The Ricky & Robb Podcast Show – Episode #07

The Ricky & Robb Podcast Show – Ep. 07

Episode 7 of the Ricky & Robb Podcast, Coach Robb and Ricky Johnson break down the opening round of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.

Topic 1: Brighter Future: Cole Davies or Kaden Dudney? One of the most intriguing conversations from the opening round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship centered around which young rider has the brighter long-term future: Cole Davies or Kaden Dudney. Dudney captured the attention of the motocross world with a breakout performance that exceeded most expectations, showcasing impressive speed, composure, and confidence despite being one of the youngest riders in the field. At just 16 years old, Dudney demonstrated the ability to handle the pressure of professional racing while immediately placing himself among the front runners. His performance suggests that he has all the tools necessary to become a future title contender.

While Dudney may have surprised more people, the discussion highlighted why Cole Davies remains an incredibly strong long-term prospect. Davies has consistently shown the ability to learn from adversity, bounce back from setbacks, and continue progressing rather than allowing defeats to derail his momentum. His maturity, willingness to accept responsibility for mistakes, and ability to adapt make him a rider many manufacturers would still prioritize when looking toward the future. Rather than focusing solely on one standout weekend, the conversation emphasized that sustained growth, humility, and resilience are often what separate future champions from temporary sensations.

Topic #2: More Impressive: Deegan Staying with Jett or Holding Off Sexton? One of the most debated topics from the 450 class was determining what was more impressive: Haiden Deegan staying within striking distance of Jett Lawrence or successfully keeping Chase Sexton behind him. The answer was not as simple as choosing one over the other. Staying close to Jett Lawrence is a significant accomplishment considering Jett’s extraordinary talent, race craft, and championship pedigree. Even while recovering from injury, Jett demonstrated remarkable control and composure throughout the race, making it difficult for any rider to maintain his pace.

At the same time, Deegan’s ability to withstand pressure from Chase Sexton may have been equally impressive. Sexton remains one of the fastest riders in the world and has the ability to capitalize on even the smallest mistake. Rather than riding over his head or making reckless decisions, Deegan remained calm, consistent, and disciplined throughout the motos. The discussion highlighted Deegan’s growing athletic maturity, noting that he appeared focused on learning from the sport’s elite riders while simultaneously proving that he belongs among them. For a rider making the transition into the premier class, the performance suggested that his future in the 450 division may be arriving faster than many anticipated.

Topic #3: Who Do Hunter Lawrence and Cole Davies Thank? The final discussion explored the people behind the success of two of motocross’s rising stars. In Hunter Lawrence’s case, much of the credit can be directed toward his younger brother, Jett Lawrence. While Hunter narrowly missed the Supercross championship and had limited outdoor preparation time, his ability to arrive at Paula and immediately dominate demonstrated the value of training alongside one of the best riders in the world. Competing daily with Jett has undoubtedly elevated Hunter’s speed, confidence, and race craft, while also creating an environment where excellence becomes the standard. The result was a commanding performance that signaled Hunter may be poised for an exceptional outdoor season.

For Cole Davies, the conversation pointed toward former MXGP champion Ben Townley as one of the most influential figures in his development. Townley’s experience at the highest levels of international motocross provides Davies with a mentor who understands both the technical and mental demands of becoming a champion. Beyond bike setup and riding technique, Townley appears to be helping Davies develop the maturity, accountability, and long-term perspective necessary for sustained success. The discussion emphasized that while talent opens doors, having experienced mentors who can guide young athletes through challenges often becomes the difference between potential and championship-level achievement.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro

02:14: Brighter Future: Dudney or Davies

15:28: More Impressive: Deegan or Sexton

25:52: Who to Thank

39:39: Weekly High

40:16: Weekly Low

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