Heading into Round 2 of the 2025 Triple Crown Series in Cold Lake, Alberta, Jess Pettis was coming off a great opening round in Calgary, and held a share of the coveted red plates with his arch rival Dylan Wright. Jess was feeling very confident aboard his MX101 Yamaha, so there was no reason to think that we wouldn’t see a repeat of the same results at Round 2. Even after a mid-week practice crash that resulted in a sore wrist, Jess rode strong in Cold Lake and took home the overall win in the 450 class. We caught up with Jess as he was getting ready to begin his usual Tuesday training program.

MXP: Hey Jess! You made it back home safe from Alberta, how was the trip back yesterday?

JP: It was all good, but it certainly was a long travel day. By the time we drove back to Edmonton on Sunday night, then got up at 5am for the flight back to Montreal, we were pretty tired by the time we got home. But today is a new day and I actually feel pretty good.

We want to first ask you about the overall experience of going to Cold Lake for the first time?

Well, it definitely has that middle of nowhere feel to it as you’re driving there, but once you’re there it’s like any other town that we visit. It has a Starbucks, a Walmart, and all of the things that you’d expect it to have. The people were very nice, and they seemed happy to have the Triple Crown Series there for the weekend. Honestly, I came into the weekend with low expectations, only because in the past when we’ve gone to new tracks, they haven’t always been good. But this weekend was good and I hope we go back for years to come. I think there is a good fan base in Cold Lake, we just need to keep going back so everyone can plan for the race and make sure they don’t have anything else to do. Overall, I thought it was a good event!

Okay, here is the golden question. What did you think of the track at Mason Watt Raceway?

It was a good track and I think it raced well for the first-time race. Obviously, I was able to race from the front in both motos so maybe it wasn’t as good for the riders further back in the pack. I think with a few tweaks here and there and better preparation, the track could be epic moving forward. But, these are things you learn as you go and sometimes the only way to learn is to do it. The crew did a good job with watering overnight, but with our first session being timed now, riders want to stick to the fast line. This quickly makes the track one-lined, and then like Calgary, it just dries out and stays one lined all day. If the crew would’ve tilled up some of the turns again before the opening moto this weekend, it would’ve open them right up and new lines would have formed. Like I said, with a few tweaks, next year should be really good there.

Well, we’re glad you liked the track and being in Cold Lake for a few days. It was little concerning to hear that both you and Dylan [Wright] came into this weekend a little banged up from mid-week practice crashes. He had a very sore elbow, and your wrist was bothering you. Can you take us through what happened last week?

Thankfully, it’s not very often that you have the two top riders in a series, crash while riding during the week. I can’t speak for Dylan’s crash, but for me, I just went riding on Thursday last week and ended up tucking the front end and crashing. I landed on my wrist and arm so, I was pretty sore heading into the weekend. I could feel it on Sunday morning, but once the motos started, I was okay. It’s just one of those things that happen. We ride 2-3 times during the week so the risk of crashing is always there. Sometimes it’s hard to balance riding hard when practicing, with not riding too hard if you know what I mean. You’ve been there, you know what I mean.

Jess enjoyed the Triple Crown Series first trip to Cold Lake and he hopes we go back there in 2026. Lissimore Photo

There definitely isn’t another sport where the top athletes have to endure so much risk during the week. It doesn’t do you any good to go out on Wednesday or Thursday and ride at 50%, so you have to push a little. Anyway, as you said, sometimes things happen and thankfully you were okay for Sunday. Hopefully Dylan can make a quick recovery as well, and you both can be 100% for Round 3. Obviously, things are good with your new MX101 Yamaha. Your starts have been excellent and you look comfortable early in the motos when you’re sprinting, as well as late in the motos when the track is at its worst. Are you getting the same positive feedback from your bike?

Everything has been great so far. We worked really hard during the off-season and we were actually still testing a few items right up until Round 1. However, since the Triple Crown Series has started I think I’ve only had to do one click on the front forks, and maybe two clicks on the rear shock. So, I think we’re in a good place, and with Round 3 being another harder packed track, I don’t expect to make any changes to the bike.

It sounds as though you’re in a great place in all aspects of your program. I’m sure you’ve heard this a few times during the past week, but you do look more comfortable this year when you’re having to really push on the track. Do you feel the same way?

Yes for sure, but I don’t want to say it’s just because of the new bike. There were times last year when I felt really good while riding at my limit. Overall, I think I’m a much better version of myself this year. I’ve had a full season of racing while being healthy, and I believe that is so important to any riders program. My training is good, my nutrition is good, I just know my body and how it reacts to different things, so I’m able to just keep doing what I’m doing.

But some bikes are obviously suited to certain riders and their riding techniques. From watching you this year down at GPF in March, the SDL Provincial last month, and now two rounds of the Triple Crown Series, your style really seems to suit the handling characteristics of the Yamaha, would you agree?

I would agree with that Palms. When I first rode the new YZ450F I noticed that the bike was very good in two spots on the track. First, under braking the bike is stable and predictable, this gives me good front end feel and allows me to be aggressive. Also, when I get to the apex of the corners the bike turns very well and again, that allows me to be aggressive and not fight the bike. You know when it comes to riding a 450 you just want it to feel predictable so you’re not always fighting it. The Yamaha is a very good bike for this, and so far whatever we’ve been doing seems to be working.

After two solid rounds Jess Pettis is sitting right where he wants to be heading into the Eastern rounds. Lissimore Photo

Yes, things definitely appear to be working well so far. We’re sure that after such a successful two rounds to begin the 2025 Triple Crown Series, you probably don’t want to take three weeks off, but that is the reality of the schedule. What are your plans for the time between now and Round 3 at Sainte-Julie?

Yeah you’re right, I’d love to just keep going and race again this weekend. It sucks to work so hard to be ready for the opening two rounds and then have to not race again for almost three weeks. But, it’s the same for everyone and we’ll just deal with it. The plan to keep doing what we’ve been doing honestly. It’s worked so far so, we’ll keep going here. I’ll keep training, riding, and I’m sure we’ll get together and do some testing with the MX101 Yamaha Team. We have both red plates and the plan is to try and keep them for the rest of the summer.

Sounds like a good plan. Final question for you Jess; looking ahead to Round 3 at the Sainte-Julie track. You used to live just down the road so you know the track and the crew very well. How do you think it will shape up for the Triple Crown Series to head back there?

I think it’s going to be great! I was there recently and they’ve already started putting up new fencing and working on the facility. They’re definitely excited to have the National series back there and I think it’s going to be a great event. I also believe that the spectator turn-out is going to be good given that the track is close to Montreal. I’m looking forward it for sure!

I agree, it’s going to be great to head back to Sainte-Julie again for a Pro National. Well Jess, thank you for your time this morning. Enjoy the next few weeks and we’ll see you in Quebec at the end of the month.

For sure Palms! Thank you for reaching out and we’ll talk soon.