Ricky Russell signs with Enduro Engineering off-road race team to put Triumph in GNCC Racing and National Enduro series this season.

Race teams announcing new deals with riders and manufacturers are coming thick and fast right now. Ricky Russell joining the Enduro Engineering race team to race the Triumph machine(s) caught our eyes as easily one of the more interesting prospects for the 2025 season.

The Washington State native joins the EE race team to take on GNCC and the AMA National Enduro series but also tackle other events in the US and internationally, mixing up his calendar and putting himself and the EE Triumph out there in the world of off-road.

Enduro21 wantes to know more about the deal with triumph and Ricky, plus the bike itself which is still in its infancy as an enduro or off-road models. We put some questions to Enduro Engineering boss, Alan Randt…

Hi Alan, it looks like a ‘25 season with Ricky Russell onboard the Triumph wil be exciting, what’s the plan?

Alan Randt: “The primary series’ will be the NEPG Enduro and GNCC, but we will also do a variety of other events around the country and Canada to expose other riders to the Triumph brand. We also hope to make it to a world enduro if the stars align.”

The Triumph is a pretty exciting project in off-road, which model is it you’ll race?

“We will start the season on the TF250-X mx version, but will also compete on the 450 mx and 250/450 enduro models as they become available.”

A solid 20 pounds lighter than several other brands

Has Ricky clocked many hours? How has he gelled with the new Triumph?

“He tested the bike late last year, to make sure that he was good with the 250 since he has been racing a 450 for several years.

The bike has a very neutral feel, so it was very easy for Ricky to get comfortable on it. He was quite impressed on how strong the 250 ran, and particularly how light that it is.

We put it on the scales and it was a solid 20 pounds lighter than several other brands.”

How have you adapted the Triumph for off-road and which parts have you fitted for woods riding?

“As a manufacture of off-road parts, we have developed a full line of protection parts that include, hand guards, radiator guards, disc guards, skid plate, clutch cylinder protector, ignition wire protector, bar risers, etc.

“We also are a full line suspension shop, so we have tuned the KYB components to Ricky’s liking.

“We have also had a special spoke kit made to fit up an 18” rim, taller seat with bump, ODI bars, XC Gear bar mount, and soon to be finished FMF exhaust. A bigger tank for GNCC will be a little more of a challenge, but we are working on some options.”

Will the bike change much between National Enduro and GNCC – if so what changes do you make?

“Mostly suspension, since GNCC is so much rougher than our enduro are. It will be stiffer valving for GNCC, and possibly a stiffer fork spring rate. Engine mapping will likely be a little different as well, enduro will need a bit more bottom power, and GNCC more top end. A larger fuel tank for GNCC as well.”

How does the deal work with Triumph Racing, do you buy your run your own show with the bike or do you get support?

“We are running our own program, buying the bikes at a discount but Triumph is offering some spare parts, race contingency and technical assistance.

They have been fantastic to work with, they are a racing company and are helping in everyway for us to succeed.

Former SX/MX champion Jeff Stanton operates a Triumph Adventures Tours business just down the road, he is a great Triumph resource not only on the racing side, but from an adventure product side as well.”

Ricky brings a lot of experience, what are the expectations for 2025?

“Ricky has been on the east coast racing scene for several years now, which is quite a challenge being from Washington state on the west coast.

He has won several GNCC’s and been on the National Enduro podiums numerus times throughout he racing career. We are all confident that with this new Triumph, Ricky will be on the podium and fighting for wins in each series.

His speed has been really good so far on the new bike, and with its light weight it will be easier to ride for longer periods.

He likes the opportunity to have a new program and to be able to race different events around the country and the world, that will keep him fresh and having fun, which will equate to good results.”

How is the rest of the Enduro Engineering off-road race team shaping up, which riders will you support in 2025?

“Shelby Turner will return to the EE team for 2025, she had a great 2024 season with her first GNCC WXC win, second for the year in National Enduro, a gold medal at the ISDE and her 7th pro women’s Endurocross championship.

She already had a Gas Gas program set before we were able to get our Triumph deal together, so we will support her on the Gas Gas for the 2025 season.

We also have a couple of new support riders on board, Cole and Lane Whitmer. They will be flying the EE flag at GNCC and NEPG, they also will be on Gas Gas.”

Photo Credit: Enduro Engineering