Barrie, (Ontario) – With the combination of a Ready to Race program and the best team spirit you could find, The KTM Thor Racing Team just accomplished a perfect 2016 season. The whole team started this year with their mind set on the championship and raised the standard of preparation towards their goal to higher level. After 19 motos, Davi Millsaps set a major milestone for KTM by winning the first ever MX1 title for the Austrian Manufacturer in Canada. Cole Thompson dominated the last race of the season after clinching the MX2 championship at the penultimate round.
Meanwhile, Kaven Benoit never gave up after a tough start to the season and finished 3rd overall in his first year in MX1, giving him as well the title of the Fastest Canadian in the premiere class.
It had been several years since Davi Millsaps had completed a full outdoor season when he lined up for the first round of the Canadian National this summer. As the team insured him with the best set up in term of suspension, motor, gear and staff, Davi showed up well prepared mentally and physically to put all the needed work to secure a championship. Millsaps’ 17 podiums over the course of the season led to his, as well as KTM`s, first ever MX1 title in Canada. Davi proved that he was a true champion by excelling on unfamiliar circuits every weekend and leaving Canada with the big #1 red plate. “When I took the decision to come to Canada, my mind was already set on the championship and nothing less. I’m happy I got to race outdoor again with the Canadian team and winning made it even better. Thanks to all the fans who came to see us and my family for supporting me throughout the summer.”
Kaven Benoit clearly deserves the title of Rookie of the year after his exceptional results during his first season in the MX1 class. Kaven started the 2016 Series as an underdog in the well stacked premier class and improved every single round. Despite some misfortunate setbacks in the first couple races, Benoit showed great determination by setting some big milestones for himself. With MX1 races and overall wins under his belt, Kaven seems to be following his mentor and team manager, Jean-Sébastien Roy, winning journey. Benoit will now be running a hard earned #3 after his first year on his KTM 450 SX-F. In addition he will also end his championship with the title of the Fastest 2016 Canadian rider. “It has been a year of learning and growing. My next mission will be to represent our country at the MXON this September. Thanks to everybody who believed in me from the beginning. 2017 can’t come fast enough!”.
It was a weekend without any pressure for the MX2 rider Cole Thompson as he had clinched the championship at the previous round. It did not stop him from performing one of his best races of the season in front of the Ontario crowd cheering for their new local champion. Cole ended his outstanding 2016 summer with a perfect day by finishing 1-1. Thompson`s dominating season was a direct results from hard work and good preparation throughout the off-season which he is looking to repeat this winter. “I had nothing to prove today and it almost made it easier. I guess winning makes you want to win even more and it’s a great circle to be stuck in. I’m definitely hungry for more and looking ahead for the next challenge.”
It has been an incredible season for the whole KTM Thor Racing Team. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and team member that made the 2016 race season possible. A particular mention goes out to Thor MX and Parts Canada for their ongoing & remarkable support.
MX1 Championship:
1.Davi Millsaps 514 – KTM (2016 CHAMPION)
2. Matt Goerke – 498
3. Kaven Benoit 426 – KTM
4. Brett Metcalge 412
5. Mike Alessi 408
MX2 Championship:
1.Cole Thompson – 570 KTM (2016 CHAMPION)
2.Shawn Maffenbeier 464 – KTM
3.Dylan Wright 449
4.Brad Nauditt 376
5.Jesse Pettis 371
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