Round 8
Canadian Pro Motocross Update
What can we say? Right now, it’s the calm before the storm.
And speaking of storms, Calgary has been getting hammered with rain all week. While the teams are busy making final preparations, the weather has become the biggest talking point heading into Round 1. The constant rainfall is sure to leave its mark on the track. We headed out to the track to take a look and here is what we saw:
AMO Racing in Ontario has announced a classic money race for pros this summer, adding a $10,000 purse event at Walton Raceway during the weekend off between Rounds 2 and 3 of the Canadian national series. The event will feature a paid-per-moto format, giving riders another opportunity to earn some money during the national season.
It will be interesting to see who decides to line up, as the race offers one of the few chances for riders to get laps on Walton's new track direction ahead of the Walton National. That said, many of the pros have likely raced the track in this direction 2 years ago during their amateur careers, and some who were already pros.
1st - $750
2nd - $650
3rd - $600
4th - $500
5th - $450
6th - $425
7th - $375
8th - $325
9th - $250
10th - $175
11th - $125
12th - $125
13th - $100
14th - $75
15th - $75
To put the purse into perSPECtive, the payout if you go 1-1 on the day is bigger a pay day than the national. A 250 class overall win at a Canadian National currently pays $900, while a 450 overall win pays $1,200, making the Walton event a legit opportunity for riders to cash in during the weekend off between rounds.
Sand De Lee AMO Spring Race
Photo: R4 Media
Amateur and Local Racing
Huge news for Canadian motocross, and especially for the Calgary moto community. Wild Rose MX Park has been granted an extension on its lease after receiving a lease termination notice just a few months ago. The extension secures the facility for another year, with the lease now set to expire on January 1, 2028.
The news comes as a complete surprise. With all the "last one" messaging and marketing surrounding the facility, many believed the decision was final. The paperwork had been signed, the process appeared complete, and no one expected any change in direction.
As a result, this extension has come as a shock not only to the Wild Rose board but also to the members of the Save the Park committee, who have spent countless hours fighting to keep one of Canada's most iconic motocross facilities alive and after coming to the conclusion moved into finding a new location (which is still ongoing with lots of positive movement).
For now, riders and fans can celebrate the fact that Wild Rose MX Park will continue operating beyond what many thought would be its final season.
Wild Rose city view
Photo: Tree Three Media
A huge number of Canadians punched their tickets to Loretta Lynn’s this week! With so many riders heading south this year, it’s almost dangerous to start naming names, someone is always upset when we miss one.
This weekend, two factory supported teams will line up some amateur riders at Calgary for the first time in quite some time. Hayden Dupuis will line up with KTM Canada support aboard a 125 two-stroke, while Braxton Zeitner will represent GDR Honda on a CRF250.
We're not here to create a rivalry, but these two riders spent years trading motos throughout their Supermini careers. Now, as they take different paths toward the professional ranks, it will be fascinating to watch their development. Both have the talent, speed, and support to reach the top level of Canadian motocross, and there's a good chance we'll be watching them battle for national championships in the years ahead.
After spending the entire winter down south collecting gate drops and some big US races along with the chase for a Lorettas ticket. Hayden enters Calgary with plenty of momentum. What's particularly interesting is his decision to continue racing the KTM 125 before making the full transition to a four-stroke. With full backing from KTM Canada, it's hard not to view this as a strong vote of confidence in the platform. Hayden did sustain some injury during the offseason, but is fully healthy getting gate drops heading into this weekend.
Hayden Dupuis at KTM Canada Photoshoot
Photo: Tree Three Media
Braxton spent the winter down south preparing for the season ahead. While he may not have racked up quite as many gate drops, he benefited from training directly alongside Canadian Champion Dylan Wright, splitting his time between hard-pack in Mesquite and sand tracks at the dogpound.
Braxton quietly made the transition from the Supermini to the four-stroke at the end of last season and has been progressing rapidly ever since. Early signs have been promising, with flashes of impressive speed at several Canadian local amateur events while competing in the Intermediate classes.
Braxton Zeitner at 2026 GDR Media Day
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
This is almost a story within the story heading into Calgary. As we've said, we're not trying to pit these two riders against each other, but the reality is their careers have been intertwined for years and likely will be for many more to come.
This weekend is just another chapter in what could become one of the defining rivalries of the next generation of Canadian motocross.
WMX
Kaylie Kayer and Kiana Kurtz have officially punched their tickets to Loretta Lynn’s, adding their names to the growing list of Canadians headed to the biggest amateur motocross event in the world.
Meanwhile, Destiny Slingerland is heading south this week to line up for Round 1 of the WMX USA National Championship at Hangtown. We’ll be keeping a close eye on her results as she hits the track Friday and Saturday.
Destiny racing a Super Series Wild Rose Race
Photo: Tree Three Media
And before you know it, our own national season is here, our first gate drops on Sunday!
With Round 1 of the Canadian WMX Championship kicking off this Sunday, the buzz is growing as teams, riders, and industry insiders lock in their predictions.
The favourite heading into Calgary is Jordan Jarvis, who will fly in at 2 a.m. after racing in the U.S. and still be expected to battle for the win. Joining her on the gate is fellow American Jamie Astudillo, the 2024 and 2025 Canadian East Champion, making her first appearance out west.
Defending Canadian West Champion Katrine Ferguson will be looking to protect her turf, while Kaylie Kayer (MX101) and Hannah Cole (GDR) are both expected to be right in the thick of the fight.
Add in Kiana Kurtz and Amelie Croteau, who both have the speed to challenge at the front, and the depth of this field becomes clear.
Another rider to watch is Brandy McLarty, who will make her first trip west with Team AVL and arrives with plenty of momentum.
On paper, this could be one of the deepest and most competitive WMX gates Canada has seen in years.
Highlighted Content Around the Sport
Exciting news for Zach Ufimzeff adding Mr. Lube to his program for 2026. Bringing in outside brands is always a huge win for everyone!
Zach + Mr. Lube Collab
Photo: Provided by Zach Ufimzeff