If we look back at the last five seasons, it’s certainly been an excellent run for Ryder McNabb. First, there were multiple Walton TransCan Titles in the Supermini class. Then, he defied the odds by skipping the Junior class and racing his GDR Honda to Intermediate class glory, and then last year, at just 16 years old, he won his first 250 Triple Crown Series Championship. For 2023, Ryder switched teams and raced all season under the Red Bull KTM Canada Team, again winning the 250 Triple Crown Series Championship. With his dominant summer in the rearview mirror and the MXON a month away, Ryder has some serious decisions regarding where he wants to race in 2024. We caught up with our two-time 250 Champion as he was back home in Manitoba relaxing and helping his family with their farm.
MXP: Hey Ryder! How are you?
RM: I’m good Palms! I just finished dinner, and now I’m just taking it easy. I’ve been back home in Manitoba for a few days helping my family prepare for harvest season.
I wasn’t sure if you were back home or still living at Gopher Dunes. Farming is certainly hard work, but it’s a different type of work than moto.
For sure! Both are hard, but moto is a little more fun.
You were supposed to race at Ironman Raceway last weekend, but a practice crash left you not feeling 100%. Have you recovered okay from that crash?
I think so! I probably could’ve raced if I was going for a title, but with nothing at stake and nothing to gain, we decided just to sit it out. It’s been a long summer, and I need a little rest right now.
Speaking of the summer. You came into the Triple Crown Series still feeling the effects of your broken leg, but you stayed out of trouble in the opening round and then went to work at Round 2. Were you surprised at just how well you rode in those early rounds?
No, not really. Even though I was off with an injury, I could still train hard. So, while I came into the opening round without much seat time, I was still in great shape. Also, before I got injured, my fitness and riding were good. The time off before the Triple Crown Series began was probably good for me because I felt fresh.
Yes, that is a good point. Well, it was good to see you and your teammate Kaven Benoit, get off to a solid start in the 250 class.
Yeah, Kaven came out strong at the opening round and took the win. It was great to have both of us on the podium!
After a few solid seasons on the GDR Honda Team, you switched teams this year. Obviously, you had great success with both teams, but overall, how was the switch?
It was great! My bike was great this summer, and the team atmosphere was awesome. I had two great teammates with Kaven and Jess. We all won motos this summer, so that was cool. My bike was so good all summer long also. Both teams are great, but I think we made the right decision.
Back at Round 3 in Calgary, we did a profile of the KTM Team bikes, and I was even surprised to learn just how factory your bikes were. There are parts on there that money cannot buy. Did that level of support give you even more confidence this summer?
I wouldn’t say it gave me more confidence than last year. My bike was really good last year also. Other than my KTM being awesome, I think I felt better knowing that I was racing for a team that wasn’t just here in Canada; it was part of a larger family that reached into the USA and Europe. When you ride for KTM Canada, you’re also part of the KTM Global brand. That is pretty special to me.
Well, since you brought that up, maybe it’s a good time to talk about 2024. Right now, you have a couple of options for next year. Obviously, the KTM Canada Team wants you back, and the Triple Crown Series Rulebook will allow you to compete in the 250 class again. However, you also have an offer to race in the USA for the AEO KTM Team. How are things looking for 2024?
We do have an offer to race in the USA in the SX Futures and the 2024 Pro Motocross Championships, but it still needs to be done as we’re waiting for a few more pieces to fall into place. Hopefully, things work out, but if they don’t, then for sure, we’ll be back in Canada next year.
We won’t ask you exactly what those pieces are, but are they big pieces?
I think it’s more about what gear I would wear and how a few things would work. We’ll see what happens. I’ll be 18 later this month, so if I’m going to go to the USA, then I have to go now, especially with learning SX at that level. Racing in the SX Futures next year would give me the opportunity to work on those skills, and then I would race the outdoor series in the 250 class.
So how does it work? You have a deal right now with KTM Canada, but if you get a firm offer in the USA, would you be allowed to go there?
Yes, as long as I’m still a part of the KTM brand.
That makes sense. Is there a date that you would have to make a final decision?
Yes, everything has to be done by October 1st. So, by the time I leave for France and the MXON, we’ll know our direction.
That is very exciting! Obviously, part of me wants you to stay here in Canada as you’re a big part of the Triple Crown Series and a great role model for our young Canadian riders. It would be sad not to have you on the gate next summer in Canada.
Thanks Palms! I do love it here, and if I do go and race in the USA next year, who knows? I’ll probably be back at some point to race a 450.
Let’s hope so! You also mentioned the MXON in France. What is the plan between now and when you have to fly overseas?
As long as the weather stays okay, I’m just going to hang out here in Manitoba to ride and train. I don’t get to spend much time here, so it’s nice to be here and not have to go anywhere. Also, the tracks are usually pretty good in September, so I’m looking forward to riding here. From here, I’ll fly to Montreal in early October, and then we’ll fly over to Paris.
Well Ryder, good luck with everything, and congratulations on another incredible summer. Enjoy your time at home in Manitoba, and we’ll try and talk before you go to France to represent Canada!
Thank you for calling Palms! Yes, it should be a great month here.