Issue 11
Canadian Pro Motocross Update
The first off-weekend of the Canadian series came this past weekend, and with only two rounds completed, it almost feels too early for a break. That said, with a long, hot summer of racing ahead, it was a welcome chance for everyone to catch their breath.
AMO Racing and Walton Raceway took full advantage of the weekend, knowing much of the series would be in Ontario looking for opportunities to ride, race, and get laps on the new Walton track layout. We'll dive deeper into that event in the Amateur and Local Racing section below.
Walton AMO Race
Photo: R4 Media
Meanwhile, Preston Masciangelo has been tackling the first four rounds of the AMA Nationals in the U.S. While Pala didn't go as planned due to bike issues that kept him out of the motos, he's shown steady improvement each weekend since, posting finishes of 32nd, 30th, and 29th.
Preston at Sand De Lee 2025
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
One of the biggest pieces of news this week was Matt Deroy leaving KTM Canada to take on a new role with BRP. For those outside the industry, it may be hard to grasp just how significant this move is.
Matt is unique in Canadian motocross as the only Team Manager who is actually employed full-time by the manufacturer. Working for KTM Canada isn't just a race-season role, it's his year-round career. In recent years, his responsibilities have extended far beyond managing the race team.
Starting as a mechanic, Matt worked his way through the ranks and has become one of the most influential figures within KTM Canada. His impact on the brand, the race team, and Canadian motocross as a whole has been substantial, making this a major change for both KTM Canada and the industry. With familiar face Kaven Benoit stepping into the Team Manager role for the remainder of the season, and KTM USA sending additional staff to support the effort, it will be an interesting storyline to follow as KTM navigates this transition. The team remains in capable hands, but there’s no question the coming months will mark a significant period of change for the orange brand in Canada.
A little throwback to 2017 for the occasion.
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
Amateur and Local Racing
Lots of class’ had full gates including Supermini with 40, the future is bright in Ontario
Photo: R4 Photo
The AMO race drew 659 entries, and Gauld said he was pleased with the pro turnout, especially with $10,000 up for grabs.
While we weren't at the event, we followed it closely and noticed a few significant changes that could have an impact at both the TransCan and the Nationals. The biggest talking point was the switch to grate starts. Many riders have little to no experience launching off a grate, making starts even more critical and adding a new challenge for competitors to adapt to. It will be interesting to see who adjusts quickest when the gate drops at the season's biggest events.
We asked around to see how the AMO event went, and one review stood out.
As a family that has traveled to countless amateur races across the United States, they bring a wealth of experience and valuable perSPECtive on what makes a great event. Here's what Mason Murdy’s dad Matt had to say:
“I have a lot of very positive feedback about the new ownership and what they have already achieved within a short period of time.
The Lee’s started Walton and TransCan with passion and dedication!! Thank the Lee’s for their dedication to the sport over the last 50+ years and creating what is Walton!
And I totally understand time marches forwards, and people’s interest may vary or change !! They did amazing, and I think it was the right time to “pass the torch”. I am already super excited to come back in August for the whole week, and watch my son race!! Mason has also rekindled his love of Walton!!
Turning the track back around, hitting the Tower and Natural, the whole old transcan section worked in, and the new technical section after the start!
The track is exciting again. He did say a few bigger jumps would be nice All in all tons of positive feedback!! And to be honest, I think the place will look immaculate come august, I feel like Kyle is breathing some much needed new energy into the place.”
Mason Murdy signed up for 3 class’ and won all 6 motos
Photo: R4 Photo
We reached out to Kyle Keast to get his thoughts on the event, and we couldn't have been more encouraged by his response. He openly addressed the track conditions and, more importantly, showed a strong commitment to learning from every event and continuing to improve. At the end of the day, that's all anyone can ask for from a track owner, a willingness to listen, adapt, and make each event better than the last.
Here is what he had to say:
“The AMO event went awesome. A lot of positive feedback from all the riders which is good. I wasn’t impressed with the dust myself. Not a lot of track maintenance time slotted for us to keep the water into the track. So I apologize to anyone that was not happy about that.
We learned things on our end to be better at and also saw things that my crew should be very happy about. I’m super proud of my WLTN staff and family’s that help us get this place where you see it now.
Still more things to get build before Trans can so everyone stay tuned.
Can’t wait for the GNC Trans Can”
-Kyle Keast
Kyle Keast in 2011
Photo: James Lissimore | @lissimorephoto
The Western Canadian Amateur National is quickly approaching on July 2-5. We'll have a deeper preview and everything you need to know in next week's update but that will be during the practice day, but for now, make sure to get registered and support amateur motocross in Western Canada. Events like these are vital to the growth of the sport and provide an incredible opportunity for riders to compete against the best talent from across the region.
“The ACM is proud to host the 2026 Canalta Hotels WCAN this year. The event is back to it’s roots in Raymond Alberta where the event was hosted many years. The Lethbridge Motorcycle Club and town are ready for us and always have an epic track prep to race on. On top of the great racing we will have many off the track events and the weather looks great.
Come out and race to win the #1w plates and the #1 gate pick for the west at Walton.
You also have the opportunity for all the contingency put up by from OEMs for WCAN. The BluCru awards are back including their new YZ SuperFinale qualifiers helping three riders and their families make the trip to Walton for the TransCan.
We have also teamed up with the Holeshot Hooligans to do a similar award called the Get to the Gate Award that will help a rider win sponsorship support to have travel to Walton.
This year ACM will also be sponsoring two more riders based on ANQ qualifying to help get to Walton this year. More information soon on that in the near future.
Hope to see everyone in Raymond!“
-Troy Hasil
WMX
The AMA WMX Championship headed to High Point this weekend, where unfortunately Canada's Destiny Slingerland suffered a serious crash during qualifying, breaking her femur and requiring surgery in the United States.
The surgery was successful, and now the focus shifts to recovery. Everyone in the Canadian motocross community is rallying behind Destiny and the entire Slingerland family, wishing her a smooth recovery and a speedy return to the track.
Destiny on the line at High Point
Photo: Klipped Media
We also had our adopted Americans back in action south of the border, with Jamie lining up for her first American race of the season and Jordan returning for Round 3 of the series.
Jordan entered the weekend sitting third in the championship standings and continued her consistent season with 6-5 moto finishes for fifth overall. For the first time this year, she didn't have to rush off to catch a flight immediately after Moto 2, which had to be a nice change of pace. With one less thing to worry about, she was able to focus solely on racing and enjoy a well-earned weekend at the track.
Jordan at High Point
Photo: Klipped Media
Jamie posted 9-7 moto finishes for eighth overall at her home race, marking her return to U.S. soil. With her American season now underway, she'll be lining up for the remainder of the series and has also to see her drop gates in the SMX Playoff event later this fall, giving her plenty to look forward to in the months ahead.
Jamie at High Point 2026
Photo: Klipped Media