KTM Canada Presents Industry Profile With Matt Deroy

Matt Deroy has seen it all in this sport. From his early days as a racer in Quebec to being a championship-winning mechanic, to now overseeing the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team with three title-contending riders. Yes, Matt brings much experience to his role as Team Manager of the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team and loves every minute of it. As you will read in this in-depth interview, Matt feels that one of his keys to success is to keep things on an even keel and not to let the inevitable highs and lows of racing affect himself or the team. So far, this summer has been going very well for Matt and the KTM Canada Red Bull Race Team, as Ryder McNabb is the current points leader in the 250 class, and Kaven Benoit and Jess Pettis have also won races in 2023 and sit second overall in their respective classes. We caught up with Matt just as he and his team were preparing for the second half of the Triple Crown Series.

MXP: Hey Matt! First off, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s start with how the 2023 season has been going so far. On the outside, it looks like a dream season for the KTM Canada Team. From your perspective, how have things been going?

MD: So far, this season has been going well for all of us. When you compare our results to last season, we’re doing much better. But things can change quickly, and we still have a few races to go.

Even though Ryder McNabb came into the 2023 Triple Crown Series a little underprepared due to an injury he suffered late in the off-season, he’s been great and currently holds the points lead in the 250 class. Kaven Benoit has been really fast in the 250 class and has some wins, and Jess Pettis seems to be getting stronger with each race. Overall, as a Team Manager, you must be happy.

Yes, of course; seeing their results over the past month and a half makes me happy. For me, it’s essential not to get too high when things are going well, just as last year with some of the injuries our riders had; it was important for me not to get too low. So, as you said, we’ve been battling for wins in both classes every weekend, and really, that’s all you can ask for. Ryder has the points lead and the red plates, which is what every team wants; Benoit has won races and is enjoying himself, and Pettis has been right there every weekend and is building the confidence he needs. As I said, the key for me is to manage expectations and ensure we finish the series strong and healthy. In this sport, you just never know what things will change.

We know coming into a season, every team wants to win races and titles, so we’re sure it was the same for your team. But, have the great results that you’ve had thus far surprised you at all?

Surprise is not the word, as I know how much work everyone put into getting ready for this season. It’s truly a team effort, and we all work hard. I don’t think Ryder’s results have been surprising at all, as we all knew what we were getting when we signed him. He’s not only the defending 250 champion, but he has a great attitude and works very hard. As for Jess, with the unfortunate injuries that he’s had during the past two years, he really needed a good solid season in 2023 to regain some confidence. So far, he’s been great, and we’re all happy with his riding. Then there’s KB (Kaven Benoit), and while nothing ever surprises me with him, his will to push pass the comfort zone in 2023 have even impressed me. He worked really hard this winter to be ready, and even with switching bikes late in testing, he’s adapted well, and it’s been great to see him win some motos and be in the battle for the 250 title.

Kaven Benoit is an exciting story, without a doubt. Not many top athletes in any sport walk away and then are able to return a few years later and have the success that Kaven has had so far this season. His comeback this summer has been nothing short of amazing, and we hope he can finish off the summer healthy and maybe even come back next season. How did the idea of bringing Kaven out of retirement come to fruition?

Well, the thought came to me last fall while I was driving home from the office (laughs). At the time, I knew we had Ryder in the 250 class and that he was going to be a title favorite. We also had Jess, and I knew that with a solid off-season, he could have a great summer in the 450 class. So we had those two riders, and I was happy with that, but I knew that KTM would have a new 250 two-stroke available, and we needed to find different ways to market it. Then, the idea of having KB race the two-stroke in 2023 just came to me, and the more I thought about it, the better the idea seemed. Also, I remember thinking about how solid Ryan Dungey was in his comeback and how he was able to be fast right away.

That’s amazing that you just came up with that while driving. Do you remember what Kaven’s first reaction was when you mentioned it to him?

Well, before I even mentioned it to Kaven, I went out to watch a Quebec Provincial Race. I knew Jess was racing, so I wanted to be there for him, but I also knew that Kaven would be there as he raced most of the Provincial events last season. Anyway, I wanted to see how he looked and what his speed was like compared to riders like Jess and Jeremy Mckie.

