The 2025 Triple Crown Canadian National Motocross Championship was one of the most exciting series in the world this year, and Priority MX Thor GasGas Racing team’s Tanner Ward was a key figure amongst the crazy storylines that unfolded in Canada. In a short summary, Jess Pettis and Dylan Wright are the two heavy hitters in the series, and then somewhat retired rider Phil Nicoletti was essentially tipped to be the third best heading in. Ward yet to win a race in the 450 class heading in – anyway, countless rounds of chaos between Pettis and Wright allowed Tanner Ward to tick off his first 450MX win, won another the following round, hold the red plate and endure on a championship battle until the final moto against Nicoletti.

A crazy series, endless storylines and Tanner Ward was amongst it all. His breakout season is far from over, with the biggest event on the calendar awaiting at Ironman Raceway next weekend. his selection for Canada is more then deserved after his efforts this season, and we caught up with Tanner to discuss his season, MXoN, his future plans and more!

“Yeah it was a really good season, obviously still really bummed about coming up short on the championship” he told Cult Moto. “Especially the way it happened by having a pretty big get off in the last moto while pushing for the win. Looking back at the season as a whole, I’m super happy with it. I told myself this is a rebuild season with how my last two years have gone and to win two rounds and be in the championship fight, I’d say that I surpassed my goals.”

Although he didn’t manage to quite win the title, the championship wasn’t a goal that Ward had focused on, with more modest expectations scoped around clinching race wins later on in the season. The transition in expectation was no doubt a hard factor to initially deal with, but overall, to keep fighting until the final moto is a testament to his efforts.

“I definitely didn’t expect to be in the title fight this year, the goal was to rebuild and to contend for moto wins by the end of the season, but after going 1-1 at Sand Del Lee and gaining the red plate, the goals quickly changed!”

Ward’s win at Gopher Dunes was a special one in many ways, not only was it his first ever in the premier class, it is also a race track he grew up just 30-minutes down the road. Winning a premier class race is one of the hardest achievements in world or international series, so to be able to do it in front of tons of friends and family is another rememberable takeaway from his 2025 campaign.

“Winning my first 450 race and overall at Gopher Dunes was something special” he affirmed. “I grew up 30 mins down the road so I had a ton of family and friends there. I also rode the for the Gopher Dunes team (GDR Honda) in 2020 & 2021 so it was really cool to get it done there!”

Now Ward has the opportunity to represent his country at the iconic Motocross des Nations next weekend at Ironman Raceway. An opportunity many dream of, is now a reality, a perfect way to cap off such a remarkable season.

“I’m super excited to represent Canada this year at MXoN. It’s always been a dream of mine and to finally put a season together and be selected is an honour. It’s going to be a cool feeling being so close to home and having all the Canadian fans there!”

Riders like Ward often face a dilemma, whether to chase rides in America or Europe, competing in the top championships in the world. In contrast, those who focus primarily on their national championships (and consistently contend for podiums) tend to earn solid money, making the risk-versus-reward balance a tough decision.

“As for trying to do something in the States is always a frequently asked question haha… I’ll always stay here in Canada and chase a title here but I definitely want to chase some more goals in the states in the next couple of years!”