MXP: Hey Newf! Compared to the last few weeks, things have certainly quieted down as we head into Christmas. One notable piece of news that emerged last week was the signing of young Braxton Zeitner by the GDR Honda Team. You obviously helped facilitate this move. Can you take us through the process of getting this young phenom signed?
RL: This one is close to home for me. I have known the Zeitners from the first time Braxton showed up at the Armstrong AX on a PW 50, and he was too nervous to ride the track. Since then, he has become the hottest Amateur rider in Canada, and Derek [Shuster] and I have talked about wanting to sign him for a few years now. He came to the pre-Walton camp this past summer, and the timing was right. Dylan Wright also agreed that we needed to get this kid, and the pieces fell in place. It’s exciting for me since Braxton’s parents are some of my best friends. It’s a three-year deal, and as long as everything goes to plan, he will be Intermediate in 2026, then Pro for 2027 and 2028.
MXP: Also, last week, the Triple Crown Series released a revised 2026 race schedule, which now sees the Riverglade National and the SDL National switch weekends. From a rider’s point of view, it might be a good thing not to have to race the Gopher Dunes and the SDL National back-to-back, but this new schedule does involve more travel for everyone involved in the series. What say you Newf on this matter?
RL: The extra driving is not ideal by any means, but it does make sense in a few different areas. Yes, I agree that Gopher and SDL back-to-back is not easy, as those are the two toughest Nationals of the year. On the Amateur day side, it makes sense to separate the two as well. We need big amateur turnouts to get more people on the property for Sunday, and I think it’s a lot to ask for back-to-back AMO Amateur days in Ontario. The series has been the same for a few years now, and I honestly think we are in a position where change is warranted. If it doesn’t work, then at least The Triple Crown Series tried. Driving sucks, and the cost of it is higher than ever, but we need to be willing to try.
MXP: With this most likely being the 3 Q’s of 2025, here is the final question of the year. What is the Lockhart Family up to over the holidays, and what is your New Year’s resolution? Also, thank you for taking the time each week to do these. All the best to you guys over the holidays, and here’s to a successful 2026!
RL: We are actually heading to Mexico on the 30th with a bunch of other moto families for a non-motocross vacation for once (laughs). We’re really looking forward to it as we have been planning it since the summer. It will be nice to enjoy some sun while kicking off 2026. I don’t really have any resolutions planned, but no question, I hope to get my spark back for riding. Getting hurt last May really slowed me down, and I never really got back into the swing of things after that. My summer was busy with the GDR Honda Team and both of my sons racing, so I found it easier to just not ride or race. I miss the racing and want to get back into it. We will see what happens. Happy holidays to you and the family as well!
