MXP Chatter With Jacob Piccolo Presented By Motovan

Coming into the 2021 Triple Crown 250 Series, many felt that Jacob Piccolo would be extremely fast from round to round. However, not a lot of people in the industry picked the teenager from BC to win the 250 Championship. To his credit, Piccolo rode amazing all summer long and whether it was his runaway win at Gopher Dunes that stood out, or his ‘no rear brake’ ride in Deschambault, he most certainly earned the success he had in 2021. Here we are a year later and Jacob is now part of the powerhouse KTM Factory Team, and with the opening just over a week away, he’s more than ready to race. We caught up with the Champ as he was getting ready for another day of training at home in BC.

MXP: Hey Jacob, we know it’s early out in BC so thank you for answering the phone. How are things?

JP: Hey Palms! Everything is going great actually. I’m back home now in BC and now I’m just doing some final work before the opening round in Kamloops.

We know you were down in South Carolina during the winter and then most recently you were in Quebec with the KTM Team. It must feel good to finally be back home and sleeping in your own bed?

For sure it does. Like you said I was away for a long time and although we got some really good work done in the off-season, it’s always tough being away from home.

Let’s talk about your off-season for a moment. You were down at the ClubMX training facility in South Carolina. First off, how long were you there, and also how did it go overall?

I think I was there for three or four months in total. Once you’re there for a certain length of time the days and weeks kind of blend together. But overall it went really well and I was able to get some solid training in. I got sick for a few weeks so we had to back it down a little, but it was all good.

What was your setup like down there?

My dad and I drove our motorhome and van down there so we had that. Also, this year I had a little shop to work out of so that made things a lot easier.

It sounds as though you were set up pretty well there. Do you enjoy the people and the facility as a whole? It seems like more and more riders and families are heading to ClubMX each year.

Yeah, it’s a great place to go and train during the winter. The tracks are great and the people are amazing. Sometimes the weather isn’t the best but overall it’s good. I like it there and I definitely feel ready to go.

In between ClubMX and making it back home you spent some time in Quebec with your team. How was it there, were you able to get some quality testing in?

Quebec was fun as I really like it there. I stayed in Bromont with Jess [Pettis] so we were able to do some great biking and a bunch of other training. Also, Quebec has some of the sickest tracks I’ve ever ridden on so the riding was great. I had a really good time there.

Once the 2022 Triple Crown Series heads back east are you going to base yourself out of Quebec?

I haven’t made any real plans yet but I would think that’s what we’ll do. It’s just the perfect place to live in the summer as the tracks, training, and scenery are great. Also, the KTM shop is close so it’s easy to test and get bike work done.

Speaking of bike work, how is your new mechanic Justin Rooney?

So far he’s been great and each time we hang out we get to know each other better. He kind of reminds me of my dad as he’s pretty laid back and doesn’t get too excited when he’s talking to me. I think we’re going to make a great team this summer hopefully I can get him a championship.

That’s good to hear. You seem like a pretty relaxed kid so you don’t need someone screaming at you. Justin is a great mechanic so you’re most certainly in good hands. Talk to us about your factory bike for 2022. Is it a lot different than your KTM250F last year or does it feel similar?

It’s pretty much a completely different bike when it comes to the motor package and the suspension. I guess it’s still a KTM but overall it’s a lot better and I can’t wait to race it next weekend.

I guess that brings me to my next question. Are you excited to begin your 250 title defense in your home province?

For sure I am! I’m happy that the Triple Crown Series is back to going coast to coast and it’s going to feel more like a true national series. As far as the series starting in BC? It’s going to be great to drop the gate in Kamloops next weekend. I love that track and I think it’s going to be great for the opening round.

As I mentioned, you’re the defending 250 champion so all eyes are going to be on you next weekend. Do you feel any added pressure going into Round 1 this summer compared to last summer?

Yes, the situation feels a little different for sure. Everyone is going to be gunning for me and obviously the expectations are higher this year. My plan though is the same as it was last year, I’m just going out to win motos and try and take the red plate from round to round. It’s all about the red plate, once you get it you don’t want to give it back.

Well, it sounds as though you’re in a good spot both physically and mentally Jacob. Next weekend is coming fast and it’s going to be fun to watch you defend your 250 title from last year. Thank you for doing this and good luck this summer.

Thank you Palms and thanks for calling. It’s been a long off-season and I can’t wait to get things started.