Overview:
Thomaston, CT was the epicenter of high-octane celebration this Father’s Day as the Pathfinders Motorcycle Club hosted a dirt bike race on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property, drawing over 1,000 riders and spectators. The event, led by club president James Blais, also raised $4,000 for the Thomaston Food Pantry. Pro race winners included Connecticut’s own Ben Kelley, a GNCC national champion and KTM X Racing star, and Addi Harris, a rising pro in GNCC Women’s racing and accomplished barrel racer. The event reflected the heart of New England’s off-road scene, powered by community, competition, and purpose.
Thomaston, CT — This Father’s Day wasn’t just about ties, barbecues, and backyard stories — it was about horsepower, heart, and high-speed heroics.
More than 1,000 dirt bike enthusiasts and spectators flooded the trails at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property in Thomaston, Connecticut for a high-energy, community-driven off-road motorcycle event. Spearheaded by James Blais, president of the Pathfinders Motorcycle Club, the event brought together riders from all over New England. Even better, it was all for a good cause.
The Pathfinders, a respected local club that’s been advocating for responsible off-road recreation for decades, used the event as a fundraiser. They donated $4,000 to the Thomaston Food Pantry. The contribution will provide critical support to local families in need, continuing the club’s tradition of blending outdoor adventure with purpose.
“This is about more than just riding,” said Blais. “It’s about building community, giving back, and bringing people together — and what better day to do that than Father’s Day?”
Pro Racing Results: Ben Kelley & Addi Harris Dominate the Dirt
The competitive highlight of the day came during the pro races, where two exceptional athletes claimed the top honors:
Men’s Pro Champion: Ben Kelley
A local legend with national recognition, Ben Kelley took the men’s pro title in spectacular fashion. Kelley, who hails from Connecticut, is one of the most dominant forces in American off-road racing today. He’s a Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) overall champion and races for the prestigious Factory KTM team, a branch of the KTM X Racing initiative.
Known for his endurance, technical skill, and consistency, Kelley’s reputation extends far beyond the Northeast. He’s been a staple on the GNCC circuit — one of the toughest and most prestigious off-road racing series in the country. He continues to be an inspiration to young riders looking to break into the sport.
Kelley’s Father’s Day win served as a homecoming celebration of sorts, thrilling the local crowd that’s followed his career since he began racing in New England’s woods.
Women’s Pro Champion: Addi Harris
Equally impressive was the women’s pro race, which saw Addi Harris take the top podium spot. Harris is an emerging force in women’s off-road racing and is building a name for herself in the GNCC Women’s Pro National class. She’s been turning heads with podium finishes and fearless riding.
But Harris isn’t just a motocross athlete — she’s also a competitive equestrian and barrel racing competitor. This rare combination of power sports and traditional horsemanship is exceptional. Her crossover skills bring an unmatched sense of balance and timing to the track. This was on full display in Thomaston as she carved her way to victory.
Addi’s path to the top represents the grit and grace of the modern female racer — determined, dynamic, and ready to defy expectations.
The Backbone of the Event: NETRA & the Local Trail Community
The event was sanctioned and supported in part by the New England Trail Riders Association (NETRA) — a key nonprofit organization promoting off-road motorcycling in the region. Founded in 1971, NETRA has been essential to organizing, regulating, and preserving trail riding opportunities across the Northeast.
NETRA hosts a wide variety of events — from family-friendly trail rides and enduros to competitive hare scrambles. They work closely with landowners, state agencies, and national organizations to maintain access and sustainability. The Thomaston event was a prime example of what NETRA stands for: grassroots racing, community engagement, and trail advocacy.
“This event reflects the heart of New England’s off-road scene,” said a NETRA spokesperson. “It’s where beginners meet pros, where racing supports charity, and where every throttle twist builds something bigger.”
What is GNCC Racing?
To understand just how important the day’s pro wins were, you have to understand GNCC racing.
The Grand National Cross Country Series is the premier off-road motorcycle and ATV racing series in the U.S. It spans multiple states and terrains, from rocky Appalachian trails to wide-open southern scrub. Founded in the mid-1970s and now operated by Racer Productions, GNCC tests riders not just on speed, but also endurance, strategy, and mechanical resilience.
The races often stretch two to three hours long, with brutal conditions including mud pits, steep climbs, tight woods sections, and creek crossings. Racers like Kelley and Harris are among the sport’s elite. They navigate the same terrain that casual trail riders struggle with — at blistering speeds.
Father’s Day with a Mission
As engines cooled and riders packed up, it was clear this was more than just a race day — it was a showcase of passion, generosity, and local pride.
For the Pathfinders, the $4,000 donation to the Thomaston Food Pantry was a continuation of their deep-rooted commitment to service. For fans, it was a chance to witness high-caliber racing in their own backyard. And for young riders in attendance, it was a powerful glimpse of where the trail can lead — toward both podiums and purpose.
Thomaston’s Father’s Day 2025 ride wasn’t just about who won the race — it was about how a community came together to win something even bigger.
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