Titans have all sorts of different interests outside of the clubs and sports offered at the school. For senior Jacob Stallsmith, he spends his time fueling his need for speed and throwing dirt into the air. He has been around dirt bike racing his whole life because his father, Greg Stallsmith, used to race as well. Jacob, following in his dad’s footsteps, enjoys the excitement of motocross racing.
“[It’s] A dream career definitely, but [I’m] not quite to the level to go anywhere right now,” Jacob said. “I plan to do it in the future.”
Jacob Stallsmith first started riding a dirt bike three years ago, but began taking it seriously two years ago by competing in motocross races.
“We were very happy and excited when he told us he wanted to pursue his dream,” Jacob Stallsmith’s mom, Katy Stallsmith, said. “It is a great way to learn valuable skills while having a fun time.”
When he is not competing in a race, Jacob goes to the track to practice all the things he needs to work on, things learned from past races, so can use them in the future.
“I go to a motocross track in Owensville and Boonville for practice,” Jacob said. “I work on the position of my body and just learn how to take routes faster.”
On race days, Jacob makes sure he knows everything about the race before it even starts; he runs himself through all the checks before the gates drop, and after that, it is go time.
“I think about what position I need to be in and what gear I need to be in before the gates drop,” Jacob said. “I think which line I need to take, what will be the fastest route and after that, my mind goes to winning.”
This past summer, Jacob raced in the Gibson County Fair motocross race. When he showed up, he knew it was going to be his day to win it.
“I was riding my best that day,” he said. “I went out for heat one, and after that heat, I knew I had a chance, so I kept going and ended up winning it all.”
Motocross sports are a time commitment and require a substantial amount of money. Jacob’s family knows everything that goes into and are willing to help him continue his hobby.
“It certainly is a big commitment,” Kathy said. “The benefits do far outweigh the cost though.”
Jacob always brings his friend, sophomore Parker Clevy, to help him out with the bike and prepare for the races. Clevy makes sure he is there for Jacob and to give him motivation before riding.
“We became friends, and he asked me to watch him ride one day, and I was interested in racing,” Clevy said. “I help his dad set up where we are going to put the bike, sometimes I will walk up to the gate with him to give him some motivational words.”
For those who want to start motocross racing or just want to buy a bike, Jacob has a few words of wisdom.
“Have a good mentality, don’t give up [and] keep going, even if something goes wrong,” Jacob said. “For future riders, people might look at you weird because you start off slow, but keep your head down and keep learning.”
