FMX Insider No.7: Jarryd McNeil

Welcome to our brand new weekly web-exclusive column, Transmoto‘s FMX Insider. Penned each week by South Australian rider, Ben Heidrich, the FMX Insider will present the story-behind-the-stories of the Aussie and international freestyle motocross scenes. 

Every young rider’s dream is to one day make it big in the sport and ride for a living. For 23-year-old Australian rider, Jarryd McNeil, with years of hard work, he made that dream a reality. From competing at X Games in America to touring the world riding for Nitro Circus Live; you could say this guy is living the freestyle MX dream!

Most people know of McNeil from his outrageous whip style, turning the bike upside down or back around in the opposite direction. Having such an incredible style on the bike has scored him spots at X Games’ Best Whip contest and other major events for the past four years. Along with his world-renowned whip style, he also has a large bag of stylish upright tricks and Flip combos.

McNeil grew up riding at his family’s dairy farm in Kerang, Australia, where his father brought him his first bike at two-and-a-half. He started racing from the age of nine and won multiple Australian championships. McNeil has made a name for himself and has done well in the racing industry so far. “After meeting Cam Sinclair and Blake Williams, my career took a different path,” said McNeil.

^ Image: Chris Kimball

Influenced by the two professional freestyle motocross riders, he then started riding FMX demonstrations at the age of 16. While racing the Super X, he would also ride the FMX demos to pay for his racing fees. “When I realised I was making more money riding FMX than racing, I quit racing professionally,” explained McNeil.

He then started riding shows for Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus Live.

In 2010, McNeil made his way to America to compete in X Games Best Whip. “I was overwhelmed… I couldn’t believe I had made it to the US and had a chance to compete in such a big event,” said McNeil. “I was so shocked when I actually got Silver, especially since no one in the US knew who I was then.”

^ Image: Matt Collins

He competed in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and medaled each year. “This year I’m basing myself out of the US full-time,” McNeil continued. “There is a lot more riding here and you get more exposure.”

McNeill has won a first place medal at Red Bull X-Ray in Australia for Speed and Style, along with a third place for Freestyle in 2009. He also scored a Gold medal for Best Whip at the Dew Tour in 2010, and a Bronze at the Monster Energy Cup in 2013.

At the start of this year, McNeil and the Nitro Circus Live crew did their first-ever North American tour in January. They then went to South Africa for the first time. Since then, McNeil has been training at Wyvern Ranch and has also been working on a few films, including one with Racer X Online.

^ Image: Kimberly Williams

This weekend, the Nitro Circus Live Oz Capital City tour starts, then it’s straight to X Games after the tour for McNeil. Jarryd said that he is currently an alternate for Best Whip, and once that’s over he will be training extensively and hopes to get an invite to contest the Monster Cup Biggest Whip event again. He also has some more Nitro Circus Live shows on at the end of the year, so make sure you keep an eye out for Jarryd McNeil and his jaw-dropping riding style!

Jarryd would like to thank his sponsors: Alpinestars, Freegun Underwear, Rockwell Watches, Fist Handwear, 100% Goggles, DVS Shoes, Kali Protectives, Motul, Dunlop, FMF, Canberra Motorcycle Centre, DT1 Filters, Split Designs, 1 Law, Choice Suspension (AUS), MB1 Suspension (USA), Wyvern Ranch, Rad MFG, Torc 1, Renthal and The Factory Metal Works.