Redemption was earned for a Prince George motocross racer today (June 8).
After a 10th overall finish in 2018 on his home turf, Jess Pettis came back with a burning fire in his heart that would ignite the hometown crowd at Blackwater MX Park for Round Two of the 2019 Rockstar Energy Canadian Triple Crown series.
He claimed the top prize in the first of two Moto races during the day and fifth in the second, tallying enough points to get onto the podium for an impressive third overall showing in front of hundreds of screaming fans cheering him on.
“It exceeded my expectations for sure,” said Pettis. “I just want to get out there, rise to the occasion, get some consistent points, and I’ll take a win for sure if that’s what’s out there for me. I just put myself in the right position, I got a good start, and rode some good soil to get the win.”
.@jpettis39 finished 5th in the 250PRO Moto 2 race at #BlackwaterMX to claim 3rd overall in the 2nd round of the 🇨🇦 @TripleCrownSer in Prince George 🍾 | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/zNveMUAMKi
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) June 8, 2019
The 21-year-old overcame several injuries earlier this year south of the border and wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to compete on home soil, but said he’s been able to keep himself healthy enough to compete with the rest of the field.
“I think the biggest thing right now is my fitness, which is really good. I’ve been working really hard; my arm is a little sore but I’m going to get some rest soon. I’m glad I was able to make it out of here safe. I’ve been working really hard off the bike and I’m happy to see I’m still in a good place at the beginning of this series. I can’t wait until I’m 100 per cent healthy because I feel like we can do some really good damage out there.”
.@jpettis39 has won on home soil 🥇 The Prince George MX competitor won the 250PRO race in RD2 of the 🇨🇦 @TripleCrownSer at #BlackwaterMX amongst a field of 50 racers | #CityOfPG @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/bNpxnlWD8z
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) June 8, 2019
The Blackwater MX Park is the only B.C. stop on the Triple Crown series circuit and is the only course in an open stadium-like setting where fans can see everything.
This included some steep inclines and downhills, in which sharp turns were waiting for the racers at the bottom.
Pettis told PrinceGeorgeMatters that was the most difficult challenge on the course despite being familiar with the dirt he grew up with.
“They’re very very rough and steep for sure,” he explained. “It’s all about making really good line choices in those moments and making sure you don’t get too caught up in it. Picking smooth lines was the way to go.”
.@jpettis39 finished his 15-lap 250PRO race with a time of 15:50:33, more than 7 seconds ahead of runner-up Marshal Weltin 🏁 The Prince George product finished 3rd in the qualifying lap | #CityOfPG @TripleCrownSer @PGMatters
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) June 8, 2019
Altogether, the Prince George product won $500 on the day.
He now gains more points to up his stock in the Canadian Triple Crown series, with the $100,000 grand prize going to the best racer with the most points by mid-October.
Pettis will compete in Round Three of the MX series in Manitoba next week.
.@jpettis39 lost the 2018 race at #BlackwaterMX, but said being in front of family & a fortunate mechanical issue for another racer, helped his cause for the 1st place finish in Prince George | #CityOfPG @TripleCrownSer @PGMatters pic.twitter.com/bc7XKIRptv
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) June 8, 2019
