MIA with...Jessy Nelson
Author: Kaelyn Sheedy	MIA-Missing In Action | Tuesday, 16 December 2008 11:00

Photos: Brent Stallo/Kaelyn Sheedy

Jessy Nelson made a huge comeback in 2008; he returned from a year hiatus and pretty much put it to the 85 12-13 class at every single national.  There were certainly a few bumps in the road for Jessy, ie Loretta's, and then the huge rumor he, too, had lost his American Honda ride when they dropped most of their program.  Luckily, Red Bull and Honda stepped up to the plate and Jessy was able to stay red, exactly where he wanted to be.  At the ripe young age of 14, he has moved to the big bikes full time now, but he was MIA at Mini O's.  We wanted to get the scoop.

How does it feel to be in the highly competitive B class at such a young age?
It feels great to be a baby in the B class against guys that are 18...just awesome! (laughs) Bottom line, I'm just going to go out there and ride and not worry about anyone else but myself.

For such an impressive run this 07-08 season, your Loretta's results brought a sour end to the year. Winning championships left and right is something you're used to. Now that you're the underdog how are you going to step up your game in 09'?
Ya, Loretta's didn't end how I wanted it to end but...I plan on stepping my game up, for sure. I have been training hard and putting in the time on my bike. I feel I'm ready for the big bikes 110 %.

Shortly after Loretta's Honda dropped it's program and there was a time where people thought you were going to Xtreme, Suzuki, I mean, it was a huge deal. Elaborate on this time in your career.
That was a huge deal and a big step in my career. I do have a lot of great people behind me that came through and kept me where I wanted to be. Most rumors going around at the time probably weren't true. People just like to talk.

Tell us about U.S. Open.
Oh yea, that race...It didn’t go according to plan in my eyes, kind of like LL's. I had a lot of bad luck. In the timed practices I was the fastest and in the races, I just didn’t put it together. I came back Saturday night and got the job done though.

You've been with Honda for how long now?
Three years now and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon. I really like the bikes.

How is the transition onto big bikes going for you?
It has been going really good. I've been on the bike for about a month or so, it's way easier to ride than an 80. I was getting so big on my 80.

Seeing as your contract for next year was finalized, why didn't we see you at Mini O's?
At the time I had only been on the bike for a short period of time and I also didn’t have any bikes built for racing yet.

Most of your competition is not only older than you, but more experienced on big bikes. What is your mentality going into such a situation? I'm not totally sure yet when Whitney rolls around I just have to be ready. I will prepare myself the best I can with the help from my trainer, Shannon Niday, and my parents.

We talked a few days ago about your first race on big bikes. Tell us how that was. It went really well, I won all my classes at Zaca Station and stayed smooth.

Were you stoked about how well you rode and felt? Yes, I felt totally stoked Ms. Sheedy. (laughs) I feel good on the 250f, I think I ride it really well. I'm trying to limit the mistakes and go for the W. (laughs)

Thats not very funny (laughs) Haha I thought it was.

What are your plans for 2009? I plan on going to all the nationals and leaving with good finishes. Most importantly, I need to stay healthy and fit.

Granted you make it out for Whitney, where do you see yourself finishing? Good question, I won't know untill I cross that finish line.

What is the most important thing you hope to gain from next year? I want to show people that I can throw down on a big bike and walk away with some titles...

Lastly, you will be one of the few riders on the line next year with a factory deal. Will that play to your advantage? Luckily, things have worked out for me, but I don’t think it will be an advantage at all. Everyone will be riding well, no matter if they have a ride or not.

Thanks Jessy, we'll see you at Whitney and don't forget to thank all your sponsors. Red Bull, Honda, MDK, FMF, Dano at DVS , Alpinestars, Pro Taper, Twin Air, Cytomax, Works Connection, Thor, Braking, Dunlop, Spy Optics, Maxima racing oils , CTI2 , Decal Works and my Mom and Dad for everything they do for me. Thanks a lot.