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One of the biggest names in the Supercoss/ Motocross world is USA’s Jake Weimer. With a stack of wins and a championship under his belt there is no doubt Weimer will be one of the heavy hitters come Supercross Africa.
We caught up with the number 12 to chat about his visit to SA and his expectations come Saturday night.
If you haven’t, book your seat now for Supercross Africa and don’t miss the action. Tickets available here.
Full name: Jake Weimer
Nickname: I don’t really have one. “Weims” would probably be the most common but nothing super solid.
Age: 26
Hometown: Murrieta, California, USA
Years racing: Professionally 9 years
Machine of Choice: Kawasaki
Sponsors: Pro Circuit, Monster Energy
Give us some background into how you started racing dirt bikes as a pro?
Started as a little kid just for fun. My dad raced when ye was my age. Naturally I got into it and it took off, I started racing and doing pretty good. It just evolved and kept going , I turned professional and got my first ride when I was 17. Spent 5 years in the Lites (250) class, won a Supercross title in my last year and then got on 450, and been with Kawasaki for 6 years.
What goes through your mind when you think about the realization of racing Supercross in South Africa?
It’s exciting. I’ve done some Supercross races in Europe and a couple of places. I’ve never been to South Africa for a Supercross race but I have done some one offs and different types of Supercross races. It’s fun to be here and a good chance to race, and an experience. Obviously when we get there, there will be the nerves, that never goes away.
What is your impression of South Africa so far?
I like it. From what I understand, Cape Town you can’t really go wrong, so that was where we went first and we had a lot of fun there hanging out on the beach, Table Mountain, restaurants on the water, we’re kinda spoiled right now. Now in Johannesburg we’re gonna do a safari and we’ve got a couple things planned. It’s been fun though.
How much does preparing for a race like this, against riders you’ve never raced with before, in a country you’ve never raced in before, change things up?
It doesn’t really. I mean it’s a little bit different coming here in the sense that we arrived here Thursday night and we didn’t ride until yesterday. Usually in 4 or 5 days we would have ridden once or twice. AS far as competition and all that, it’s another race and the game plan is always the same. We’ll do practice, try learn the track, make sure our bikes are good and when the gate drops it’s time to go.
What does your weekly training schedule consist of?
I do a bit of everything – running, cycling, mountain biking, gym. I don’t have one certain thing that I do, It’s kinda a mix of everything. I depends where I’m at in the season as well, when we start Supercross in January we’ve got 15 weekends in a row and you have to be careful not to get too out of control and burn yourself down. In the off season we train harder than during season.
What are your goals coming into this race?
The first thing would to just be safe, we don’t want to get hurt being half way across the world but when we get on the line, we’re all going to want to win.
What goes through your mind when you are on your dirt bike?
Depends how it’s going. If it’s going bad I can’t tell you cause it’s not good, and then if it’s going good, not much cause you’re doing it and everything is working.
In your opinion, who has the best riding style in the world?
It’s tough. Not many people would argue with Josh Hansen and Darryn Durham who’s here this weekend. Style, technique, flow and smooth, they’re both up there.
What’s the difference between being a rider and a racer?
That’s a broad question. I guess anyone that’s a racer knows the difference, it’s competitive. There’s nothing wrong with either one. I like motorcycles and I happen to race so I guess either one is fine. Just competitiveness.
Where would you like to see your racing career go?
I would definitely like to win more races, that’s always the goal. The last couple of years I’ve been hurt a lot, I need to stop doing that and stay healthy, get the wheels back rolling and win races.
Any words for the fans that will be there supporting?
Come by, say hi and don’t be shy. We’re glad to be here, it’s fun and exciting, so come chat.
