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PHOTOS: Prince George’s Jess Pettis ignites hometown crowd at Canadian Triple Crown series

Local product won first of two races, finished third overall in his class for the day
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.