Kelley Injured, Oliveira To Race GNCC
Cycle News Staff | January 11, 2024
Big news from the GNCC world as former champion, Ben Kelley has been ruled out of the series start with a torn labrum on his hip. Kelley finished third in the 2023 championship but will be forced out of competition for at least six months.
2021 GNCC champion, Ben Kelley has been ruled out of the 2024 series start with a hip injury. Photos: KTM
KTM has called on NGPC champion, Dante Oliveira, to race the opening five rounds of the series. The 23-year-old Oliveira does have some previous GNCC experience, finishing sixth at High Point and seventh at the John Penton rounds in 2020.
“I’m excited to challenge myself for the 2024 season,” said Oliveira. “I’ll be giving GNCC racing my best effort for five rounds – let’s go!”
Four-time NGPC champion, Dante Oliveira, will now race the first five rounds of GNCC.
“We are disappointed that Ben will miss the initial part of the 2024 season,” said Tim Weigand, the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Manager. “Despite facing numerous challenges in the ’23 season, he persevered to contend for the GNCC overall championship, and we look forward to his complete recovery. Meanwhile, Dante will step in for five GNCC rounds. Dante, a dedicated and competitive individual, is expected to adapt swiftly and showcase his abilities at the forefront. We are eager to witness his achievements in this new opportunity.”
In addition to Oliveira entering GNCC, FMF KTM Factory Racing will field Girroir in the 2024 AMA National Enduro Series as Kelley continues his recovery this season. It is scheduled to commence with the Sumter National on February 11.
Oliveira has previous GNCC experience, finishing sixth at High Point and seventh at the John Penton rounds in 2020.
