MXP: Hey Newf! Happy New Year to you and your family. We hope you had a great vacation. We’re sure we speak for the entire industry when we send our condolences for the passing of your Brother Brad. As you two grew up, riding and racing were such a big part of your family; we’re sure you have a ton of memories. Would you be able to share with us your best riding memory with your Brother?
RL: Appreciate it. I was 10 years older than Brad, so we actually didn’t do much racing together growing up, or even that much riding as I was always gone. Once I was kind of done in 2012 we started to race a bit more, mostly AX. He would come out here (BC) in the winter and do some Future West stuff. We had a great battle at the Springhill (Our Home town) Arenacross in like 2016 or 2017. Went back and forth a few times so that was fun. Brad’s MX path was much different than mine, but one thing for sure he loved it. Probably a bigger fan than even myself when it came to following the sport and watching races.
MXP: Thank you for sharing that. Moving on to the opening round of the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Series in Anaheim. Overall, what were your thoughts on the racing, as well as the main event winners, Eli Tomac and Max Anstie?
RL: I thought it was fantastic all around. Good track and good racing. When you are crazy about the sport there is nothing like heat one gate drop. Deegs really blew that start and just didn’t make things happen like we kind of all thought he would. He seems to not be as confident in SX, it’s hard to pin point what it is, but I will say that Max and Levi are much closer to him in speed than I thought. As far as the 450s go, man what was that 2019 or 2020 main with the old guys out front LOL. Eli and Kenny looked amazing. Sexton did Sexton’s thing, but he’s good on the Kawi. A disaster round one but he could easily win this weekend.
MXP: The final question this week is regarding Ryder McNabb and his apparent comeback. Last week, it was reported that he was returning to the 2026 Triple Crown Series aboard a Guaranteed Comfort Honda CRF450. However, since then, there have been no press releases or communication to the media, or on Social Media from Ryder or his new team. You had Ryder on your team last season, so what are your thoughts on him returning to the starting line in 2026?
RL: It’s a done deal and I’m sure the release will be out here soon, and yes nothing from Ryder as he’s a Ghost on social media, no different than when he was done with racing back in September. I don’t have a ton to say on this, but what I will say is our series is better with Ryder McNabb being a part of it. He will be great on the 450 as I watched him first-hand last year on one and if he can deal with whatever is going on with his health and personal life, he will be in the mix.
