speed . We got in that last test and it was the slickest section of the day by far . I think I was just over-riding it when I needed to be more patient . By the time I figured that out , it was just too late .”
After getting off to a disappointing start to the series , Ben Kelley has now had two solid rides , finishing fourth in Louisiana and landing on the podium in Virginia with a third .
“ I ’ m happy to finally put in a good ride at one of these ,” said Kelley . “ I went back home this past week and kind of got to regroup . It was just refreshing . I just rode good . Had two crashes out there , but still solid test times . Overall , I ’ m happy to just put in a good ride finally .”
FMF / KTM ’ s Josh Toth came into Virginia hoping to improve on his third-place finish in Louisiana , and came on strong in the final few tests , but couldn ’ t break into the top three .
“ It was a pretty uneventful day ,” said Toth . “ It was pretty slick from the race so I just tried to stay of ground in the first few tests . Near the end I started picking it up but it was a little too late .”
Craig DeLong rounded out the top five . The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider got off to a slow start in the first test but was able to make some adjustments on the trail and pick up his times . DeLong ran in fourth at one point , but settled for fifth in the end .
BEN KELLEY , NE PRO1
VOL . 6 ISSUE 5 - MAY 2021 // PAGE 155