When Ricky Russell retired from professional racing in December of 2025 and moved back to his home state of Washington, it felt like the Ballad of Ricky Bobby Russell was over. As it turns out, less pressure and more fun have him leading one off‑road series and stealing wins from the regulars in another. That’s damn impressive for a guy who’s “only” racing for fun now.

In this latest episode of the Seat Time Podcast, Ricky and Brian discuss how he found his way back to the East Coast to race J Day Off Road GPs, NORCS, AMA West Hare Scrambles and becoming a dad. Even though we had some technical difficulties, it’s still a fun chat!

Watch/Listen to the Episode

J Day Off Road and a Used Kawasaki

Ricky is living and working full-time back in Washington, so the fact that he’s the current J Day Off Road GP points leader is a bit of a head scratcher. As it turns out, he simply bought a Kawasaki off Nick DeFeo and decided to go racing. Awesome.

The viral drone clip of Ricky at the J Day Off Road opener in Florida is what set off the alarm bells for me. One, isn’t this guy retired? Two, damn he looks good on the bike. Three, that drone pilot isn’t paid enough.

He hasn’t won them all, and his baby is due on the weekend of an upcoming double header, but for now he’s beating Tyler Medaglia by three points. Awesome.

West Hare Scrambles and NORCS

Out West, Ricky has won the last two AMA West Hare Scrambles rounds—Timber Beast in Idaho and The Great Escape in Washington—riding a Lynnwood Motoplex / Team Green Kawasaki, while guys like Mateo Oliveira are still the ones in the title hunt. The Great Escape was another race where the drone pilots somehow thread the singletrack like a rider; Ricky made his way past Oliveira late in the race for the overall win in his home state.

He’s also three‑for‑three at NORCS rounds back in Washington on that Team Green KX450X, lining up close to home and still winning even though he’s supposed to be retired.

GNCC Hydration and Nutrition

Even though there were a few technical issues during the podcast, we did dive into GNCC pit stops, pit bottles, hydration and nutrition. It was a discussion I would have liked to go deeper into with Ricky. For now, we did get insight into timing for our bottles and what he would put in them, including a Coke for the last‑lap charge.

If you want to know more on GNCC or hare scramble nutrition, I have an article on the Seat Time site that dives deeper into that rabbit hole.

Soon to Be Father

Before we dropped off the call, we quickly discussed Ricky becoming a new dad. Being a father for me has been extremely rewarding, while also challenging. The number one advice I have during the very beginning is to be more intentional with your time and the baby than you think you should be. The baby will want/need Momma more, so it’s easy to distract yourself with work and life. This is the time to lean in.

Thanks for listening, watching and/or reading! After missing the Farm14 National Enduro, I ran my first 50+ mile ultra marathon. I’m still rehabbing the back and trying to ride a bit more. Thanks again for your time and enjoy getting seat time!

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