Chambly, Qc. – KTM Red Bull Thor Factory racer Cole Thompson has clinched the first ever Canadian Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Championship. After a season of consistent podium finishes across all three Triple Crown disciplines, Thompson delivered in the final round aboard his championship proven KTM RED BULL THOR Factory Racing 450 SX-F.
Early in the year, Cole became the MX1 Arenacross Pro Champion, finished second in the MX1 Motocross Pro Championship, and with his performance in Hamilton, secured the MX1 Supercross Pro Championship and ultimately the Triple Crown Championship. Thompson’s determination and consistency played a major role in his Triple Crown victory.
In the MX2 Pro Class, Tanner Ward ripped the holeshot in the main, just like what he did in his heat race. His lead was short-lived as the number three of Maffenbeier executed a quick pass after Tanner made a first lap mistake. Ward and Maffenbeier started pulling away from the field with a seven second lead. Ward latched on to the number three’s rear fender and started reeling in the leader near the closing laps of the main. At the finish line, Ward secured his first SX podium of the season with a second place. In his rookie year, Tanner Ward has managed to podium in Arenacross, Motocross, and now Supercross which is a solid way to finish the 2018 season.
During the big race of the night in the MX1 Pro Class, Cole Thompson only needed to complete one lap to secure the Championship. After nailing the holeshot in his heat race, Thompson took a different line into the first turn, settling into fourth at the end of the first lap. Thompson, with a veteran move, let the three leaders battle while watching comfortably from fourth. Then after mistakes by Goerke and Alessi, Thompson found himself in second. That was all the motivation he needed to put his head down and start closing the gap on Nicoletti. A few laps past the halfway point, Thompson made his move and battled with Nicoletti for a few corners to eventually secure first place. As Thompson crossed the finish line he enjoyed a two second lead over Nicoletti, but more importantly, took home the Supercross Championship and the big prize…the $100,000 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Championship.
Cole Thompson – KTM RED BULL THOR Factory MX1 Racer: “When I crossed that finish line the emotions really hit me. It was the point of getting to that finish line though; the countless practice laps to showing up every weekend and battling some of the best in Canada and the US. Tonight proved it. It wasn’t easy but somehow, someway, I found a way to get it done. I just can’t thank my team enough. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have this job and be able to go out there and do what I do.”
Jean Sebastian Roy – KTM RED BULL THOR Factory Racing Team Manager: “Cole has been gaining confidence and speed all season long. This Triple Crown Championship is the end result of hard work, determination, and an amazing effort by the team. Cole has proven he has what it takes to be the Champion and we look forward to supporting Cole in 2019 when he defends the title.”
Adrien De Alexandris – KTM Canada General Manager: “KTM Canada is absolutely thrilled Cole has won this first ever Triple Crown Championship. It was an amazing effort by the entire KTM RED BULL THOR Factory Racing Team. Racing is part of our DNA and winning is our ultimate goal. Cole is truly representative of our Ready to Race philosophy. On behalf of everyone at KTM Canada, we want to thank and congratulate Cole Thompson and the entire KTM RED BULL THOR Factory Racing Team for winning the Triple Crown Championship.”