Zach Osborne: "It's highly likely that I'll do the last three [nationals]."

Phillip_Lamb
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8/6/2026 10:57am
flow wrote:
Not sure if this has already been mentioned in another post 1:04:17ishWeege: "Is your role still brand ambassador, or is it starting to expand?"Osborne: (laughs) "I don't...

Not sure if this has already been mentioned in another post 

1:04:17ish

Weege: "Is your role still brand ambassador, or is it starting to expand?"
Osborne: (laughs) "I don't know anymore"
K-Dub "Work in a pro deal, let's go racing again!"
Osborne: "Well, to be honest it's highly likely that I'll do the last three."

Would be pretty damn cool to see him out there. 36 years old but he was absolutely cookin' today. 

only 36? thats when John dowd retired in 05 while scoring numerous top 10's and a podium. it would be cool to see top pro's still showing up tfor 1 or 2 rounds 

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ab5772
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8/6/2026 11:31am
Money wrote:

So when he beats Benny n Oldenburg do they still have rides for next year?

DonJulio wrote:

They shouldn’t, for a factory team their results are garbage 

TheMilkman wrote:
Benny has gotten top 10 the last two races. Oldenburg hasn’t been doing great but top 10 for Benny is exactly what the team wants. I...

Benny has gotten top 10 the last two races. Oldenburg hasn’t been doing great but top 10 for Benny is exactly what the team wants. I don’t see Zach finishing in the top 10. He will slot in somewhere between Benny and Oldenburg. 

Zacho will finish top 10 easily. Stamp it! 😁

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Tumic
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8/6/2026 11:39am

There is a world wide problem for riders that has been pro’s and now just want to race for fun.


If you have been fast once upon a time, there is a good chance that 90% of your max speed will stay with you for MANY years. 

Even 10 years after i stopped racing as a pro I could not line up and race a VET or Vintage class without complaints from others that i did not belong there. But where should I ride if I have not trained or raced seriously for 10 years?. The pro classes was not right for me either.


I can promise that riders like Zacho is not at LL’s and chasing trophies, he got plenty of those at home. He is just there and collecting memories at this point and having a good time.

But it’s always hard for a ex pro to fit in when they have stopped racing. 

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yardsailor
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8/6/2026 11:43am
Tumic wrote:
There is a world wide problem for riders that has been pro’s and now just want to race for fun.If you have been fast once upon...

There is a world wide problem for riders that has been pro’s and now just want to race for fun.


If you have been fast once upon a time, there is a good chance that 90% of your max speed will stay with you for MANY years. 

Even 10 years after i stopped racing as a pro I could not line up and race a VET or Vintage class without complaints from others that i did not belong there. But where should I ride if I have not trained or raced seriously for 10 years?. The pro classes was not right for me either.


I can promise that riders like Zacho is not at LL’s and chasing trophies, he got plenty of those at home. He is just there and collecting memories at this point and having a good time.

But it’s always hard for a ex pro to fit in when they have stopped racing. 

Well said. 👍

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The Shop

8/6/2026 11:49am

Yes, he worked the kids over the OPEN PRO SPORT class....very impressive ride today.

I'm sure Zach has more in the tank, but keep in mind that the 250 B kids are going faster than Open Pro Sport at the ranch this year.  

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zippytech
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8/6/2026 12:01pm

I always thought A class was expert/pro? Has that changed?

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8/6/2026 12:15pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2026 12:25pm
zippytech wrote:

I always thought A class was expert/pro? Has that changed?

It is, but it if fairly common for the fastest kids at the ranch to be in the B class, and most of the fastest A times are always in the 250 Pro Sport.  It looks like Ryder Malinoski has the fastest A time so far in the 250 Pro Sport with a 1:51.8, but Tristan Prueitt did a 1:51.7.  Zach's best time in Open Pro Sport was over 2.5 seconds slower at a 1:54.4.

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NSP139
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8/6/2026 12:23pm
zippytech wrote:

I always thought A class was expert/pro? Has that changed?

It is, but it if fairly common for the fastest kids at the ranch to be in the B class, and most of the fastest A...

