When the 2024 Triple Crown Series began back in June, Jess Pettis was one of the favourites to win the 450 class Championship. Right from the opening round, Jess asserted his desire to take home his first-ever 450 title by winning two of the first four motos. From there, he remained fast and consistent throughout the summer, battling with his teammate Josiah Natzke right to the final moto at Walton Raceway. In the end, Jess would win five of eight rounds, and would win the 450 title by just eleven points. With the Triple Crown Series now a part of Canadian moto history, Jess and his Team Canada teammates have been busy preparing for the MXON, which will take place in England on October 5-6. We caught up with Jess as he was driving to the practice track for a day of motos.
MXP: Hey Jess! What is going on today in Quebec?
JP: Hey Palms! Today is a riding day, so I just left the KTM HQ and now I’m driving to the practice track. It’s been so warm and dry here that we have to pick tracks that are prepped and watered. It’s a bit of a long drive today so feel free to chat as long as you want.
Yes, we’ve had the same weather in Ontario. After Walton I redid our SX track, we were able to ride it for a few weeks, but lately it’s been too dry. I guess we shouldn’t complain though as soon it will be rainy and cool. Anyway, we really haven’t spoken since the final round of the Triple Crown Series at Walton Raceway. You obviously had a great day there and were able to wrap up your first 450 title. Can you take us through your day at Walton?
I mean, it was everything you’d expect a final round to be when two riders are so close in points and going for a championship. Josiah [Natzke] rode great in the opening moto and did what he had to do. I unfortunately let the moment get to me in moto one and rode like complete garbage. Heading into the first moto I think I got caught over-thinking everything and not just going out and racing my motorcycle. But, I guess that is to be expected as there was a lot on the line as far as winning the biggest title in Canadian moto. Thankfully, I was able to get out front early in moto two, and from there I just tried to ride as hard as I could for as long as I could. I really wanted to win that final moto and I fought Dylan [Wright] off a few times, but in the end, I had more to lose than he did so I backed it down in the final few laps.
That was a great moto as you two were certainly going for it on a very challenging Walton Raceway track. You mentioned your struggles in the opening moto. Was it purely a mental thing or were you struggling with your bike a bit? Walton can be a tricky track if your set-up isn’t quite right.
I would say it was a bit of both, we did make some suspension changes in between the motos and that helped a lot in moto two. Other than that, it was just on me to ride better. It pretty much came down to who finished better in moto two, and I feel like I’ve always done well when I have my back up against the wall. I really focused on my start, and then from there I just tried to put in some fast laps. As you said, the Walton track is challenging, and one mistake can really cost you. I thought for the most part that I rode very well in that second moto, especially given the pressure I had to deal with going in.
Well, once again congratulations on winning the 450 Championship, it’s been a few years coming for sure. This is a question I asked Kaven [Benoit] a few weeks after Walton. Once you got back home after the final round, how exhausted were you, and was it more mental or physical?
That is a good question Palms! I was absolutely mentally fried once I got home from Walton. I don’t even think I realized how much pressure I put on myself to win that title. All summer Josiah and I were kind of back and forth on equal equipment, and it all came down to the final moto. It was pretty awesome for the fans and for the series, but obviously hell on us. Once I got home I really didn’t feel like doing anything for like a week. Thankfully, I had the MXON to start preparing for, so it allowed me to refocus and find some energy to start riding and training again. It was tough, but obviously worth it. Maybe next time it won’t be such a nail biter (laughs).
So, you took a few weeks off after Walton to recover. Since then, how has the MXON preparation been?
It’s been going good, I think we’ve all (Team Canada) gotten to the point where we just want to go racing. It’s such a long gap from Walton to the MXON, that it’s been tough to stay race ready. Each of us have done some local Quebec races, which have been fun and competitive. We’ve also been able to ride together a few times and hang out, so as far as preparation and team chemistry, I think we’re in a good spot.
That is great to hear, and certainly a big step forward from last year. Is the plan to all fly over to England together, or will you be flying over separately and meeting up there?
As far as I know the riders and wives are all flying over together, and then taking that first day to sight see around London. We’ve never been there so it should be fun. Then we’ll make our way to where we’re staying. Also, I believe this year there is an option to stay in a hotel, but I’ll be staying in the rented house with everyone.
For whatever reason, it just feels like there is a better vibe with the team this year compared to last year. Would you agree?
I definitely think so. I think we’re all excited to not just go over to the UK to race, but also to hang out together and experience a place we’ve never been. The girls are also excited to hang out, so yeah, there is a good feeling with everyone. Hopefully, this translates into some good luck and a solid result on October 6th.
I know it’s hard to look too far ahead, but after the MXON the official off-season begins. What are your plans from mid-October to say Christmas time?
Like you said, first up is the MXON and I don’t want to look too far past that race. After last year, I think it’s really important that we go over there and get a solid finish. But, after that I think I’ll take a little time off, do some much needed work around the house, and then start training for 2025.
This year, you and your team headed South to begin riding in mid-February, do you see that timeline being the same in 2025?
Yes, I think so. Once we got down there we didn’t come home until the end of April, so I don’t think we have to be down south longer than that. The one thing I will change is that I’ll probably head down a few weeks early and just ride a few different tracks, just to get feeling comfortable on the bike again after a long winter. This year we arrived at GPF and immediately began testing with my teammates. It was challenging to just jump into riding like that.
I remember seeing you in those early weeks at GPF and you were definitely struggling. But, it all worked out in the end, and now you’re the Champ!
It definitely did.
Well Jess, thank you for taking the time to catch up with us. Hopefully, this chat has made the drive go by faster than normal. Congratulations on an incredible 2024 season, and good luck at the MXON in a few weeks.
Thanks Palms! I appreciate you reaching out. We’re going to do our best over there and hopefully we can make Canada proud!
