A dominant season from the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team saw Jess Pettis crowned the 450 Pro Champion directly ahead of teammate Josiah Natzke in a historic 1-2 result, as Kaven Benoit clinched the 250 Pro Championship at Walton Raceway’s final round of the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown Series.
Pettis entered the title decider with a 10-point advantage and his 3-2 scorecard across Sunday’s premier class motos saw him finish second overall, which was exactly what he needed to deliver KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team the title onboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.
Jess Pettis, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “I’m so happy to wrap up my first 450 MX title at Round 8 in Walton! It’s been a crazy season full of battles and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Huge thanks to the whole KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team and the believers for helping achieve this one!”
For Natzke, his first season in the 450 Pro Class has been nothing short of exceptional. Entering Round 8 within striking distance of Pettis, but needing fortunes on his side if he were to lift the trophy, the New Zealander finished third overall courtesy of a 1-5 scorecard. That secured him P2 in the final standings to complete the season.
Josiah Natzke, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “I have mixed emotions after race day at Walton. Stoked on my first moto win, but in the second moto had a terrible start and just didn’t have the pace like I did in Moto 1. Always learning lessons while trying to put it together and it’s been a good year!”
A third-career 250 Pro Class title finally belongs to KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team’s Benoit, his second-place result at Walton enough to clinch by two points. Following an extended period away from the sport, Benoit returned last year and delivered on his promise to bring home another championship on his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.
Kaven Benoit, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 Rider: “I accomplished something pretty special this year. Winning a third 250 MX title at the age of 35 is one for the history books. I am beyond proud of myself and all this would not have been possible without everybody involved in our team. Thanks again so much for all the hard work – it’s a goodbye to the 250 class!”
After winning the WMX West title and then finishing second in WMX East, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team’s Eve Brodeur entered the weekend motivated to challenge for the WMX East/West Shootout victory at Walton Raceway, but unfortunately was ruled out of the final round following a practice crash. It’s been a remarkable career for the 11-time national champion.
Eve Brodeur, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team WMX 250 Rider: “It was a slow weekend for me after a big crash in practice yesterday morning! I’m doing okay overall, but I hit my head when I went down, so we decided that it was better to end the day there. I had a blast cheering on my teammates though and I’m ecstatic that the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team was able to win three national championships this season! I was also very happy with the opportunity to do an honour lap and feel the love from the crowd for one last time to celebrate my retirement.”
In addition to the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team at the Canadian Triple Crown Series final round, Frenchman Marvin Musquin made a guest appearance with KTM in the Premix races, equipped with the new 2025 KTM 150 SX and going on to win both motos for a popular overall victory.
Results 450 Pro Class – Walton Raceway National
1. Dylan Wright (CAN), Honda
2. Jess Pettis (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
3. Josiah Natzke (NZL), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
Standings 450 Pro Class 2024 after 8 of 8 rounds
1. Jess Pettis, 355 points
2. Josiah Natzke, 344
3. Preston Kilroy, 300
Results 250 Pro Class – Walton Raceway National
1. Drew Adams (USA), Kawasaki
2. Kaven Benoit (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
3. Krystian Janik (USA), Kawasaki
Standings 250 Pro Class 2024 after 8 of 8 rounds
1. Kaven Benoit, 351 points
2. Drew Adams, 349
3. Gage Linville, 254
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