It is, but it if fairly common for the fastest kids at the ranch to be in the B class, and most of the fastest A times are always in the 250 Pro Sport.  It looks like Ryder Malinoski has the fastest A time so far in the 250 Pro Sport with a 1:51.8, but Tristan Prueitt did a 1:51.7.  Zach's best time in Open Pro Sport was over 2.5 seconds slower at a 1:54.4.

I think it is the timing of the motos 250 pro sport was faster than 250 B on Tuesday. 

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The Wolf Man
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8/6/2026 12:27pm
flow wrote:
Not sure if this has already been mentioned in another post 1:04:17ishWeege: "Is your role still brand ambassador, or is it starting to expand?"Osborne: (laughs) "I don't...

Not sure if this has already been mentioned in another post 

1:04:17ish

Weege: "Is your role still brand ambassador, or is it starting to expand?"
Osborne: (laughs) "I don't know anymore"
K-Dub "Work in a pro deal, let's go racing again!"
Osborne: "Well, to be honest it's highly likely that I'll do the last three."

Would be pretty damn cool to see him out there. 36 years old but he was absolutely cookin' today. 

only 36? thats when John dowd retired in 05 while scoring numerous top 10's and a podium. it would be cool to see top pro's still...

only 36? thats when John dowd retired in 05 while scoring numerous top 10's and a podium. it would be cool to see top pro's still showing up tfor 1 or 2 rounds 

36? That's barely older than most of the 250 class...

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8/6/2026 12:27pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2026 12:35pm
zippytech wrote:

I always thought A class was expert/pro? Has that changed?

It is, but it if fairly common for the fastest kids at the ranch to be in the B class, and most of the fastest A...

It is, but it if fairly common for the fastest kids at the ranch to be in the B class, and most of the fastest A times are always in the 250 Pro Sport.  It looks like Ryder Malinoski has the fastest A time so far in the 250 Pro Sport with a 1:51.8, but Tristan Prueitt did a 1:51.7.  Zach's best time in Open Pro Sport was over 2.5 seconds slower at a 1:54.4.

NSP139 wrote:

I think it is the timing of the motos 250 pro sport was faster than 250 B on Tuesday. 

Prueitt went faster than Zach in Schoolboy 2 as well.  The kids are just faster.  Not saying Zach couldn't throw down a heater and smoke the kids for a lap if he had to, but the people that are predicting finishes well into the top ten in an AMA 450 National this year are dreaming.  I'll be happy to eat crow if I'm wrong.  I said the same thing to the people that were predicting that Prado was going to beat the Hunta bros this summer now that he's on a KTM, and my diet has been crow free this summer.

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yardsailor
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8/6/2026 1:24pm

36? That's barely older than most of the 250 class...

33 is the median age of the 250 class. 

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8/6/2026 2:12pm
Tumic wrote:
He said it multiple times during the moto 60 show this summer and to be fair, with Cairolis results and the shallow depth in the current...

He said it multiple times during the moto 60 show this summer and to be fair, with Cairolis results and the shallow depth in the current 450 class, I think that he could do OK. 

I have always loved Zach’s view on racing. When he lived in Norway with Gundersen they showed up and raced a local race here in Sweden on an off weekend and not to talk about his ISDE racing and always raising his hand for MxDN. 

I’ve got a soft spot for those types of riders that will race anything just for the love of riding motorcycles, not just looking at the pay check.

Hmmmmm

“You’re an animal if you can even qualify for a national.  It’s amazing how fast even the 40th place guys are.”

“No depth of talent in the 450 class.”

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Tumic
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8/6/2026 2:17pm
Tumic wrote:
He said it multiple times during the moto 60 show this summer and to be fair, with Cairolis results and the shallow depth in the current...

He said it multiple times during the moto 60 show this summer and to be fair, with Cairolis results and the shallow depth in the current 450 class, I think that he could do OK. 

I have always loved Zach’s view on racing. When he lived in Norway with Gundersen they showed up and raced a local race here in Sweden on an off weekend and not to talk about his ISDE racing and always raising his hand for MxDN. 

I’ve got a soft spot for those types of riders that will race anything just for the love of riding motorcycles, not just looking at the pay check.

