Russell Tops J Day Opener
T
he 2026 J Day Off-Road/Red
Bull Championship started
its Regional Series at Bost-
wick 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 captur
-
ing all the action, it was a day to
remember.
Ricky Russell had no trouble
navigating the sandy Florida ter
-
rain, 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, await-
ing 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, Rior
-
dan (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, fol
-
lowed 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
WIND
IN THE
P44
Kawasaki-
mounted Ricky
Russell was the
overall J Day
Off-Road winner
at Bostwick Creek
MX in Florida.
PHOTOS: KYLE KUPLA
