When RidersWest first met Aynsley Wendt and Justin Critch in 2018, TNN Racing was an eight-member ATV racing team with a simple goal: race hard, have fun and bring together people who shared their love of mud.
Eight years later, the team has grown well beyond its original lineup. TNN now includes five families, nine adults and seven young riders under 16, with the crew travelling throughout Manitoba and beyond to compete, including trips to major events such as Haydays in Minnesota and races in Texas.
But perhaps the biggest change isn't measured in podium finishes. TNN Racing has gone from a race team to a community builder, creating its own annual event, The Mud Rodeo, in Portage la Prairie and helping introduce new riders to the sport. After years of racing, travelling and getting thoroughly covered in mud, Wendt says the team's passion hasn't faded. If anything, the crew has become bigger, faster and even more determined to keep growing the sport. We caught up with Wendt to find out what's changed since 2018, what's keeping TNN Racing on the podium and what's next for Team Not Normal.
How has your life changed since we featured you in 2018?
A lot has changed since 2018. Our team consists of five families including seven youth under 16 and nine adults. We have been to Texas, Haydays and competed all around Manitoba.
Are you still actively involved in ATV racing? If so, what does your racing schedule look like these days?
Yes still very much racing. We raced so much in 2025 (double weekends) and it looks as though 2026 is shaping up to be a fun filled summer also!
Is TNN Racing still active? How has the team evolved over the years?
TNN Racing is still alive and dominating the podiums. We have welcomed friends along with their family and have created an amazing race team.
What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of since 2018, both on and off the track?
We started our very own event called the Mud Rodeo that will be an annual event every June. The first year was 2025 and we just completed the 2026 one. It has become the biggest and best event in Manitoba!
Have there been any memorable races, victories, challenges, or setbacks that have shaped your journey?
Every event is memorable in some way. We love meeting new people and helping as much along the way as we can. We have fun and it's always a good day when we don't break anything!
What keeps you passionate about the sport after all these years?
We love the adrenaline rush and playing in the mud. We love to help others grow the sport and love seeing the little riders just starting out.
How has the ATV racing and mud-racing community changed since you first got involved?
The bikes have gotten bigger, louder and faster. New people have joined and the ATV race community is growing fast. All us like minded rednecks are taking over lol
What are some misconceptions people have about mud racing or ATV competition?
I think people have the misconception that they need the best and fastest bike. We all started out with small machines and just evolved as we got more comfortable. The sport is always open to any skill level and machine. We can help guide people and we have one of the best mechanics around, so the mods are endless if you want!
What have you learned about yourself through racing?
That we are an exceptional team who is always willing to jump in and help when needed. There will always be competition but at the end of the day we are all 1 big race family.
What advice would you give to someone interested in trying ATV racing for the first time?
Just do it. Whether you have a machine or a friend allows you to try theirs, just go at your own pace. But I will warn you, it is highly addictive!
Is there anything exciting you're working on right now that you'd like readers to know about?
Just that the Mud Rodeo will be an annual event every year in Portage la Prairie and we welcome everyone to come out and race or even just to spectate. We have some good prizes, great food and awesome people. All of the money we raise goes right back out to the payouts for the racers putting on such a great show. We are very proud to bring this event to our community.
If you could sum up your journey since 2018 in a few sentences, what would you say?
We are still slinging mud, having a great time and making big plans to continue this 2026 race season. We are planning on heading to the USA for Haydays in September and to Mud Nats in March. We are proud to be TNN Racing!
Is there anything I haven't asked that you feel is important to share?
Funny fact: TNN stands for Team Not Normal. The name came from our founder (Justin) as he has been riding since he was young. Everyone who came across him on an ATV would say he's not normal. No fear and loves ATVs. Suits all of our team members actually. We all have different personalities but all mesh so well together.
Follow TNN Racing:
Instagram - @tnnracing
TikTok - TNN Racing
Facebook - TNN Racing
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