Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
ROYAL DISTRIBUTING, Canada’s Powersports Leader & MARIN BIKES, both proud supporters of Canadian Motocross are pleased to bring you another edition of 20 FAST QUESTIONS!
This Week We Feature … Jess Pettis
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ROYAL DISTRIBUTING & MARIN BIKES are hoping this new feature of “20 FAST QUESTIONS” will help us all get to know more about the top MX STARS who are now preparing to do battle for the first gate drop of the 2016 EDITION of CMRC’s ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK MOTOCROSS NATIONALS.
Jess Pettis will be a member of the MX101 FXR Racing Yamaha Team in 2016.
MXP: What is your hometown Jess?
JP: Prince George, BC.
What is something that is unique about your hometown?
I’m able to go snowmobiling in the nicest mountains in the country during the winter and then race motocross in the summer time.
How old were you when you first fell in love with dirt bikes?
I think I was about 5-years-old when I got a Honda 50 for my birthday.
.When was your first race and do you recall the result?
It was a local race in Quesnel, BC. I was 7-years-old and I was riding a KTM 50. I believe I finished third overall.
What was your favourite track growing up?
I really liked the old layout of the Kamloops track, also Terrace, BC has a wicked track
What do you personally do to mix up your training regime to make it less of a grind?
I try to do other fitness activities like mountain biking, road biking and racquetball. I always try to keep it fun and entertaining.
What’s the best advice you could give to any amateur wanting to turn pro?
Work hard for your dream because anything is possible, but try to keep it fun along the way.
Do you have any personal pre-race rituals that help you relax and focus?
Nope, I just get ready to race.
What’s your favourite sport besides Motocross, and do you get the opportunity to partake in it?
I enjoy snowmobiling in the winter, jet skiing, hunting, and mountain biking, but those
definitely get pushed aside as my main focus is towards motocross.
What year did you turn pro?
It was in 2014.
Jess had a great season in 2015 and is looking to build on that success this summer. Photo by James Lissimore
What surprised you the most about pro racing?
Just how everything ran so much different on national days, and being consistent for ten rounds of intense racing.
What have you had to work on the most since turning pro?
I had a pretty bad injury streak, which is part of the game, but I’ve really had to work on being consistent, but that’s much easier said than done.
What is your best result so far in the pro class?
I had a 5th place overall at Nanaimo in the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, and I also won an Open Pro main event in arenacross.
What do you think you do really well on a dirt bike?
My starts have always been pretty good, I also feel my corner speed is fairly good, which are two major keys.
What is your favourite Canadian National track?
I always enjoyed racing at Walton, but with the tracks that will be on the schedule in 2016, I’d say Calgary, for sure.
Jess says that the track in Calgary is one of his favourite on the National circuit. Photo by James Lissimore
What training tool could you not live without?
Definitely my heart rate monitor.
Who is your biggest rival?
It seems to change every year as different riders race the MX2 class. I guess every other rider on the track is a rival.
What is your favourite music?
I really like Taylor Swift (haha), I’m just kidding. These days I listen mostly to rap music.
Do you have a favourite city you like to visit?
Quebec City is pretty cool, and Edmonton is always fun with the West Edmonton Mall.
Let’s fast forward 20 years Jess, how would you like to be remembered in this sport?
Hopefully as a national champ, but also to be remembered as a good, hard working rider that helped out younger riders and someone that got along with everyone.
