Issue 10
Canadian Pro Motocross Update
Heading into a week off, the series is starting to get really interesting, maybe even leaving us with more questions than answers.
Let’s start with the 250 class.
As expected, the Americans have arrived and immediately set a serious pace. What many expected from the younger riders has come true: plenty of speed mixed with some valuable learning experiences.
Preston Kilroy continues to lead the way, and it comes down to experience. He understands how to manage a championship, minimize mistakes, and avoid letting a rough day turn into a disaster. In fact, this was probably one of Preston’s "bad" weekends, yet he still found himself on the podium. That’s exactly what championship contenders do. Preston recognizes when things could go sideways and limits the damage better than anyone. At this point, an off weekend for Preston still means a podium finish, he’s simply that good.
Preston Kilroy will hold onto the red plate heading into the weekend off
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
Then there’s Vincent Wey.
The young American has undeniable speed and talent, but he’s also exactly that, young. Through four motos he’s gone 3-12-2-2, showing flashes of brilliance while also experiencing the ups and downs that come with developing as a racer. Canada is proving to be the perfect place for him to figure it all out.
Vincent Wey will head to High Point this weekend
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
One of the coolest stories we heard this week came from Seb Racine. Vincent’s father, Nick Wey, whose successful professional career needs no introduction, has been incredibly helpful in working with Seb on line selection and racecraft. Nick could easily spend all of his time focused solely on Vincent, but instead he’s sharing his knowledge and experience with others around him. In true Canadian fashion, he’s become a valuable resource for the entire team, and that’s great to see.
Nick Wey on site for the 2026 nationals
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
The standout of the weekend was Ryder Malinoski, who went a perfect 1-1 after a 9-3 in Calgary. He arrived in Manitoba with a mission and delivered, earning his first overall win on Canadian soil.
Ryder joined us on the Weekend Wrap-Up Podcast and revealed an interesting possibility: he is technically eligible to race for Team Canada at the Motocross of Nations. When asked about the opportunity, he made it clear that representing Canada is something he would be interested in pursuing.
With his speed, confidence, and momentum building, it's a conversation that may become more and more relevant as the season progresses.
Ryder Malinonski gets his first Canadian win
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
Dylan Rempel remains third in the championship despite a challenging weekend that saw him hit the ground four times across the two motos. Simply put, he's not making it easy on himself.
Even with the crashes, Rempel salvaged a pair of sixth-place finishes, but a 6-6 day is not the standard he holds himself to. The speed is there, and if he can put together two clean motos, he'll be right back in the fight at the front.
Expect a motivated Dylan Rempel when the series heads to St. Julie.
Dylan Rempel looking forward to the east
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
A couple side notes from the 250 class:
Intermediate rider Dexter Seitz suffered an early crash in Moto 1, resulting in a broken wrist. He underwent successful surgery on Monday in Manitoba and has since returned home to Calgary to begin his recovery.
It’s a tough setback for the young rider, but we wish Dexter a smooth recovery and look forward to seeing him back at the track as soon as possible.
Dexter and JC Seitz on the line
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
We also saw first-year pro Tegan Kortenbach earn support from the KTM Canada rig after an impressive eighth-place finish at Round 1. He backed that performance up with another solid eighth overall at Round 2, proving his opening result was no fluke.
The young rider continues to show consistency and maturity beyond his years, making a strong impression in his rookie professional season.
Check out the Race Day Follow we did with Tegan this week Click here!
Tegan Kortenbach sits 8th in points after 2
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
One final mention in the 250 class before the series heads east: Jayden Riley.
After opening the season with a 34th-place finish, Round 1 was certainly not what he had planned. But credit to Riley, he responded exactly how you would want to see a rider respond, bouncing back with a strong 10th-place finish at Round 2.
It's a reminder that the speed is there, and if he can continue building momentum, he'll be a rider to keep an eye on as the championship heads into the eastern rounds.
Jayden Riley at round 1 in Calgary
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
The 450 class was hit hard by misfortune before the gate even dropped.
The weekend began with news that Ryder McNabb would not be lining up due to illness at his home race. Media members received an email detailing his condition and stating that he would be sidelined for the weekend due to mono.
