Interview: Jacob Saylor reflects on racing the World Championship – “The level at the top was unbelievable”

Jacob Saylor stands out as one of the few American motocross riders to commit full-time to racing in the MXGP World Championship in Europe. After a solid professional career in the United States, including competing in some of the toughest amateur eras alongside names like Mike Alessi, Saylor embraced the challenge of racing overseas. His move was driven by a desire for new opportunities and the chance to experience the world while pursuing his passion. With support from sponsors and connections through international events, he transitioned gradually into the MX1 class, joining Sturm Racing and immersing himself in the highly professional GP paddock. The step up to MXGP proved to be a significant challenge, with Saylor highlighting the extraordinary level of competition and the demanding nature of European tracks. Unlike many American circuits, the GP venues such as Lommel and Valkenswaard feature deep sand and rough terrain that require a different skill set and physical endurance. Saylor recalled his initial struggles, including being significantly off the pace in qualifying and the steep learning curve adapting to these conditions. Despite a difficult season, he marked key milestones by qualifying for motos in Bulgaria and scoring points in the final round at Faenza, underscoring his perseverance and growth. Saylor emphasised the technical prowess and race intelligence of top GP riders, attributing their success to training on varied and often harsh track conditions without the benefit of groomed practice facilities. This environment fostered adaptability and a high degree of skill, which influenced Saylor’s own riding style. He learned to carry more momentum, ride taller gears, and improve cornering speed, adopting a more aggressive and fluid approach. Beyond the bike, Saylor found the lifestyle in Europe rewarding, enjoying the cultural experience and support from his team, which helped ease the challenges of living abroad and constant travel. Reflecting on his career, Saylor regards his decision to race in Europe as the pinnacle of his motocross journey, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by his family and the opportunities he received. He advocates for more young American riders to follow a similar path, believing that exposure to GP racing would enhance their skills and maturity. Saylor pointed out that while Supercross remains highly valued in the US, competing in the World Championship offers a unique and invaluable development experience that could benefit the next generation of American motocross talent.