Holeshots & Podiums for the KTM Thor Racing Team at Season Opener

Photo by: Lissimore Photo

CMRC Canadian Motocross Nationals - Round 1

The Whispering Pines raceway got to be the host of a positive start for the KTM Thor Race team. MX2 rider Cole Thompson grabbed a great 2nd place overall after working his way through the pack all day while MX1 rider Kaven Benoit won the Triple Crown Holeshot award following 2 awesome starts.

Round 1 of the CMRC Canadian Motocross National was a good one for MX2 rider Cole Thompson. As all eyes were on him, the defending 250 champion showed some great potential for the ongoing season. Even though he struggled all day with his starts, Cole never gave up and pushed hard for 25 laps. Thompson worked his way up to a 4-2 results and finished the day with a well-earned 2nd place overall. “My speed and shape were there, but I definitely need to work on my starts. I will head back home, do my homework and come back stronger. It’s a long season and I’m ready to redeem myself in Prince George next weekend.”

MX1 rider Kaven Benoit went through some ups and downs during the 2017 season opener this weekend in BC. Kaven started his day by setting the fastest lap time in practice in the 450 class. His early results gave him a lot of confidence going through the first gate drop. Within the first seconds, Benoit put his KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition in front of the pack. He raced an amazing first half and even went up to a 15 sec lead over the 2nd place. Unfortunately, Kaven pushed a little too hard in a corner and ended up on the ground. After losing precious time, he crossed the finish line in 6th place.

The second moto was harder for Kaven, although he got a second holeshot, the remaining pain from this winter’s injury made it hard for him to focus his 100% attention on the ongoing race. Benoit ended his second moto with a 7th place for 6th overall on the day. “I leave Kamloops bitter-sweet. I know and was able to show my real potential, but now I need to focus on my health and making sure I can keep it consistent. We have 18 remaining races and I hope I will have the chance to display my full ability at every round.”

The KTM Thor Racing Team will now be heading to Prince George, BC for the second round of the CMRC Series.

MX1 Results / Championship

1. Christophe Pourcel 3-1 / 55 points
2. Dillan Epstein 1-5 / 51 points
3. Tyler Medaglia 2-4 / 50 points
4. Matt Goerke 5-2 / 48 points
5. Colton Facciotti 4-3 / 48 points
6. Kaven Benoit – KTM 6-7 / 39 points

MX2 Results / Championship

1. Shawn Maffenbeier 1-1 / 60 points
2. Cole Thompson – KTM 4-2 / 50 points
3. Josh Osby – KTM 3-3 / 50 points
4. Jess Pettis 2-5 / 48 points
5. Jacob Hayes 6-4 / 43 points