KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team riders swept to victory in all three classes at Lethbridge’s second round of the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown Series, where Jess Pettis and Josiah Natzke went 1-2 in the 450 Pro Class, Kaven Benoit won the 250 Pro Class overall, and Eve Brodeur took P1 in both of Sunday’s WMX motos (Round 3) at Temple Hill Motorcycle Park.
It’s been an exceptional start to the season for the four-rider team, with Pettis wearing the red plate into Round 2 onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. He qualified on top of the timesheets and then claimed second in Moto 1, before charging to victory in the second encounter and securing a second-straight win overall to extend his advantage in the point standings.
Jess Pettis, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “Another good weekend at Round 2, taking the overall win and keeping the red plate going into next weekend. I had two great starts and 2-1 moto scores on a very tricky track – let’s keep it going!”
After finishing fourth on debut with KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team in the 450 Pro Class at the opening round, Natzke earned his first podium this weekend with second position behind teammate Pettis. The New Zealander was consistent on his way to 4-3 results for P2 overall, quickly establishing himself among the premier class front-runners on Sunday.
Josiah Natzke, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “It was nice to get on the podium today! I struggled a lot early on in the day, but made good changes for the second moto that made me feel at one with my bike. I’ve been working hard with the team, so it’s good to see some progress on the track. There’s more to come.”
The day started in dramatic fashion for 250 Pro Class leader Benoit, who crashed in the first turn, but managed to fight his way back through the pack for a pivotal fourth-place finish. Victory in Moto 2 on his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION was enough to earn a second round victory in succession, building upon his championship lead in the process.
Kaven Benoit, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 Rider: “Another solid weekend in Alberta for the team. The day started out hectic with a crash off the start while going for the holeshot, but I fought hard to make my way up to fourth place. I came back in the second moto with a holeshot and the win, which gave me first place overall. Let’s keep the ball rolling!”
Brodeur returned to her winning ways at the Lethbridge WMX double-header, which included Rounds 2 and 3. She finished second on Saturday, before delivering an impressive 1-1 performance on Sunday for her first round victory of the season, also equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. As a result, Brodeur has now built a seven-point lead in the series.
Eve Brodeur, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 WMX Rider: “Busy weekend for me with the WCAN and the double round for the WMX class. After a P2 yesterday, I managed to win both motos today and get the red plates back on my bike! I’m excited and ready for the last round of our west coast championship next weekend!”
Next Race: June 16 – Pilot Mound, Manitoba
Results 450 Pro Class – Lethbridge MX National
1. Jess Pettis (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Josiah Natzke (NZL), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
3. Aaron Tanti (AUS), Kawasaki
Results 250 Pro Class – Lethbridge MX National
1. Kaven Benoit (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Quinn Amyotte (CAN), Kawasaki
3. Gage Linville (USA), Kawasaki
Results WMX West Class – Lethbridge MX National
1. Eve Brodeur (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Viviana Contreras (CAN), KTM
3. Kaylie Kayer (CAN), Husqvarna
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