What did you think?

He showed his raw speed was still up there. I mean, they weren’t national-length races, but they were still long enough that if you weren’t in good shape, you’d get tired. Yeah, KB looked great, and soon after, I went over to his house and brought up my idea.

Did he think you were crazy (laughs)?

I mean, he didn’t believe it at first, but you could tell he was giving it some thought. I told him that I didn’t need an answer right then and to take some time to think about it. We reconnected sometime later; he said he was in, and here we are!

That was a great idea, and even though you had to make a switch with the bike and go with the four-stroke instead of the two-stroke, it’s been so great having Kaven back in the Triple Crown Series.

It has for us he’s been a great asset for us both on and off of the track.

Obviously, we’re only looking at your team from the outside, but between you, the mechanics, the riders, and Marc (truck driver), there appears to be a really good vibe under the tent this summer. Would you agree?

Everyone gets along, and we try to do our jobs the best we can. As a manager, I put a lot of trust in everyone to do their jobs and be professional. KTM is a large company, but it’s also a close-knit company, and our race team represents everyone in it. I mean, Roger Decoster could show up this weekend to watch the racing and see how we’re doing. So, although we’re smaller than, say, the KTM USA Team or the KTM MXGP Team, we need to conduct ourselves professionally as they do.

Well, everything under this tent looks professional, so you’re definitely meeting your goals. Let’s talk about your three riders again. You have the kid in Ryder McNabb; it’s hard to believe that he’s still just 17 years old. On the other side, you have Benoit, who is 34 years old. And then, right in the middle, you have Jess Pettis, who is approaching his mid-20s. Despite their age differences, are they all working well together?

They are, for sure! It’s been great this year having them all on the team, and each rider brings something different. Kaven is doing exactly what I’d hope he’d do with his knowledge and experience. He’s helping Ryder with bike set-up, and his general expertise in all areas of racing. Also, Kaven loves his bike, so when he comes in after a practice session or a race, and Ryder and Jess hear him talking about how good his bike is, those positive vibes rub off on them. With Ryder, his youthful enthusiasm and character certainly rubs off on everyone, not just his teammates. He’s been great both on the track, and off the track, so we’re really happy with him. As for Jess, I think both his teammates have helped him with feeling comfortable and confident, and so far, he’s having a solid season. I know he’s been a little frustrated with finishing second a few times, but as I said earlier, he really needed to get a full season under him in 2023 and build from there. Yeah, we’ve been lucky this year, as our riders have been perfect teammates so far.

That is great to hear, Matt. I’m sure there are teams out there where the riders don’t work that well together. Let’s talk about you for a moment. On the outside, being the Team Manager of the KTM Canada Team is a dream job for sure. However, KTM is the only team in the Triple Crown Series that operates directly out of an OEM’s headquarters. Meaning while you’re at work, your bosses can come and see you and ask you questions. Does this add a lot more pressure to the job?

I don’t see it as more pressure as this job on any team is very challenging. With how things are at KTM, I would say there is just a lot of accountability for me. Not only do I have to oversee the race team, but I also have to attend monthly budget meetings like all of the department heads at KTM do. For instance, even though it’s Saturday afternoon at the races, I have to take some time to prepare for a Monday morning budget meeting. That is how things work, but I’m a pretty organized person, so I don’t mind it all.

Well, Matt, whatever you and the KTM Team are doing, keep it going, as so far, your season has been great. Final question for you, and then we’ll let you get back to work. At home, you’re a family man, and it must be challenging to balance everything. When you leave the race shop to travel home, can you just let everything go and find time to relax and recharge?

Yes, for sure! Having a family has been incredible, and while sometimes work and family overlap, it’s nice to be at home with them and relax. As I mentioned above, racing has a lot of ups and downs, as does life sometimes. My main goal always is to try and keep things even and not get too high or too low.

It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, Matt. Thank you for your time, and we wish you continued success for the rest of the year and beyond!

Thanks, Chris! Hopefully, the second half of the season goes as well as the first half.