KTM Thor Racing Team on top of the podium in Nanaimo, B.C.

The KTM Thor Racing Team showed up “Ready To Race” at the second round of the 2016 CMRC Canadian Motocross Nationals on June 12 and led both MX1 and MX2 races. The tight and hard pack track of the Wastelands did not stop Cole Thompson and Davi Millsaps from crossing the checkered flag in first place.

Just as he did one year ago, Thompson used his smooth throttle control and fluid riding style to take home the overall victory on the track in Nanaimo, B.C.

In the first MX2 moto of the day, Thompson got off to a great start and sat in second position waiting for the right moment to make the pass. Thompson found his way around on lap seven and checked out from there. The second moto was even better for Thompson as he grabbed the holeshot and rode a flawless race to the checkered flag.

With a dominating 1-1 moto finish on his 2016 KTM 250 SX-F, Thompson commented: “There is something with me and Nanaimo. I felt really comfortable on my bike and the track just fit me and my riding style. I am really happy to leave with the red plate and will continue to work hard to keep it.”

In the MX1 class, Davi Millsaps was able to adjust really fast to the layout that the Wastelands track has to offer. Both times, when the gate dropped, he showed no hesitation and grabbed the lead early into the race. Millsaps’ weekend could have been perfect as he led both motos and finished on top of the podium twice. Unfortunately, he was docked 10 spots for jumping on a Red Cross flag in the first MX1 race, leaving him with fourth overall on the day. He is now sitting second in the MX1 Championship, only four points behind the leader.

“I know who won today,” said Millsaps. “It was very unfortunate to have that happen in the first moto. I felt really good and I never saw the Red Cross flag at all. When moto two began, I wanted to get the lead early and ride my own race. Everything is feeling really good right now and I’m looking forward to another new track in Calgary next weekend.”

MX1 rookie, Kaven Benoit, had a great early race in the first 450 moto of the day. Benoit worked his way from sixth to fourth during the first half of the race while battling with the top contingents. However, Benoit broke his chain due to a rock and had to go back to the pits and wait for the second moto. On the second gate drop, No. 11 did not get the start he wanted and had to work his way through the pack to a seventh place.

Kaven Benoit gets some air as he round a corner on the motocross track.

Kaven Benoit showed great speed in the first moto. — James Lissimore photo

“Overall it wasn’t a good weekend for me,” said Benoit. “Before my bad luck happened in the first heat I was really confident I could get a podium and this is what I’m going to focus on for the next round.”

With two overall wins, the KTM Thor Racing Team will travel to Alberta for the third round of the series at Blackfoot Park in Calgary.