Exclusive: Jason Anderson Interview

Jason Anderson’s rise to the top has begun. In 2014, he claimed the Western Regional 250SX title aboard a KTM, before claiming third Overall at the Monster Energy Cup aboard a 450cc Husqvarna, marking Husky’s official re-debut in the US. Anderson then claimed second Overall at Anaheim 1, the opening round of the 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, before going on to finish seventh in the series. Last weekend at the Hangtown Classic, the opening round of the 2015 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Anderson found himself on the podium once more, behind GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac and Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey. It’s only a matter of time before the rookie claims his first 450 win. Transmoto’s Kurt Teague sat down with the 22-year-old ahead of the Glen Helen National to get a feel for when that all-important victory may occur.

Kurt: Jason, talk me through your 2015 season so far.
Jason: This year’s been an up and down one for me. Supercross started off really well, getting a podium finish at Anaheim 1. As the season went on, a few things happened here and there which made things hard, and towards the end I was able to get another podium, although I feel as though I should have gotten a lot more. Considering I’m a rookie, though, I have to be happy. I showed that I had good speed, so I just need to continue to build from here on in.

Getting on the podium at Hangtown must have been a nice way to kick off the outdoor season, then.
Yeah, to get on the podium at the opener was awesome. I want to try and be consistent and get solid results throughout the whole season, so that was definitely a nice way to start things off.

Do you consider yourself a better supercross rider, or motocross rider? Your results would say supercross. 
You know, I don’t really believe in labels when it comes to riding bikes. I feel as though I’m good at both supercross and motocross, there have just been little issues that have hindered my results from showing that, in the way of outdoors. People like to label me as a supercross rider because I won that 250SX Western Regional title in 2014. I think I could have been a contender in motocross last year, but I just had a few things to deal with that made it hard.

So you just need everything to fall into place, hey. 
Yeah, that’s it. I need to be healthy and I need a little bit of luck on my side. I’m healthy right now, so I really hope I can have a proper run at this year’s motocross championship. Guys like Eli Tomac and Ryan Dungey are obviously fast though, so I have my work cut out for me.

And how does it feel to be pioneering Husqvarna’s return to racing in the USA?
It’s awesome, man. It makes me feel really confident, knowing that the people behind the brand trust me enough to lead the way as they return to racing in America. I’d be so stoked to win a championship for them.

Thanks for your time, mate.
Cheers, see you at Glen Helen.