Established in 2023, the WLTN Kawasaki Race Team proudly represents Canadian Kawasaki Motors. as its only Canadian factory-supported motocross race team. The team will compete in the Jetwerx MX Triple Crown Series tour this summer, travelling from the West coast to the East coast and ending in Walton.
Meet the team.
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Tanner Ward - 450 Pro
Name: Tanner Ward
Date of Birth: August 26, 1999
Hometown: Woodstock, ON
Occupation: Professional racer and instructor
Bike Number: 84
Race Class: 450 Pro
Bike: KX450
Socially: @_tannerward, @racing4mentalwellnessTanner began racing at age three and has never looked back. Travelling with his dad all over North America and hitting the major amateur races in both Canada and the US, Tanner had the racing bug early on. Now in his sixth year of professional racing, Tanner is ready to keep adding wins to his list of achievements.
Ward grew up close to Walton Raceway and always considered this his home track. “Walton has always had a very special place for my entire family. Racing TransCan, riding local races and just the feeling of coming up to Walton has meant a lot over the years,” says Ward. Ward earned his first Pro National win at Walton and uses the TransCan as the event to hold his annual Ride with Me charity bicycle ride. The ride has partnered with the Tanner Steffler Foundation since 2019 and raises funds to support mental health initiatives in Huron and Oxford counties. “To be part of this team here in Walton means a lot and I can’t wait to put my Walton Kawasaki in the winner's circle in 2023”
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Quinn Amyotte - 250 Pro
Name: Quinn Amyotte
Hometown: Blackstock, ON
Occupation: Professional racer and instructor
Bike Number: 14
Race Class: 250 Pro
Bike: KX250
Socially: @quinnamyotte14Quinn Amyotte’s a fan-favourite in Ontario. With his easy-going demeanour, quick smile and affable personality, you can’t help but be drawn to the racer. Quinn toured the country last year for the first full year, and his results mixed with his fitness and determination have earned him a full-time ride with the WLTN Kawasaki Seven team for 2024.
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Brett Lee - Team Principal
Name: Brett Lee
Hometown: Walton, ON
Occupation: Co-Owner @ Walton Raceway, Motocross School + Lesson Instructor
Socially: @Brett991“I love racing.” says Brett. “I have always loved it and it has been in my life since day one. The idea of if now being part of a Pro racing team, and to have the Kawasaki brand to compete on is a privilege. I am excited about the people on this team and the year to come!”
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Steve Simms - Crew Chief
Name: Steve Simms
Hometown: Shelburne, ON
Occupation: Crew Chief/Race Manager
Socially: Steve_simms_738New to the team is Team Manager Steve Simms. Simms comes to WLTN Kawasaki with an extensive racing resume in Canadian racing and around the world. Leading several teams, including his own, Steve will bring experience and knowledge that will give the team techs and riders a technical advantage in 2024.
“Our 2024 team is excited to start the new race season. It is new to me, so getting to know one another and developing their bikes specific to the riders’ needs and riding styles will be a challenge, but I am excited to take that on. I have a great relationship with both Brett and Melody, and we have been clear with each other about what we each expect. I believe in the riders on the team and I am excited to work with both Jadon Brown and Mitch Godkin helping them give the riders every opportunity to be successful. This is exciting for me to have this opportunity, and I am motivated to be successful with WLTN Kawasaki.”
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Melody Hodgson - Logistics
Name: Melody Hodgson
Hometown: Walton, ON
Occupation: Co-Owner @ Walton Raceway, WLTN Kawasaki Logistics Coordinator, Motocross School Manager
Socially: @melohodgsonMelody has been involved in the professional side of Canadian motocross since 2005, and at the co-helm of Walton Raceway officially since 2018. The largest amateur race in Canada, the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship, is her main focus. but she admitted loves the dynamics of a professional motocross team.
“The best part of owning a team? The opportunity to travel Canada representing national brands and partnerships while also making core memories with my family.”
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Jadon Brown - Mechanic
Name: Jadon Brown
Hometown: Lucan, Ontario
Occupation: Mechanic
Socially: @jadonbrown210 -
Mitchell Godkin - Mechanic
Name: Mitchell Godkin
Hometown: Orangeville, ON
Occupation: 450 Pro Mechanic, Tanner Ward -
CC - Mechanic/Fixer
Name: Cale Callan
Hometown: Collingwood, ON
Occupation: WLTN Kawasaki Logistics Coordinator - Big Dawg at True North Fleet, Lease & Remarketing
Socially: @calecallan
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Caden Lee - Rig Master
Name: Caden Lee
Hometown: Walton, ON
Occupation: Rig Master, Motorcycle Mechanic Apprentice + Motocross School + Camp Instructor
Socially: @cadenslee13Responsible for the set-up, tear-down and general maintenance of the professional race rig, Caden also found himself learning the ropes of a professional motocross mechanic this summer. Caden is an integral part to the WLTN Kawasaki team.
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Charlee Steffler - Hospitality
Name: Charlee Steffler
Hometown: Seaforth, ON
Occupation: Hospitality Coordinator + Motocross School InstructorCharlee is a first-year student at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Charlee is a key planner in the annual Ride with Me Charity bicycle ride hosted by Tanner Ward and benefitting the Tanner Steffler Foundation and CMHC Oxford County.