MXP Chatter with Jess Pettis

When you talk about this countries list of fast young pro riders, one of the first names that comes up in Jess Pettis of beautiful Prince George, BC. Since day one Pettis has been riding a Kawasaki, a brand that he’s enjoyed a lot of success on. However, in recent years the one part of Pettis’ strong game that has been missing is his ability to remain healthy for long stretches of time. Heading into 2015 Pettis is fit, confident, healthy and for the first time in his career he will now be riding a Yamaha. We caught up with Jess as he took a moment from his 2015 preparations to speak with us about this new and exciting venture.

MXP: Hey Jess, how are things in Prince George tonight?

JP: Hey Palms, things are pretty good. I just finished working out in my basement so this was the perfect time to call.

Do you have a lot of snow out there?

Not really, we usually get a lot during our winters but for some reason it’s been mild lately. I wish it was warm enough to go riding, but it’s still winter.

So Yamaha this year? When did this happen, I was pretty surprised when I saw your Instagram photo.

Well, it definitely came together at the last minute that’s for sure. I just thought with everything that’s happened the last few seasons a change might do me some good.

You know it’s funny because I was just talking about you last week with someone. We were talking about what you might be doing for 2015, I guess now we know?

(laughs) Yes now you know. Like I said, it was just time for a change. I really enjoyed my time under the Leading Edge Kawasaki tent and they definitely treated me and my family great. Nothing happened to end my time there, they were great to me, the bikes were great, I just wanted to try something different.

Well, the new Yamaha bikes are really great, you must be excited to throw your leg over one?

Oh yes, I’m counting the days until I head down to California. I graduate High School soon so in a few weeks I’m officially a graduate and now I can focus all of my efforts on racing.

Well, congratulations Jess! I feel graduating High School is so important for everyone, even for the most talented athletes. So is the plan to contest the entire 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals?

Yes, we’re going to do all ten rounds in the MX2 class with the help of Yamaha Motor Canada, Prince George Yamaha and a few other very valuable sponsors. My family and I are going coast to coast in our motor home and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

That does sound exciting, families like yours are what makes this sport go around. It’s going to be cool to see the Pettis family at all of the rounds this summer. Will you be heading to California to train soon?

Yes for sure, in a few weeks I’ll be heading down to California to train with Brett Metcalfe again. He really helped me out last year and I’m sure he’ll be able to do it again. His resume obviously speaks for itself so I’m very lucky to be able to ride and train with him. Also, it will be great having him back in Canada this summer, I think he’s going to be even better than he was in 2013.

I would agree with those thoughts Jess, it’s definitely going to be a great battle this summer for the MX1 title as well as the MX2 title. I think the new Yamaha’s look awesome, I know you can’t ride but have you been just sitting there staring at your new bike?

I have actually, it’s a great looking bike. I’ve honestly always wanted to ride one and now with the changes they made last year with things fuel injection, I think they’re one of the best bikes out there. Like I said, I can’t wait to begin riding it.

Well Jess, thanks for doing this. Congratulations of the new ride and also on graduating from High School. Best of luck this coming season.

Thanks Palms and thanks for calling. I guess I’ll be seeing you at Kamloops.