Ricky Russell on J Day GPs, West Hare, NORCS and Future Dad Life

Ricky Russell “retired” from pro racing at the end of 2025 and moved back home to Washington, but he’s somehow busier – and faster – than ever. In this episode we talk about how less pressure and more fun turned into him leading J Day Off Road GPs on a used Kawasaki he bought off Nick DeFeo, then flying back West to win AMA West Hare Scrambles rounds and stack NORCS overalls on a Lynnwood Motoplex / Team Green KX450X. It’s a wild contrast: day job, new baby on the way, and still showing up to beat guys who are actually chasing championships.

We get into how Ricky found his way back to the East Coast for J Day, what it’s like lining up at iconic venues like Bostwick Creek and Budds Creek, and how the viral FPV drone clips barely keep up with him through the woods. Then we talk West Coast: Timber Beast, The Great Escape in Washington, and the kind of late‑race pass on Mateo Oliveira that proves he didn’t lose anything when he stepped away from full‑time GNCC and National Enduro racing.

Even with a few technical glitches, we still dive into GNCC‑style pit stops, hydration and nutrition, and what Ricky likes in his pit bottles – including when he reaches for a Coke for that last‑lap push. We wrap it up by talking about him becoming a dad, why being intentional with your time matters, and how I’m juggling my own recovery from a 50‑mile ultra and back issues while still trying to get more seat time.

Utility Can Caddy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/188461696146

Enjoy #GettingSeattime & Stay #Stoked! 🤘🏻🤙🏻⚡️