KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team rookie Josiah Natzke made it back-to-back 450 Pro Class victories at Round 4 of the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown Series on Sunday after splitting the moto wins with teammate Jess Pettis, who finished third overall. The 250 Pro Class saw Kaven Benoit claim P2, while Eve Brodeur won the opening round of the WMX East series.
Natzke has quickly adapted to the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION since stepping up to the 450 Pro Class this season, recording a 1-3 scorecard this weekend to seal the round win. The result has taken him to within four points of Pettis in the standings following Gopher Dunes.
Josiah Natzke, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “Happy to grab a P1 overall on the day! It was a brutal day in the sand and I’m happy to get out of Gopher healthy and with some solid points.”
An unfortunate issue while leading in the late stages of the opening encounter saw top qualifier Pettis credited P10, before victory in the second moto enabled him to salvage third position on the round podium. After winning the opening two rounds of the season and maintaining a perfect podium strike rate, he continues to hold the 450 Pro Class red plate.
Jess Pettis, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 450 Rider: “I was happy with my riding and fitness at Gopher Dune, but unfortunately had a DNF in Moto 1 with one lap to go and a comfortable lead. But I got some redemption in Moto 2 and took the win for third overall.”
In his first appearance of the 2024 Triple Crown Series season, American Tristan Lane made it an all-KTM 450 Pro Class podium this weekend, finishing second overall on his 450 SX-F with 2-5 moto finishes.
Two-time 250 Pro Class Champion Kaven Benoit managed to retain the points lead after racing to 2-2 moto finishes and second overall at Gopher Dunes. It was another important result for the veteran on his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, returning to the podium at Round 4 of the season.
Kaven Benoit, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team 250 Rider: “It was a solid day at the Dunes. I tried my hardest today and 2-2 was the finish, but we’re still holding onto the red plates, which is positive. We’ll have to find some extra speed for the next couple of weeks!”
After clinching her 11th national championship three weeks ago in WMX West, Brodeur turned her attention to the eastern region in WMX East and delivered a commanding 1-1 result on her KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. She has an early six-point advantage in the series over fellow KTM rider Jamie Astudillo.
Eve Brodeur, KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team WMX 250 Rider: “It was a great day on my end with a 1-1 finish to start off our WMX East Coast Championship! I’m excited to work hard these next few weekends to keep this momentum going.”
Next Race: July 14 – Ottawa, Ontario
Results 450 Pro Class – Gopher Dunes MX National
1. Josiah Natzke (NZL), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Tristan Lane (USA), KTM
3. Jess Pettis (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
Standings 450 Pro Class 2024 after 4 of 8 rounds
1. Jess Pettis, 172 points
2. Josiah Natzke, 168
3. Preston Kilroy, 140
Results 250 Pro Class – Gopher Dunes MX National
1. Drew Adams (USA), Kawasaki
2. Kaven Benoit (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
3. Tyler Medaglia (CAN), Honda
Standings 250 Pro Class 2024 after 4 of 8 rounds
1. Kaven Benoit, 172 points
2. Drew Adams, 168
3. Sebastien Racine, 130
Results WMX East Class – Gopher Dunes MX National
1. Eve Brodeur (CAN), KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team
2. Jamie Astudillo (USA), KTM
3. Kaylie Kayer (CAN), Husqvarna
Standings WMX East Class 2024 after 1 of 5 rounds
1. Eve Brodeur, 50 points
2. Jamie Astudillo, 44
3. Kaylie Kayer, 40
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