Very few of us know what it’s like to sit on the starting line at Anaheim 1 waiting for the main event to begin. The nerves, the excitement, and maybe throw in a little bit of fear as the riders don’t know what will unfold in the next 20 minutes. Last year, Jess Pettis was one of those riders in the 250SX West class who each weekend proved capable of finishing inside the Top 10. We all watched him, we all cheered for him, and I’m quite sure we all figured that with a year under his belt in SX that 2020 was going to be even better. Unfortunately, Pettis injured his knee this past September at the Montreal SX, and after undergoing surgery to repair it, he won’t be back on a bike until early spring. To get his thoughts on both his rehab as well as what it’s really like to line up at A1, we caught with Pettis yesterday as he was driving home from the gym.
MXP: Hey Jess, how are things?
JP: Things are good, right now I’m just driving home from the gym so you caught me at a good time.
How has the weather been in Prince George? Is it full-on winter right now?
Oh yeah! We have quite a bit of snow and this weekend it’s supposed to get really cold. I’m definitely in need of some warmer weather.
You should head south or something to get a break from the cold?
You’re right! I’ve actually been looking at taking a vacation to Mexico soon. With being away from racing I think it’s a good time to get away and just relax, not to mention that I need to get some sun and some beach time. We’ll see what happens here in the next few weeks.
You definitely should. Find a resort that has a good gym and you can do your rehab and training in the morning and then hit the pool or the beach in the afternoon. So you sound pretty upbeat right now, I’m assuming that your knee is coming along nicely.
Yes, the knee is doing great. It feels really strong right now as I’m just over two months from when I had surgery. I’ve been going to the gym everyday and now I’m up to the point where I can ride the spin bike as much as I want as well as use the rower. All of the linear exercises are great, I just still have to limit the lateral stuff.
Jess Pettis is looking forward to getting back to the races and teaming up with his mechanic Matt Deroy. Photo by James Lissimore
Not to dwell on the weather that you have out there but is it also difficult to walk around on snow and ice with your knee? Do you wear a brace?
I don’t wear a brace when I’m just walking outside. But, yeah it’s sometimes a little tricky. Last week I walked out of the gym and slipped a little on the ice, I was worried for a second that I’d hurt my knee again. However, it was all okay.
All the more reason to get to a warmer climate asap! So you’re two months from surgery and everything is good. Did the doctors give you a timeframe for when you might be back on the bike?
I’ve spoken to a few doctors as well as some riders who have been through this type of injury and most tell me that it ends up being about 4-5 month recovery process before you’re able to ride again. As I said, right now I can cycle and walk around like a normal person, but my knee isn’t stable as it takes a certain amount of time for the ACL graph to fully heal. So that puts me back on the bike sometime in March hopefully.
Well, I guess there is no rush as you’re still young and you want it to heal properly.
Exactly, other than wanting to ride asap there is no rush in getting back. I feel like my best days are in front of me so right now it’s important to come back strong.
Pettis cannot wait to get back on the track and hopefully back to supercross in 2021. Photo by James Lissimore
It’s good to hear that your knee is doing well and that things are good.
Yeah thanks! It’s been tough mentally for sure, I will say that. Especially now that the SX Series has begun. To know where I was a year ago and where I am right now has definitely been a challenge. I know this sport is tough and things like this happen, but it’s taken some effort to remain positive.
You’re right, this time of year, regardless of whether you’re injured or just sitting at home, is always tough on riders. You guys are racers and if there’s a series going on, you want to be in it, especially with how well you did in SX last year. Tell me, what was it like to sit on the starting line last year at A1 with the 250 class being the first main event of the night. You guys are riders who are kicking off the new season.
It was pretty amazing, for sure! Every rider wants to be on the starting line at A1, getting ready to race the main event. That is what we all dream about and for me to be there last year was definitely my dream coming true.
What was going through your mind as you were sitting there waiting for the gate to drop?
Honestly, I’ve never felt more relaxed for a big race in the my life. I was just calm and motivated to go out and do well.
That’s amazing to hear as I’m sure most of us assume that in that position you’d be nervous as hell. Looking back now, do you know why you felt so calm?
I think it was just because I felt like I really belonged there. That day I had a good qualifying session and a great heat race, my bike was good, I liked the track, there were a few things that all came together and because of that I felt great.
Pettis said that last year he felt very relaxed while sitting on the starting line at Anaheim 1. Photo by James Lissimore
You had a great result at the opening round, and then from there you kept getting better and better. For those first five or six rounds you had the entire country of Canada cheering for you.
Thanks! I definitely felt the support each week from everyone back home. I really hope I can have a good summer and then get back to A1 in 2021 with the same support or even a little more.
I think the results you had were solid enough to make people want to give you another chance next year. As we spoke about earlier, everyone gets injured in this sport and it’s just another hurdle to get over. You have age, talent, and a great team on your side so I’m sure I speak for all of your fans when I say that we cannot wait to see you back racing.
Thanks Palms! These past few months have been tough but I’m looking forward to 2020, for sure. I just bought a house so I have to get back and earn some money. (laughs)
Oh wow, a homeowner! Well, congratulations on that big purchase and good luck in the rest of your recovery.
Thank-you! Also, I appreciate the call, it was definitely well timed. I always enjoy our chats, and happy new year.