03.03.2026
GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 2
The deep sands of the Wild Boar GNCC proved unrelenting at Round 2 of the 2026 season, with riders facing rough, whooped-out conditions throughout the race’s duration in Florida.
In fighting from the rear of the field after stalling in the first turn, defending GNCC Champion Ben Kelley made an exceptional charge through the pack onboard his KTM 450 XC-F, battling with teammate Grant Davis for the top spot before taking the win with a total time of 2:37.02s.
With two rounds complete, Kelley now leads both the XC1 Open Pro Class and Overall standings, as the GNCC Series heads to Talladega next weekend.
Ben Kelley: “I wanted to get a good start to make it easier on myself, but I stalled the bike in the first turn and luckily didn’t get hit by anyone on the way through. I fought from the back from there, but I know that this race is a long one, so I tried to work my way toward the leaders as quickly as I could without using too much energy. I got to the top three by about the halfway mark, and then kind of waited to make my move. I felt comfortable here today – it was a showdown at the end with Grant, we dropped the hammer on the last lap, and I’m stoked to come away with the win. I wanted this one badly!”
XC1 Open Pro Class newcomer and last year’s GNCC runner-up Davis showed impressive form on Sunday, charging into the race lead on Lap 2 aboard his KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION. From there, a race-long battle unfolded between him and teammate Kelley, with Davis ultimately securing the runner-up position. After two rounds, Davis now sits sixth in the GNCC standings.
Grant Davis: “I’m pumped with the result here at Wild Boar! I got off to a good start and then got into the lead on Lap 2. Ben then got by me, so I picked up the pace because he was riding really fast. I got by him in the pit on the last lap, and then smoked a tree with my hand, which hurt so badly, but I’ll take a second, as Ben was riding really well today. I’m back in the hunt now after a challenging Big Buck, and looking forward to fighting hard this season.”
Round 1 winner and 2024 GNCC Champion Johnny Girroir also showcased front-running pace at Round 2, leading during the opening lap of the Wild Boar GNCC before the ongoing effects of an illness forced a premature end to his weekend. He remains third in both the XC1 Open Pro and Overall standings after the opening two rounds.
Johnny Girroir: "I had the flu all week and tried to soldier through, but didn’t have the strength and started to make big mistakes. I plan to rest this week and be 100 percent for next round."
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jason Tino impressed in his second GNCC outing with the team, running at the front of the XC2 250 Pro Class during the opening laps aboard his KTM 250 XC-F.
Unfortunately, with just four miles remaining and while holding a podium position, Tino was forced to withdraw from the race due to heat exhaustion in the brutal Florida conditions. He was credited with P7 at the conclusion of the event.
In the WXC division, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Brandy Richards also powered to victory at the Wild Boar GNCC, navigating the high-speed terrain aboard her KTM 350 XC-F FACTORY EDITION to post a winning time of 1:54:35.
Combined with her P2 result at the season-opener, Richards now leads the WXC Class standings after two rounds.
Brandy Richards: "I had a great day in Florida. Started out with a holeshot, then rode super smooth on the first lap, trying to find the flow of the track. I had a great battle the whole race with Korie [Steede], going back and forth a lot through the lapped traffic! I had to make up a little time on the last lap, but I caught up with a few miles to go and capitalized on a mistake, gaining the lead and taking it to the finish. I’m very happy with how the race went and ready for the next one."
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Ben Kelley, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Cody Barnes, Beta
7. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
14. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Jhak Walker, Beta
2. Brody Johnson, Husqvarna
3. Jack Edmondson, Triumph
7. Jason Tino, FMF KTM Factory Racing
WXC Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
3. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 3
Round 3 of the National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) saw FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Dante Oliveira claim his third victory from as many starts in 2026, leading all eight laps aboard his KTM 450 XC-F at Glen Helen Raceway.
Oliveira got off to a strong start at the iconic San Bernardino track, fending off early challenges as he sprinted clear of the field. The six-time NGPC Pro Class champion maintained a consistent pace throughout the race to secure his third win of the season.
With three rounds complete, Oliveira holds a perfect 90 points atop the Pro Class standings, 26 markers clear of second place, as the series now heads to Reno, Nevada, on March 20-22.
Dante Oliveira: “It was a fun day! I got a great start and put the hammer down from there. I tried to put a little charge down to get away from the guys, but they kept me honest the whole race – I had to work for it. I focused on being smooth while aggressive, and the bike was working great today, which allowed me to focus on my riding. Stoked with the podium, especially after how last year went here, and overall just really happy with how my day went.”
Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Dare Demartile, Beta
3. Mateo Oliveira, Husqvarna