Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
As we all witnessed last weekend in Oakland, BC rider Jess Pettis not only competed in his first ever Monster Energy Supercross event, but he managed to make headlines all over the SX world. It all started during the day in timed qualifying when Pettis posted a very fast time during his session. After this session he was interviewed on the Supercross Live online show when he was asked about what it was like to be racing in his first ever SX. From there, things got even more interesting when Pettis shocked everyone and holeshotted his 250SX West heat race in front of the series’ top riders. Pettis would remain in a qualifying spot for a short time before making a few mistakes and dropping back. In the end, Pettis would not have a fairy tale end to his day because he failed to make the main event. However, with those experiences in mind, Pettis is hoping for a solid week of practice and then another great race this weekend in San Diego. We caught up with Jess Pettis for this week’s Atlas Brace MXP Chatter.
MXP: After your big weekend in Oakland, what are you up to this week as you prepare for San Diego?
JP: I’m back into my normal training routine – riding, mountain biking and cycling, and making sure I’m ready for the weekend. Obviously with Oakland being my first ever SX there was a lot to think about and process. Now that I have the first one under my belt, I think I’ll be much more relaxed this weekend and I’ll be able to ride better.
Coming off a great summer in 2017, MX101 FXR Racing Yamaha rider Jess Pettis was excited to take on the best SX riders in the world last weekend in Oakland.
MXP: Heading into Oakland, you must have been a little nervous, but right from the start of practice you looked really confident.
JP: I actually had a great vibe in my pit and I wasn’t really feeling that much pressure. I was calm and just stoked to be there racing a Monster Energy Supercross. We got into town a day early and did a little sightseeing, so I think that really helped to keep me relaxed. In the end, it ended up feeling like just another day at the track.
MXP: What were your thoughts on the Oakland track?
The Oakland track was the gnarliest, craziest track I have ever ridden. With ruts on every single obstacle, it made it difficult for sure. During practice it wasn’t too bad as you could pick and choose the lines you wanted. But, once the gate dropped for my heat race it was a different story all together. Having to race and battle and still try to stay smooth in the ruts was really tough. That was probably the hardest part of the entire day, for sure.
After a great showing last weekend in Oakland, Pettis hopes to go one step further and make the 250SX West main event in San Diego. Photo by Frank Hoppen
MXP: Take us through that heat race holeshot. Were you able to keep your breathing under control or were things just happening really fast?
JP: Yes, obviously I got a great start and the intensity was very high. Being up front and battling for the lead is where we all want to be. I’m not going to lie though, things were definitely happening very fast and it was tough to process everything. But you know, I’d rather be at the front of the pack then battling for 15th, because either way the racing is very busy. Now I have an idea of what the speed and intensity is like up front so I can build on it and I’ll know what to expect this weekend.
MXP: What will you have to do this weekend in San Diego to go one step further and perhaps make it to the main event?
JP: I think if I can minimize those small mistakes and clean up my riding a bit then I will have a good night in San Diego. Like last weekend, I’ll have to qualify well and get another good start in my heat race. If I can once again put myself in a position to do well, then hopefully I won’t make any mistakes and make it into the main event. Regardless of what happens, these experiences are incredible and I feel like I’ll be really prepared for the opening round of the 2018 Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Series in two weeks.
