[ Cole Thompson, Venum Bud Racing Kawasaki | Photo by Thibault Gastal ]
Now entering his 13th professional season, Thompson has built a steady résumé across AMA Supercross, Canadian motocross, and the emerging World Supercross scene.
Vancouver 2024 was a defining moment when he rode to third overall in SX2, giving local fans a podium celebration to remember. With Kawasaki now added to a career that’s included stints on Honda, KTM, and Yamaha, he’s confident the green machine can carry him higher still.
The 32-year-old Ontario native has been putting in hours aboard his Bud Racing Kawasaki KX250F, preparing for what he calls a focused run at the SX2 title in this season’s championship.
What’s the buzz of supercross for you—and how would you describe the appeal?
“I always tell people who haven’t seen supercross before that it’s more of a sporting event than just a race,” Thompson explains. “It’s a show. Fans sit in stadium seats under bright lights, the track is perfect, and everything happens fast.
Motocross is a long, outdoor grind. Supercross is tight, loud, and intense. You’ve got whoops, triples, rhythm sections, everything flying at you. We’re performing in front of 30,000 or 40,000 people, and you have to react instantly. It’s almost like playing a video game, you’ve got to be quick and precise.”
World Supercross travels across continents, but what’s it like racing again in Canada?
“I grew up as one of the few Canadians chasing supercross,” he says. “Back when Toronto was on the AMA calendar, that was my big home event. When it disappeared, I didn’t think I’d race supercross at home again.
Then World Supercross Championship picked Vancouver, and that was huge for me. Racing there last year and making the podium was something special. It’s not my hometown, but it’s my country, and that means a lot.
You notice the different vibes in every city, even within the U.S. crowds, atmosphere, culture. With supercross, people can just show up, stay clean, grab dinner, and watch a full show. It’s entertainment as much as sport. Vancouver’s great because you can make a weekend of it, bring the family or your buddies, enjoy the city, then hit the race.”
How’s the Bud Kawasaki treating you? The brand has had mixed results lately.
“Last year I was on a Honda and had a really good season,” Thompson says. “The Kawi feels similar in some ways. I feel comfortable, but we haven’t raced yet—that’s the real test.
I’ll do a few Australian Supercross races first to get some gate drops and gather data. Practice is one thing; the race environment is another.
It’s true that Kawasaki hasn’t dominated lately, but bike preference is personal. Some riders click, others don’t. Bud Racing has given me a great opportunity, and I believe in the team. We’re working toward that championship. Once the lights go green in World Supercross, it’s all in.”
Last year you came close to the top three in the championship. What’s the goal for 2025?
“Last season I had a crash just before the Australian round, which was a tough break,” he recalls. “After that, I focused on getting through it and building toward Abu Dhabi, where I felt more at home.
This year, I’m aiming for nothing less than a podium in Vancouver—and to stay in the fight for the title through the season. The SX2 class is deep, but if I ride consistently and stay in that lead group, the results will come.”
For Canadian fans, World Supercross Vancouver offers more than just world-class racing, it’s a chance to cheer for one of their own. With Thompson’s combination of experience, confidence, and home-crowd momentum, a repeat podium – and perhaps more – feels within reach.
