KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team made a spectacular start to the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown Series at Wild Rose MX in Calgary on Sunday, with Jess Pettis racing to the 450 Pro Class round victory and teammate Kaven Benoit claiming the 250 Pro Class overall.
Pettis was convincing on his way to strong starts across both motos equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, overcoming multiple crashes in Moto 1 to take the checkered flag in second position. Moto 2 saw Pettis deliver upon his promise with a breakout win this time around, which also sealed him the overall and early championship lead.
Jess Pettis, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “Round 1 in Calgary was a very successful, good day. I got off to two great starts, got out front early, and although I made a couple of mistakes in the first moto, I was able to come back to second. It was a good ride, I just needed to keep it on two wheels. The second moto, I put my laps down and had another tip-over, but was able to get back up and push hard to the very end. To go 2-1 for first overall, it was the first win in three years for me, so I’m very excited for myself and everyone in my corner. We’ll carry this momentum into the next round!”
New Zealander Josiah Natzke’s debut with the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team resulted in encouraging 3-6 finishes for fourth position overall. It was an important day of learning for Natzke in his transition to the 450 Pro Class, now better understanding the areas that he will need to build upon in the coming rounds.
Josiah Natzke, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “I’m happy with my performance today, but the results weren’t it. I struggled a lot with the concrete pad starts and both races I put myself in bad situations. Finishing third in the first moto was good, but second moto with a bad start and a crash on the first lap left me at the back of the pack, so I had to work the whole moto. Stoked to get the first one out of the way and to get back to the podium next weekend at Lethbridge.”
Two-time 250 Pro Class Champion Benoit also earned a win with KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team to commence the 2024 season, riding the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Benoit won the opening encounter and then backed that result up with a second-place score in Moto 2. Combined, the veteran comfortably won the overall and will carry the points lead into Round 2.
Kaven Benoit, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 Rider: “We came into round one ready to battle. I executed two holeshots and put myself out of trouble today, rode consistent with a 1-2 finish and getting first overall. I’m really happy to start the year that way – let’s keep the ball rolling!”
Another new KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team recruit, Eve Brodeur, started her WMX title defense strongly by taking the first moto victory of the season, before recovering from a bad start in the final moto and racing to second position. Although tied on points for the round, she was credited P2 on countback and is excited to take the fight to Temple Hill Motorcycle Park next weekend.
Eve Brodeur, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 WMX Rider: “Round 1 started perfectly with the holeshot and the win in Moto 1, but I struggled a bit more in Moto 2 after a bad start! All-in-all, I am proud to have gotten through this first round safe and sound with a second overall and I’m ready to keep fighting for this championship during the next two weekends.”
Next Race: June 9 – Lethbridge, Alberta
Results 450 Pro Class – Wild Rose MX National
1. Jess Pettis (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Dylan Wright (CAN), Honda
3. Mitchell Harrison (USA), Kawasaki
4. Josiah Natzke (NZL), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
Standings 450 Pro Class 2024 after 1 of 8 rounds
1. Jess Pettis, 47 points
2. Dylan Wright, 47
3. Mitchell Harrison, 38
4. Josiah Natzke, 35
Results 250 Pro Class – Wild Rose MX National
1. Kaven Benoit (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Drew Adams (USA), Kawasaki
3. Gage Linville (USA), Kawasaki
Standings 250 Pro Class 2024 after 1 of 8 rounds
1. Kaven Benoit, 47 points
2. Drew Adams (USA), 43
3. Gage Linville (USA), 42
Results WMX West Class – Wild Rose MX National
1. Viviana Contreras (CAN), KTM
2. Eve Brodeur (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
3. Kaylie Kayer (CAN), Husqvarna
Standings WMX West Class 2024 after 1 of 3 rounds
1. Viviana Contreras, 47 points
2. Eve Brodeur, 47
3. Kaylie Kayer, 40
<
Discussion about this post