Hmmmmm“You’re an animal if you can even qualify for a national.  It’s amazing how fast even the 40th place guys are.”“No depth of talent in the...

Hmmmmm

“You’re an animal if you can even qualify for a national.  It’s amazing how fast even the 40th place guys are.”

“No depth of talent in the 450 class.”

Do you want to call it deep when a 40 year old retired rider jumps in and perform the way he does or when a 450 rookie goes down in the first turn and work his way through the field like they are standing still?.


Sure, there is some riders with plenty of titles between them on the gate, but now days when they are racing in to their mid 30’s and have not posted a decent result in over 5 years, those old titles don’t seem so relevant to describe their current pace.

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shortty761
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8/6/2026 2:49pm
For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on...

For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on a quad 😂.

He’s always been a rider i love to watch and i think many others agree.


His style is very unique to him, and it’s cool to see someone ride different than everyone else and see it work for him.


I disagree that it looks goofy, dude looks badass and hauls ass!

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mitch199
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8/6/2026 3:32pm

As others have said, Zach has always had a unique style! Scrunched/hunched over, etc, not as stylish or flashy as others...

But he has what most others do not.... that dawg in him. The deep burn to make it happen when others can not. And few things look more stylish hanging on the wall than a AMA 450 Outdoor championship trophy! Pairing that with a MXGP round win trophy is rare air too.

Motocross Action Magazine - February 2020 - MXA Interview: Zach Osborne  Keeps Things In Perspective

 

Racing is What He Does | Submerge Magazine | Music + Art + Lifestyle

 

Zach Osborne sick scrub

 

Zach Osborne Interview - Cycle News

 

Zach Osborne Interview on 2020 450 Motocross Championship - Racer X

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8/6/2026 3:42pm

I thought Osborne is one of the guys that cashed out his career insurance policy for a debilitating injury (his back) like Emig (back), and Hepler (head).  

That's usually why they go to offroad, which Hepler and Osborne did.  Anyone else remember hearing that? Not trying to stamp it, I just seem to recall that being the deal. 

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mb60
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8/6/2026 4:19pm

Funny a 36 year old retired racer is beating 18 year factory kids and people are complaining. Shows more of these kids are not factory riders then it does Zach and Phil cherry picking.

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yak651
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8/6/2026 4:24pm
mb60 wrote:
Funny a 36 year old retired racer is beating 18 year factory kids and people are complaining. Shows more of these kids are not factory riders...

Funny a 36 year old retired racer is beating 18 year factory kids and people are complaining. Shows more of these kids are not factory riders then it does Zach and Phil cherry picking.

I don’t think anyone is saying the retired pros shouldn’t be racing the pro sport classes (except the one guy in this thread). Many do say they should not be racing the vet classes as they were on a different level than what the majority of the class were or ever will be. 

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DonM
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8/6/2026 4:35pm
mitch199 wrote:
As others have said, Zach has always had a unique style! Scrunched/hunched over, etc, not as stylish or flashy as others...But he has what most others...

As others have said, Zach has always had a unique style! Scrunched/hunched over, etc, not as stylish or flashy as others...

But he has what most others do not.... that dawg in him. The deep burn to make it happen when others can not. And few things look more stylish hanging on the wall than a AMA 450 Outdoor championship trophy! Pairing that with a MXGP round win trophy is rare air too.

Motocross Action Magazine - February 2020 - MXA Interview: Zach Osborne  Keeps Things In Perspective

 

Racing is What He Does | Submerge Magazine | Music + Art + Lifestyle

 

Zach Osborne sick scrub

 

Zach Osborne Interview - Cycle News

 

Zach Osborne Interview on 2020 450 Motocross Championship - Racer X

Zach’s style is because he has the legs of a dachshund…..

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8/6/2026 4:39pm

He’ll have to raise his hand and get permission from vital if he does. 

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ratbeagle139
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8/6/2026 4:50pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2026 4:56pm
For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on...

For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on a quad 😂.

shortty761 wrote:
He’s always been a rider i love to watch and i think many others agree.His style is very unique to him, and it’s cool to see...

He’s always been a rider i love to watch and i think many others agree.


