MXP: Hey Newf! The first question this week is in regard to the 2026 Triple Crown Series schedule, which was released late last week. Except for Round 2, the new schedule is the same as last year. What are your thoughts on the ‘26 schedule, and do you think we’ll ever see a round in BC again?
RL: I will say that it is nice to see a schedule so soon. Normally, in the past, it was always released well into the new year which has been always way too late. Having it out early gives some certainty for the upcoming season and help everyone from the teams and privateers to get a jump start on planning. As far as BC I wouldn’t say “never again” but for the time being, we don’t really have a place to go. Yes, we have been to Prince George and even to Popkum, but I don’t see them wanting to host. It’s a bummer but as much as I hate to say it, I understand the situation. I would have been ok with adding back Cold Lake, I thought it was decent and then that would make three rounds in the west. But it is what it is.
MXP: On Monday, the GDR Honda Team sent out a Social Media post stating that Ryder McNabb is stepping away from racing so he can deal with his ongoing health issues. Can you talk about this turn of events a little, and also what the GDR Honda Team is going to do for a 250 rider in 2026?
RL: It’s a bummer for sure as Ryder is family to all of us at GDR. His health issues have been lingering for the past two seasons and the frustrating part is they pop up out of nowhere. He cant seem to get any straight answers on the issue and I can tell you, it’s not from lack of trying on his and his family’s end. They have done everything. Hopefully there can be some answers and this is not the last we have seen of him as he’s still young, but I do think this is the right decision for Ryder and I wish him nothing but the best. We have signed a new 250 rider and I believe that will be announced in the next week or so.
MXP: We had this question sent to us last week about Team USA and the MXON. In your humble opinion, if Team USA had either Haiden Deegan or Chase Sexton, or both, on their team at Ironman, would they have won the Chamberlain Trophy?
RL: I mean, I don’t think you could argue that Team USA with Tomac and a healthy Deegan and a healthy Sexton would win. There was no better team they could of sent with those three, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Especially with it being at Ironman as well, it had all the ingredients to be a winning year. Back to Ernee next year, which is such a European track, it will be tough to win. It might be a few years before we see Team USA back on top.
