Two-time gold medalist Ben Kelley rides confident and strong while representing Team USA at the 2015 FIM ISDE in Kosice, Slovakia. Photo credit: Art Pepin
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Copake Lake, N.Y. (January 14, 2016) -Trail Jesters is excited to announce team riders Ben Kelley and Josh Toth will race the complete 2016 GNCC series in the XC2 Pro Lites class. As the team enters its third year, the goal has been to move toward competing and representing sponsors consistently at a national level and building a full-time GNCC team effort.
"There is no better time than now for Ben and Josh to step up and compete full-time at the national level. This is a testament to the success and skill of our athletes, the Trail Jesters organization and crew, and the growing support from sponsors that has propelled us to take on this new challenge in 2016," said Ross Mauri, the founder of Trail Jesters.
Aside from the 2016 GNCC series plans, Kelley and Toth will both race at select AMA National Enduro and Full Gas Sprint Enduro events, as well as at the Tennessee Knock Out, J Day Off-Road and NETRA events.
Toth raced in the GNCC 250A class last year and finished in the top five in three races. His goals this season are to place on the podium and finish in the top five by year-end in the XC2 Pro Lites class.
"The GNCC series is one that I've wanted to race since I was a little kid, and the Trail Jesters team and all the sponsors are making it happen. My teammate Ben and I are good friends so we will be pushing each other all year to do the best we can do, " said Toth about the upcoming season.
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A young Josh Toth portrays speed and talent while
representing
Team USA at the 2015 ISDE in Kosice, Slovakia, which was his first ISDE appearance.
Photo credit: Art Pepin
In 2015, Kelley placed 8th in the XC2 class and 20th overall at Unadilla. He placed 3rd in the XC2 and 8th overall at Mountain Ridge. The 2016 season will be his first time competing in the entire GNCC series. His goals are to consistently place in the top five in the class, with a top goal of landing on the podium and working towards that first place position. This season he also looks forward to defending his 2015 J Day Off-Road Sprint Enduro championship.
"I am really excited to be able to race the full GNCC series. It has always been a dream of mine. It means a lot to me to have such a great supporter like the Trail Jesters who are pushing me to achieve my goals. They help in anyway possible. The team is going to have another outstanding year and I am proud to be a part of it," said Kelley.
Joining long time partners Edelmann Sales and GTR Suspension, the team has signed on additional sponsors to support the full-time GNCC racing efforts including MSR Racing, FMF, Scott Goggles, Bullet Proof Designs, P3 Carbon, Renthal, Gaerne, Squid Decals, EVS Sports, Magical Go-Go, Loud Fuel Company, Arai, Hellion Designs, Air Time Clothing and Strictly Dirt.
"We are thrilled to have the backing of all of these stellar sponsors." said Mauri, "And now that we are a part of the Malcolm Smith Racing family we can take this team to next level."
Be sure to follow the Trail Jesters on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for rider news and perspective.
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Trail Jesters, located in Copake Lake, N.Y., was founded in 2008 as an off-road motorcycle and snowmobile club. The Trail Jesters are a group that enjoys riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles. We ride, we race and we support others that share our passion. We sponsor riders/teams that have strong personal character, and show grit and determination in their sport. This includes people of integrity; people with a heart. We do not accept applications for sponsorship. If we like what we see in you...we will reach out to you.
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2016 Trail Jesters
GNCC XC2
Pro Lites
T
eam Members
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2016 GNCC Series Info and Links
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