His style is very unique to him, and it’s cool to see someone ride different than everyone else and see it work for him.


I disagree that it looks goofy, dude looks badass and hauls ass!

Ya I feel the same with everything you just said except for the goofy part. Just thought we could all agree that sitting with your hips that far behind your head and shoulders is most certainly not a regular stance while cornering with a leg out… but this place has become Reddit for moto.

Him and Mike Alessi are two of the fastest I can think of from recent generations that always cornered that way and made it work with the big dawgs. Guess it just really stood out to me this week after 5-6 years of watching everyone try to ride like Jett & Chase. 😎✌️

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mb60
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8/6/2026 5:17pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2026 5:18pm
yak651 wrote:
I don’t think anyone is saying the retired pros shouldn’t be racing the pro sport classes (except the one guy in this thread). Many do say...

I don’t think anyone is saying the retired pros shouldn’t be racing the pro sport classes (except the one guy in this thread). Many do say they should not be racing the vet classes as they were on a different level than what the majority of the class were or ever will be. 

I would love to see a 35 plus ex pro class someday. The same people that complain they winnin  the vet classes say nothing about kids already signed to factory deals winning the B classes. 

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The Wolf Man
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8/6/2026 5:44pm
For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on...

For having been a top-pro man does Zacho have some goofy ass style. Sits at the back of the seat in every turn like he’s on a quad 😂.

shortty761 wrote:
He’s always been a rider i love to watch and i think many others agree.His style is very unique to him, and it’s cool to see...

He’s always been a rider i love to watch and i think many others agree.


His style is very unique to him, and it’s cool to see someone ride different than everyone else and see it work for him.


I disagree that it looks goofy, dude looks badass and hauls ass!

Zach Osborne and style have never met.

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TeamGreen
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8/6/2026 5:46pm
Money wrote:

So when he beats Benny n Oldenburg do they still have rides for next year?

He beats Benny?

Hmmmm…are you a betting man?

Signed,

A friend of Zach’s 🤣

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TeamGreen
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8/6/2026 5:47pm
yak651 wrote:
I don’t think anyone is saying the retired pros shouldn’t be racing the pro sport classes (except the one guy in this thread). Many do say...

I don’t think anyone is saying the retired pros shouldn’t be racing the pro sport classes (except the one guy in this thread). Many do say they should not be racing the vet classes as they were on a different level than what the majority of the class were or ever will be. 

mb60 wrote:
I would love to see a 35 plus ex pro class someday. The same people that complain they winnin  the vet classes say nothing about kids...

I would love to see a 35 plus ex pro class someday. The same people that complain they winnin  the vet classes say nothing about kids already signed to factory deals winning the B classes. 

BOOM! 😎

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overdrive09
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8/6/2026 5:52pm

LIve the dream brother while you can!

overdrive09
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8/6/2026 5:54pm
Money wrote:

So when he beats Benny n Oldenburg do they still have rides for next year?

TeamGreen wrote:

He beats Benny?

Hmmmm…are you a betting man?

Signed,

A friend of Zach’s 🤣

It always makes it more interesting to watch. I always love having another thing to watch or root for. Smile

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zippytech
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8/6/2026 6:05pm

I asked cause if I was still racing I would love to line up with retired pros, I was never a pro, but I run plenty of A class and tell you I would welcome them, would I win,  no but how cares..

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8/6/2026 6:25pm
I thought Osborne is one of the guys that cashed out his career insurance policy for a debilitating injury (his back) like Emig (back), and Hepler...

I thought Osborne is one of the guys that cashed out his career insurance policy for a debilitating injury (his back) like Emig (back), and Hepler (head).  

That's usually why they go to offroad, which Hepler and Osborne did.  Anyone else remember hearing that? Not trying to stamp it, I just seem to recall that being the deal. 

Pretty sure Zach was doing the odd GNCC during his pro career before he injured his back

prozach
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8/6/2026 6:58pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2026 6:59pm

Don't they have a 35+ and 45+ class that is closed to anyone who has raced a national.  For those people who don't want to have to race old factory riders? 

Post a reply to: Zach Osborne: "It's highly likely that I'll do the last three [nationals]."

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