COURTLAND, ON – The KTM Canada Red Bull THOR Race Team got right back into racing over the weekend with Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2021 Triple Crown Series MX Tour taking place at Gopher Dunes. Team rider Jess Pettis highlighted the team’s efforts with a pair of solid podium finishes on both days, including a moto-win on Sunday; while Cole Thompson remained steady inside the top-five all weekend long.
On Saturday, it was a one-moto format for the third round and Pettis found himself in the lead battle right away. Leading laps and showing great speed, the 450 Class rookie raced his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION straight to the podium and third overall on the day. His teammate, Thompson, followed suit with good battles up front, scoring a solid fourth overall on the day.
The KTM duo returned to racing once again on Sunday for Round 4, picking up where they left off with some intense racing up front. It was Pettis who assumed the lead right away in Moto 1 and he mixed it up inside the top-three before finishing strong with the moto-win. Following it up with a second-place finish in Moto 2, Pettis solidified second overall on day two. Thompson had a slower start to the day, finishing sixth in moto one but he rallied back to land just outside the podium in moto two. With 6-4 moto finishes, Thompson claimed a top-five overall to round out the weekend.
Halfway through the series, Pettis sits only one point away from the championship lead in the 450 Pro Class.
Jess Pettis, KTM Canada Red Bull THOR Race Team 450 Rider: “I struggled to find comfort on Saturday, but I was able to grab a third overall on the day and on Sunday, the team and I worked hard to make me more comfortable. The track was very challenging. I was able to get 1-2 moto scores for second overall. I am one point away from the championship lead and I’m happy with the position I’m in leading into next weekend at San Del Lee.”
With one podium finish behind him in the first four rounds, Thompson now sits fourth overall in the championship standings with plenty of racing left to go.
Cole Thompson, KTM Canada Red Bull THOR Race Team 450 Rider: “It was a tough weekend in the sand, I wasn’t on-pace both days. Thanks to my team for everything, time to focus on next weekend and be better.”
Jean-Sebastien Roy, KTM Canada Red Bull THOR Race Team Manager: “I’m happy our guys battled through the weekend at Gopher Dunes. We all know this track is different from a lot of other tracks and anything can happen out there. Jess and Cole have showed some strong stamina during the weekend and came away with podium finishes and in a good point position for the championship. We’re looking forward to San Del Lee next weekend where both riders have performed well in the past.”
WMX Class – KTM Supported racer Eve Brodeur continued her winning streak in the WMX Class with a sweeping 1-1 victory on the day, followed by KTM rider Sarah-Kim Villeneuve putting in a strong 2-2 finish in the class.
Orange Brigade – KTM Orange Brigade rider Jacob Piccolo had an impressive performance throughout the weekend, managing 2-1 overall finishes in the 250 Pro class. Piccolo currently sits tied for first place in the 250 Pro standings halfway through the series.
Next Race: July 18 – San Del Lee, Ottawa, Ontario
450 Pro Results – Gopher Dunes 1
1. Marshal Weltin, Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Dylan Wright, Honda (2-2)
3. Jess Pettis, KTM (3-3)
4. Cole Thompson, KTM (4-4)
OTHER KTM
8. Liam O’Farrell, KTM
9. Tim Tremblay, KTM
250 Pro Results – Gopher Dunes 1
1. Ryder McNabb, Honda (1-1)
2. Jacob Piccolo, KTM (2-2)
3. Tanner Ward, Honda (3-3)
450 Pro Results – Gopher Dunes 2
1. Dylan Wright, Honda (2-1)
2. Jess Pettis, KTM (1-2)
3. Marshal Weltin, Kawasaki (4-3)
OTHER KTM
5. Cole Thompson, KTM (6-4)
7. Tim Tremblay, KTM
8. Liam O’Farrell, KTM
250 Pro Results – Gopher Dunes 2
1. Jacob Piccolo, KTM (5-1)
2. Marco Canella, Yamaha (1-5)
3. Darien Sanayei, Kawasaki (4-2)
450 Pro Championship Standings – After 4 Rounds
1. Dylan Wright, 180 points
2. Jess Pettis, 179
3. Marshal Weltin, 163
4. Cole Thompson, 153
OTHER KTM
7. Tim Tremblay, 113
9. Liam O’Farrell, 97
250 Pro Championship Standings – After 4 Rounds
1. Jacob Piccolo, 166 points
2. Tanner Ward, 166
3. Ryder McNabb, 164
- From KTM Canada, Inc.
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