However, upon arriving at the track on Saturday, the situation appeared far less certain. The team indicated they were unaware of the email and had not received any official confirmation that McNabb would be out. As a result, they continued preparing and operating as if he would race until told otherwise.
The situation added even more uncertainty to an already unpredictable 450 championship. After finishing third at Round 1, there's no doubt Ryder McNabb is disappointed to miss valuable points.
Ryder has been open about battling ongoing health issues, and everyone in Canadian motocross is hoping he can get some answers and return to full health. The series is better with him on the gate.
Ryder McNabb at round 1 in Calgary
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
Jess Pettis has had a tough couple of months, with early signs showing at the AMO Sand Del Lee prep race where struggles to finish motos raised questions around the bike.
A 22nd in Moto 2 at Round 1, speculation around team atmosphere and tension naturally grew. By Round 2, even small details around the MX101 setup added to that perception, whether intentional or not.
The MX101 tent stood out at the track, with the plastic windows still up while fans were outside looking for autographs and posters. Among the pit, it was the only team that appeared largely closed off for a portion of the morning.
In racing, things like this often settle once results turn around, but for now, Jess will be side-lined with a knee injury he sustained in moto two after dabbing his knee, and eventually having to pull off and call it day.
Jess made a post on Instagram on Wednesday, heres the latest:
Jess Pettis was looking great until the dab
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
On a more positive note, Dylan Wright is off to a strong start in his rebound season, going 4-for-4 in moto wins through the first two rounds.
Talk of another perfect season has already started to circulate, but it’s early in the year and far too soon to put that kind of pressure on the table. For now, Wright simply looks fast, composed, and almost a whole new rider.
We'd like to apologize to Jeff Ryan for the less-than-flattering photo we posted last week. We'll do better next time.
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
One rider who could put a serious wrench in Dylan Wright’s strong start is KTM Canada’s Harri Kullas.
He showed impressive speed and composure this weekend, and as the series heads east, he only looks more dangerous. St. Julie should suit his style well, and with it being KTM’s home round, there’s always a little extra motivation on the table.
Harri Kullas fitting in just fine here in Canada
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
Sebastien Racine came close to a breakout moment in the 450 class, leading much of the second moto and turning plenty of heads in the process.
The rookie has already shown he belongs, and it’s safe to expect some strong results as the season unfolds. Heading into Sand Del Lee in a couple weeks, a track he knows well, that familiarity could make him a dangerous factor.
Big 450 guy Seb Racine
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
WMX
That's a wrap on Round 2, and the WMX championship picture just got a whole lot more interesting.
Heading into the weekend, two riders held red plates: Jordan Jarvis and Kaylie Kayer. Neither will leave Manitoba with one. Instead, it's Jamie Astudillo who takes over the points lead. After a Round 1 performance she wasn't satisfied with, Astudillo bounced back in dominant fashion, grabbing both holeshots, leading every lap, and sweeping the overall.
Jamie going 1-1 at round 2
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
As for Jarvis, her weekend was nothing short of wild. Once again, she raced in the U.S. on Friday and Saturday before making the trip north for the Canadian National. A schedule change that moved the WMX motos to the end of the day forced a last-minute adjustment to her travel plans. The decision was made to fly into Regina and make the five-hour drive to Pilot Mound, but things quickly got complicated with flight delays and deplaned aircraft.
By the time it was all said and done, Jarvis arrived with just one hour of sleep before heading to the track for Round 2. Considering the circumstances, a pair of second-place finishes and a 2-2 day was an impressive effort and keeps her firmly in the championship fight.
Jarvis going 2-2 sitting one point behind in the championship
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
As for Kaylie Kayer, still sitting 3rd in the points as first Canadian she was a bit off the pace at round two but we expect a full bounce back in St. Julie.
Kaylie Kayer at Round 2 in Manitoba
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
After what appeared to be a thumb or wrist injury, Katrine "Kitty" Ferguson dug deep at her home track and battled through the pain to post a solid 5-5 finish on the day.
She's scheduled to have the injury evaluated this week, and we expect to have a clearer update on her condition in the coming days. Toughness has never been a question for Ferguson, and Round 2 was another reminder of that.
Kitty Ferguson at her home town race
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto