*Editor’s note: Newf is busy driving home from the Walton TransCan so Palms will once again takes this week’s questions!
MXP: Another summer of the Triple Crown Series is in the books. What did you think of the Series and the final round at Walton Raceway?
CP: Well, I thought the Triple Crown Series was excellent from the opening round in Calgary to Round 8 at Walton Raceway. I’d love to see nine rounds in 2025, so perhaps the Series looks at going to Regina again or even to a second track in Manitoba. Obviously, BC needs a round, but I’m not sure where you could go without Whispering Pines available. This is definitely a question for Newf in the coming weeks. But, all in all, the racing this summer was the most competitive we’ve seen in some time. It’s too bad Dylan Wright got injured at Round 2, but that is racing, and at times, bad things happen to even our best riders.
As far as the final round goes, it really had everything you could ask for. There were championship battles in both classes that came down to the final few laps. Drew Adams did everything he could to beat Benoit, even crossing the proper race etiquette line a bit. But, really, what other options did he have on the final lap? It was great to see Kaven Benoit win the 250 Pro/AM class title, as he certainly earned it. Jess Pettis rode incredibly in the final moto to secure the 450 class title, so that was great to see. Eve Brodeur brought some tears to everyone with her farewell to racing lap at Walton Raceway. We were also able to see a former World Champion in Marvin Musquin race on Canadian soil. The final round had it all, and it made me excited for 2025.
MXP: Do you think KTM Canada will have the same team in 2025?
I don’t see why they wouldn’t field the same three riders next year. Obviously, Pettis will be back to defend his 450 title. I have to check the rules as I’ve heard two different stories on whether Benoit can race the 250 class again in 2025. My feeling is that if the rule says he cannot, then change the rule so he can. I heard he’s not interested in racing a 450 next year, so in my opinion, the sport and the Series in Canada are better off with Kaven Benoit on the track at 36 years old. It’s a great story, and I want to see him with the #1 on his bike in 2025, going up against the kids again. Finally, why wouldn’t KTM bring Natzke back also. Other than the added cost, he’s a great guy who works hard and is capable of challenging for the title, as we saw this summer. Also, these days, in this sport, you need two 450 riders if you can afford it. As we saw with Dylan Wright this summer, anything can happen, and if your an elite team you don’t want to be left without anyone on the starting gate.
MXP: What are your thoughts on Team Canada and the three rider’s we’re sending over to do battle in England?
CP: I mean, what is there not to like? Like last year, we’re sending our best three riders over to England, and if everything goes well, we could look at our best finish for this event. All three riders will be at the top of their games and know how to handle pressure. Kaven Benoit is a proven rider at this event, and his speed and experience will serve him well in the MX2 class. Jess Pettis is riding better than he ever has and should enter the MX1 class with a lot of confidence. Finally, Dylan Wright is super motivated to ride well and make up for last year’s poor performance. After missing some time this summer, I feel like Dylan will be fresh and ready to battle the best riders in the Open class. We just need the weather and the ping-pong balls on our side come early October in England.
