GNCC Racing: Let’s start with this season. How have you felt about your performances so far in 2025? What’s been going well, and what are you still looking to improve on?

Ricky Russell: 2025 has been a roller coaster of mixed performances. We started out with so many muddy and disastrous races that it was difficult to put any sort of consistency together, especially while trying to develop a new motorcycle. I’ve had some good performances here and there, but too many unfortunate DNFs.

You’re the first pro rider to debut a Triumph in the XC1 class. How did that opportunity come about, and what made you want to leap into a brand-new program?

I was injured a lot of 2024, so towards the end of the season, I was able to start getting some okay results, which led to connecting with Enduro Engineering, who wanted to do something with Triumph. At the time, seeing Triumph’s first year in SX being pretty solid. I was okay with it and excited to try and bring a new brand into the GNCC/Enduro world.

What has the adjustment process been like on the Triumph, and has it changed the way you approach your strategy or preparation for races?

It’s been a little bit of an adjustment. Like I said before, it was difficult to develop a bike with the conditions we were delivered in the first half of the season. Unfortunately, I didn’t finish many races while running in a solid spot. Now, on paper, looking back at results it looks bad on me, which is a little bit of a bummer because I know a few of the rounds we were right there in the hunt. It just hasn’t been quite the support I may have been used to in the past 5 years or so. But we’re making do and still really appreciate the help I have received!

You have Triumph's first XC1 podium at the Old Gray this year. Walk us through that ride and what clicked for you that day? How does it feel knowing you’ve already cemented yourself in Triumph’s GNCC history?

I enjoy the Old Gray terrain, and although it seems I can’t get off the line quickly this season (first year I have not had a hole shot) I was just able to get through the pack decently and battle for that podium where I knew I should be. It was a little bittersweet as I was in 2nd with about a quarter mile to go and lost one position due to lappers. But yes, still very cool to be the first Triumph on the XC1 podium.

You raced Red Bull’s Day in the Dirt East last year and again this year, and this year you won the Ironman. What’s it like switching things up with an event like that?

Red Bull Day in the Dirt is a great time with the buddies. Last year, I didn’t know what I was doing, as there’s a lot of different races you can do at that event. So I didn’t qualify for the Ironman last year, but was able to win some GP’s and the black Blackwater Revival race, which was pretty cool. Then this year, I made sure I raced the correct races to qualify for the Ironman award at the end of it all. It was a good time as always. Got to team race with Zach Osborne, then Carson Brown, and a lot more fast GNCC guys showed up this year, which made the battles intense.

With Red Bull Day in the Dirt taking place at High Point and guys like Josh Toth and Mike Witkowski lining up at Southwick this year, have you ever thought about trying your hand at a Pro Motocross race?

Yeah, motocross has always been on the bucket list to try and qualify for a round. It was cool seeing Josh and Mikey do it at Southwick. I’ve always wanted to give one of them a go, but I just haven’t ever committed to it. Maybe Washougal next year..

You’ve been a consistent presence in the XC1 class for a while now. What keeps you motivated to keep going at the highest level season after season?

Going on 10 years in the XC1 class. Seems kind of crazy, actually, when I just counted that out. It’s hard saying what exactly keeps us motivated, but it’s just that competitive nature. I’ve been right there in the mix many years. Finishing in the top 3 in the season a few times. Many injuries cost me, but also coming back from injury, you work your butt off that much harder to try and achieve your goals, so when you start getting back on the podiums and winning some races, it just fires you up and motivates you that much more. This year I’ve been happy to stay healthy, which is good, but the not finishing so many races has been a little bit demotivating and out of my control.

Looking back at your journey from amateur racing to the XC1 Pro class, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger riders hoping to follow a similar path?

Well, I kind of started late, so I never did much amateur racing. I sort of just jumped in with the pros. But after seeing the sport develop to what it is now. The earlier you start, the better. Young kids now are jumping into the pro ranks early, and with these national series offering all these youth/age classes as you grow up, to just steadily climb the ranks, it just makes it that much easier and natural for them. So, I would say start young and just don’t give up. You’ll have ups and downs, but just stay dedicated and keep grinding. Also, the industry is small, so be a good person and don’t ever act like you’re too good for anyone or anything.

What do you like to do for fun when you're not racing or training?

For fun lately, we’ve been golfing a good bit. Always enjoy mountain biking, fishing, hiking with the wife, trail riding with my old man, and hunting season is right around the corner.