UPDATE: The 2026 J Day Off-Road Championship kicked off its East Regional series at Bostwick Creek MX in Green Cove Springs, Florida, on February 24, 2026. In a thrilling start, Ricky Russell emerged as the overall winner, showcasing his dominance on the sandy terrain.
Despite unseasonably cold temperatures, the event drew a large crowd and featured a vibrant atmosphere typical of Florida racing. Fans witnessed intense competition from top riders, including Angus Riordan, Ben Kelley, and Zach Osborne, among others.
In the first moto, 29 Pro AA riders revved their engines as the green Fox Racing flag dropped. Brayden Nolette (Beta) secured the Fox Racing holeshot, but it was Osborne who took an early lead. However, Russell quickly surged through the pack, overtaking competitors to establish his dominance. On lap six, Riordan made a crucial move, passing Russell to claim victory in the first race, finishing with a time of 1:15:30. Kelley rounded out the top three.
The second moto transformed into a dusty battleground as Gavin Simon led initially. Yet, Russell reclaimed the lead, demonstrating resilience and skill. He held off fierce competition from Tyler Medaglia, who finished second, and Kelley, who maintained third place throughout. The excitement built until the final lap, culminating with Russell taking the win in moto two, solidifying his overall victory for the day.
In the Women’s Pro class, Tayla Jones (Honda) showcased an exceptional performance, achieving a 1-1 finish. She left her competitors in the dust, winning the first moto by a staggering 30 seconds and the second by 20 seconds. Shelby Turner finished in second with consistent 2-2 results, while the defending champion, Kayla O’Neill, claimed third.
The overall standings saw Russell take the top spot, followed by Riordan and Kelley. In the amateur division, Zack Hayes triumphed, finishing 11th overall and winning the A 250 class. Other standout amateur performances included Kamden Krause in the A 200 class and Landon Wentz in the A Open class.
Fans eagerly await the next round of the championship, as the competition heats up and riders continue to battle for supremacy in the 2026 season. Stay tuned for more updates and results as this exciting series unfolds!
