Final Lap Magazine

For this weeks 2 Minute Drill we hooked up with local up and comer Jessie Huntley. We've watched his older brother Casey come through the ranks over the years, now its his turn to shine.

Meet Jessie Huntley!

What’s up Jessie, give me the basics?

I’m 15 years old, I’m from Nuevo, California. I have been racing since I was 6 years old. But I had to stop because my dad had cancer and my brother got hurt. I started back up when I was 11.

With having an older brother racing, how has that helped you?

Yeah, my brother Casey use to race. Unfortunately he had an arm problem and is unable to race anymore. Which is a bummer, but he helps me out a lot, and I’m thankful to have him on my side.

Photo by: The Huntley's

Tell me a little bit about the 2009 season and your thoughts going into 2010.

‘09 was ok. It was actually my first full season on the big bikes. I did all right in the Novice and Schoolboy classes at the nationals. And I won a lot of local stuff. For 2010 I’m looking to learn a lot of stuff in the Intermediate class where I will be riding the 250 and 450 and getting my name out there.

Photo by: Casey Davis

For 2010 we’ve seen you at the Gold Cup Series, tell me how that’s been going for you.

Unfortunately I missed the first round. The week before I started getting sick and I went up there for practice on Saturday and started felling really bad. Then, I woke up Sunday morning and felt worse, so I decided not to race.

The 2nd round went ok. I had a couple problems on my 250F in the Schoolboy and Intermediate class. But I won both motos in the 450 Intermediate class.

What happened in your 250 motos?

In the first moto I was in about 5th and Blake Savage fell in front of me and I had no where to go. I just couldn’t get a start, and Perris is pretty hard to pass on.

Dillan Epstein has been on fire in your classes lately, is there a rival thing going there?

Oh there’s no rival at all. He’s a really good rider, and he’s like the dominant one in the class right now. I just need to somehow cling on to him and run his speed. I was the bridesmaid to him at every class for the Triple Crown Series, so that kind of fires me up!

Photo by Matt Dawson

What are your plans for 2010?

This is a learning year, as I will be racing a lot of local races and getting my feet wet. I will be going to the nationals this year looking to be that top 5 guy, cause I know I’m capable of doing that.

What’s going to take you to get to that next level?

I need to keep working hard with my brother. He has been working with me so much. I need to work on my speed, everyone is so close and so fast. It’s hard to separate guys.

What kind of training do you do during the week?

It varies throughout the week, it all depends if my brother has to work or go to school. When he’s here, we usually go to the gym to cycle and run. But if he’s not here, I just usually work out here by myself.

So who has been helping you out?

The support I have been getting is awesome! From Jamie and Dave at Callaway Motorsports, to Aki at Nova Racing, Allan Brown at Brown Motorsports. Kyle Smith at One Industries, Dubach Racing, 661, my family, My Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Brother, and all my friends.

Photo by: Casey Davis - Late 2009

Any last words?

Yeah, I would like to dedicate all my races to my uncle who passed away back in 2008. From here on out it’s all dedicated to him.

Thanks Bill for the interview, and hopefully I’m gonna’ go out there and get my name out there this year.