After spending several seasons as part of WLTN Kawasaki Team, Tanner Ward has moved to the Priority MX Thor GASGAS Team for this year. Recently, Tanner also became a Father for the first time so he has a lot to be excited for heading into 2025. With a new bike, a new team, and a new son at home, Tanner is looking for the ultimate prize this summer in the 2025 Triple Crown Series. We caught up with him after his dominating Pro/Am class victory last weekend at Auburn Hills Raceway.
MXP: Hey Tanner! How are things going this morning?
TW: Hey Palms! Everything is good right now, I’m just driving to meet up with the Priority MX Team to do a photo shoot.
I guess it is photo shoot season as the Triple Crown Series is fast approaching. Last fall you signed with the Priority MX Thor GASGAS Team for 2025, how have things been going with your new team?
So far, everything has been amazing. I know last fall when I signed with them, a lot of people thought that I was taking a step back after riding for a ‘factory team’ for several seasons. But, honestly, the Priority MX Team is as factory of a team as I’ve seen with the way I’ve been treated. Peter [Knoop] has a successful business for a reason, and he runs this team the same way. I couldn’t be happier riding for this team and I cannot wait to see what we can do this summer.
When you look at successful leaders it always seems like one of the reasons they’re successful is because they surround themselves with great people. For 2025, Peter has brought in Justin Roney on the management side of things, and Colton Facciotti on the suspension and mentoring side of things. How much has JR’s and Colton’s presence helped things so far?
I’ve known both of them for a long time and I knew having them both here was going to be amazing. Obviously, Colton has handled my suspension needs for a long time, so he knows me and how I like my set up to be. JR is just a quality guy all around, and the experience he has makes him perfect for this job.
It must be great to not only have Colton taking care of the team’s suspension needs but, also riding and racing himself on the same bikes. This gives him even more knowledge on how the bikes are handling.
You’re right, so far that part has been amazing. Colton has always been the type of rider who is very in tune with how his bike is handling, and so far he’s been extremely helpful. For example, recently I was having some issues with how my bike was handling. For whatever reason, it just didn’t feel right and I wasn’t feeling comfortable. Colton took my bike for a ride and right away he noticed a few things. We ended up changing a couple of items and instantly my bike felt great. That is the difference having someone like Colton Facciotti on the team, can make.
Let’s talk about your race this past weekend at Auburn Hills Raceway. You dominated both motos in the Pro/Am class and looked great while doing it. Two weeks ago at the season opener at Gopher Dunes, you didn’t look as comfortable. What changes did you make in the days between Gopher Dunes and Auburn Hills?
We did some testing and made several changes to my bike, but mostly it was just me. I’m not sure what was up at Gopher Dunes, but I did not feel like myself. It was hard to watch Dylan [Wright] just walk away from us in both motos. But, we regrouped after Gopher Dunes and I came into Auburn Hills very motivated to do well. In both motos, I was able to get to the front and stay smooth on a challenging track.
You’ve always been a rider who wears his heart on his sleeve and in the past, you might have let that Gopher Dunes performance affect you for multiple weeks. It’s good to see you regroup and get right back on the horse.
For sure, I’ve been working with a mental coach and he’s really helped me. Also, as I said earlier, my Priority MX Thor GASGAS Team is great, so they made it easy to just regroup and get back to work. I think it’s going to be a great summer, and I can’t wait for the gate to drop in Calgary.
Other than changing teams for this year, you have a new addition to your life as you and Montanna welcomed your son (Hudson James Jeffrey Ward) to the world recently. Obviously, a lot of lifestyle changes come with the birth of a child, but so does determination and commitment to be a great role model for your son. Overall, how has parenthood been so far?
I don’t need to tell you how awesome it is to be able to look into the eyes of your new son each night. So far it has been amazing, busy obviously, but amazing. I was down south riding for a bit, so I have to say that Montanna has been an absolute rock star Mom for the past several months. He came to Auburn Hills to watch on the weekend and just to have him there and see his face between races was so cool. Even after my tough day at Gopher Dunes a few weeks ago, seeing him after made me feel like a bad day racing my dirt bike wasn’t that big of a deal.
It sounds like between being a part of the Priority MX Thor GASGAS Team, your new son, and with just life in general, you’re in a really good place mentally heading into the 2025 Triple Crown Series?
For sure Palms! Life is good, and with just a few more weeks to go before the opening round in Calgary, we’ll just keep working.
Will you be flying back and forth to the opening rounds, or staying out West?
We are heading out as a family and will stay between rounds. I’ve rented a motor home so the three of us will do the RV thing all week. The team is also staying out, so we’ll be able to connect with them during the week and ride and keep training. It should be fun and I’m looking forward to driving around as a family.
I’m not a fan of camping but, this sounds fun for you and your family. Good luck this summer Tanner, we look forward to seeing you battle for a championship in the 450 class. Enjoy these final few weeks of preparation, and we’ll see you in Calgary at the end of the month.
Sounds good! May always goes by fast and before we know it, we’ll all be at Wild Rose.
