Riordan (Kawasaki) pushed hard, moving from eighth into podium contention. On lap six of seven, he made the crucial pass on Russell to win the first moto.
Ben Kelley (KTM) climbed from sixth to finish third, followed by Evan Smith (KTM) in fourth and Thad Duvall (Husqvarna) rounding out the top five.
Moto two turned into a Florida dust bowl, but Russell wasn’t backing down. Gavin Simon (Husqvarna) led lap one before Russell powered back into the top spot. Tyler Medaglia (Yamaha) applied pressure from second, keeping the Kawasaki rider honest throughout the moto.
Kelley remained consistent through the shaded woods and dusty sand sections, holding strong in third. Battles throughout the course kept fans guessing until the final lap.
When the checkered flag waved at the Yamaha finish line, Russell secured the moto-two win, followed by Medaglia in second and Kelley in third.
Russell claimed the top spot overall, with Riordan finishing second and Kelley third.
The Amateur overall win went to Zack Hayes (KTM), who finished 11th overall and first in A 250. Kamden Krause (Yamaha) took the A 200 class, while Landon Wentz (KTM) secured the A Open win with a 24th overall finish.
In the Women’s Pro division, Tayla Jones (Honda) delivered a dominant 1-1 performance. She finished moto one with a 30-second lead and moto two with a 20-second advantage.
Shelby Turner finished second overall with consistent 2-2 finishes, maintaining a strong pace and holding off Kayla O’Neill, the 2025 J Day Off-Road Women’s Pro Champion, who finished third on the podium.CN
2026 J Day Off-Road / East Regional GP Round 1 Results
PRO OVERALL (Top 10)
- Ricky Russell (Kaw) 2-1
- Angus Riordon (Hon) 1-4
- Ben Kelley (KTM) 3-3
- Thad Duvall (Hus) 5-5
- Evan Smith (KTM) 4-6
- Jiggs Fustini (KTM) 6-7
- Jack Edmondson (Unk) 7-8
- Gavin Simon (Hus) 10-9
- Justin Cokinos (Yam) 9-10
- Zach Osborne (Bet) 8-11
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