A former firefighter, Ryan Haag understands the importance of meeting the moment and how to perform under pressure. As a veteran professional driver with Old Dominion, Ryan deeply values the attention to detail that helps him stay safe on the road year after year. The ability to embrace the moment and his keen sense for detail are two of the leading reasons that Ryan has gone three-for-three in winning vehicle division State Championships in New Mexico.

As Ryan shares with us on this edition of the podcast, his success at the State TDC went to a new level when he earned his first New Mexico Grand Championship in Albuquerque on May 16. The announcement of the 2026 State Grand Championship took Ryan by surprise. For Ryan, it was a moment to celebrate and to give thanks for all those who had inspired and supported him on a journey that now includes three trips to the Nationals.

As you’ll hear during our conversation, Ryan credits Shane Ard, a fellow Old Dominion driver who had competed in the Nevada TDCs prior to moving to New Mexico and Ryan’s home terminal. Shane introduced the TDCs to his new friends in New Mexico and Ryan found immediate success with a state title. In addition to praising the support he has received from Old Dominion, Ryan also credits the encouragement he has received from his wife, Tessa, who has made countless new friends in her trips to the State TDCs and the Nationals.

FRIEND OF THE PODCAST SPONSOR:  The Lutzie 43 Foundation is our Friend of the Podcast for this episode of the NTDC 2026 Series. Founded to honor the legacy of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the Lutzie 43 Foundation is dedicated to make sure that the tragedy that took his life would never have to be repeated. Philip was a standout athlete, a beloved teammate, and a man of tremendous character. Today, the foundation that carries his name is working to change the driving culture across the Southeast and beyond by tackling distracted driving, impaired driving, and unsafe habits behind the wheel. To learn more about the Lutzie 43 Foundation and how you can use 43 Key Seconds to run through an important safety checklist before starting your vehicle, visit Lutzie43.org.

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