PulpMX Photo Report – Calgary Canadian Nationals Opener
Phil’s back in the Great White North…
Photos and Captions by James Lissimore
We’re back racing in Canada, as the Jetwerx Triple Crown Series(the Canadian NationalsĀ official name) made its way to the heart of the city of Calgary, to the Wild Rose MX track. One of the most unique venues anywhere, sadly the Wild Rose track might have hosted its last National. If it was the end, at least it went out with a bang, as both classes featured knock down, drag it out battles for the lead in both motos. If Calgary was any indication, we’re in for a hell of a year of racing. Let’s take a look at what went down at Calgary.
Wild Rose MX. The only outdoor motocross track that’s located in the heart of a major city.
Unfortunately, it looks like its days might be numbered. The city has announced plans to redevelop the site for a bus depot.
Phillip lays down the law in the WLTN Kawasaki pits.
GDR Honda team manager, Ryan “Newf” Lockhart uses his hands to get his point across.
The Hotdog vendor finally gets his man, with reigning 450 champion, Jess Pettis, making the move to the MX101 Yamaha team in the off season.
With Pettis’ arrival, Preston Kilroy has dropped down to the 250 class for 2025.
Dylan Walsh gets sideways in practice.
The 250 class kicks off the new season.
After winning both titles last year, the Red Bull KTM Canada team had some downsizing over the winter, with only 250 class rider, Dylan Rempel lining up for the team. He would finish the day in 4th overall.
It looks like the 250 title fight is going to come down to these two riders, as Ryder McNabb and Preston Kilroy went toe to toe in both motos. The 2-time 250 champ McNabb had to settle for a pair of 2nd place finishes in his return to Canadian racing.
A Canadian who now lives in California, Noah Viney is racing for the GDR Honda team. A crash in moto two left him with 8-19 scores for 13th overall.Sebastien Racine is the other 250 rider on the MX101 team. He finished the opening round in 5th overall.
Kilroy was on a mission in both motos and the Wyoming native came away with a clean sweep, 1-1 finish on the day.
After breaking a couple vertebrae in a supercross crash a few weeks ago, New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh gutted out a pair of 3rds to grab the last spot on the podium.
Your 250 podium – 1st Preston Kilroy, 2nd Ryder McNabb and 3rd Dylan Walsh
Shower time
Despite not starting on concrete since his last time up in Canada, Phil Nicoletti aces the start to grab the first hole shot of the 2025 season.
With the help of the GDR Honda team, Fox Racing’s Connor Olson came up to race Calgary. He finished the day in 23rd.
For a while, it looked like a rider with mailbox numbers might make the podium, as Idaho’s Evan Stice ran 3rd for much of the second 450 moto. He would finish 4th. With his 10th in moto one, he ended the day 5th overall.
Utah’s Gavin Brough was back for another crack at Canadian racing and ended the day in 7th.
Jess Pettis makes the pass for the lead early in moto one.
Dutch racer, Lars VanBerkel, is back in Canada for a full season for 2025. The sand specialist struggled on the hard packed Calgary track and would end the day in 9th. Look for him to be in the mix when the series moves east.
Pettis draws first blood, taking a narrow win over Wright in moto one.
It was a solid 450 debut for privateer racer, Quinn Amyotte, as he battled with Nicoletti in both motos to take 4th overall.
Not a fan of the track, Phil still managed to finish up the day with a pair of 3rd place finishes.
Pettis grabs the start in moto two.
These two were this close for most of the day. If they can keep it up we’re going to be treated to an insane year of racing.
Wright makes the pass in moto two.
Then tips over, allowing Pettis to retake the lead.
A last lap charge saw Wright make the pass with 2 corners to go to take the win and the overall. Finger guns for everyone !
Wright takes the first win of 2025.
Your 450 podium: 1st Dylan Wright, 2nd Jess Pettis, 3rd Phil Nicoletti
