ON TRACK WITH KTM’S KAVEN BENOIT

On Track with KTM’s Kaven Benoit

Q Kaven, It’s great news that you are going to be flying the flag for KTM in Chilliwack for the next two weekends! You have had a lot of success indoors at the Montreal Supercross does that give you some added confidence heading into the tight confines of Arenacross out here in BC?

For sure it gives me confidence. I’ve always had lots of fun riding technical tracks either arenacross or supercross. We used to have an arenacross series back home a couple years ago and I always did great so I’m really looking forward to the next two weekends.

Q Quebec has produced some great riders over the years and it’s always good to have riders from Quebec and all other parts of the country in BC for the Championship. Marco Dube, Jeff Bourdages, Simon Homans and JSR have all done well and gained some new fans out west racing this series. Have you had any advice on set up or anything else about BC AX from JSR or any of the other guys?

Actually I haven’t talked to JSR yet, but I’ll give him a call for sure and he’ll have something to say to help me out.

Q KTM had their sights set on a Canadian Arenacross Championship, do you think you could be doing the whole series if things go well at the next two rounds?

I would like to but I won’t be able to attend all the events. I have a snocross race scheduled after my trip to BC.

Q You are coming in to Chilliwack replacing Jeremy Madaglia with less than a week to prepare, what’s your strategy to get you and KTM straight to the top of the podium?

It is a bit last minute but I will try my best to get good starts which usually I’m good at and try to win for KTM and Maple Ridge Motorsports.

Q The two man head to head intermission races have become a favourite part of the AX show for the fans and are a great source of income for the winner which has been dominated by Spencer Knowles of late. So far this year a few riders have choosen not to participate and save themselves for the main events. Can we expect you to be going for the bucket of cash in Chilliwack?

I am not familiar with the format, I guess I’ll see once I’m there. I haven’t had the time yet to ask questions about the race schedule. If there’s money on the line, good chance I will participate…we’ll see.

Q What are you expectations and goals for your first appearance in the series?

I want to win that’s what I race for but I know lots of things can happen in arenacross racing. If I stay out of trouble i’d like to podium and get some wins.

Q You will be doing a riding school at Chilliwack in-between the two weekends what can riders expect and where can riders find info on the school?

Riders can expect to learn the basics of indoor riding, focusing on being smooth and precise. The guys at Maple Ridge Motorsports are organizing the riding school next Monday, and riders can sign up by contacting them. The school starts at 5pm and we have the track until 8:30pm. I believe they are holding KTM demo rides after my school. I’m mostly excited to meet new people. I normally only go to BC when we’re racing the outdoor nationals, so this is something different.

Q Who would you like to thank for getting you to the KTM Canadian Arenacross Championship and supporting you in your career?

Of course Danny Brault at KTM Canada and Troy of Maple Ridge motorsports for making this happen. All my other sponsors including KTM Canada, Duroy racing, Motovan, Kutvek Amerika, Factory Connection, Oakley, Cti, Orthoflex, JMT training, Dubois GMC, 66graphx.

Thanks for your time Kaven and good luck in Chilliwack this weekend.