MXP: Okay, after months of planning and preparation, we have officially arrived in Calgary for the opening round of the 2026 Triple Crown Series. We’d like you to put your GDR Honda Team hat on for a minute. How have things been and are you ready to compete for all three Triple Crown Series titles?
RL: It’s absolutely crazy that the season is here. I swear as we get older, these years keep going by faster and faster. As we have talked about over the past 6 months or so there has been a lot of changes with GDR Honda, not only internally but mostly with the motorcycle. It has been a busier off-season than normal that’s for sure, but also an off-season that we all needed. We are excited to see the hard work get put to the test especially on the 450 side of things. Also welcoming in three new riders is always exciting with Dylan Rempel, Hannah Cole and Braxton Zeitner we are ready.
MXP: As the GDR Honda Team Manager, what will your messaging be to your riders this weekend in Calgary. Is it one common message, or will it be different for each rider?
RL: This is a good question. Of course, the main message and goal when you are part of an elite team like GDR is win, but as you’ve seen in the last couple years, luck hasn’t gone our way. There have been years where I came into Calgary and all I could think about was Dylan winning. I think we as a team have leaned that we need to be more focused on the big picture, which is the championship, rather than being focused on winning that certain day. My message for or guys will give 100%, keep the attitude in check and get the absolutely best result that you can get. Boring sure, but it’s a long series and consistency is going to be super important especially in the 250 class. If we can leave Calgary with all three riders on the podium, I will be happy.
MXP: Looking back to Fox Raceway last weekend. It was an anti-climatic result from young Haiden Deegan on a track that most assumed would be his best of the series, given his familiarity with it. However, not a bad finish considering how deep the 450MX class is with talent, and the fact that, let’s face it, he needs experience racing a 450 for 35 minutes. What were your thoughts on Deegan, as well as the other top riders?
RL: I mean I was one of the ones who thought he could win to be honest. I think the result would have been slightly different, but his starts were terrible which was a bit surprising to me. He did ride well, but like you said, the field is really deep. I think if he keeps plugging away, he will get in there, but even though he is not experienced in this class, I thought that Fox Raceway was his chance, but let’s face it the 4-5 guys in front of him were just better. I was so impressed with Hunter Lawrence, that was a beautiful performance and Prado was fun to watch. I think we are in for a good summer.
