SEA Lake teenager Jack Stacey lives and breathes motorbikes.
He got his first taste of motocross watching his sister and cousin zip around his backyard on a PeeWee 50.
By the time he was 10, Jack had taken part in his first coaching clinic, and two years later was lining up for his first competitive race.
“It’s the kind of feeling you can’t really explain,” Jack said.
“You feel so free when you’re riding and it’s something I really enjoy.”
While Horsham is his home club, he is also a member of Swan Hill and Mildura clubs, and spends endless hours on the road competing, while juggling his motorcycling and footy commitments each weekend.
“We’re never home,” Jack said.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic he would arrive at the footy ground with his motorbike in tow, ready to hit the road once again after the final siren.
This year, things have settled down a little bit and while there’s just as much travel involved, his focus has been on the northern region where most competitions are held on Sundays.
While it’s a huge commitment for the Year 10 student and his family, his dedication has paid off, and he is a podium contender in the Northern Region MX series due to wrap up in October.
Last year the teenager won the Western Region 250 A Grade outright after having to choose between contesting the championship or playing in his footy grand final.
“It paid off and was awesome,” Jack said.
Having turned 16 last week, this year marks his last year of junior competition, but he’s up for the challenge.
While motocross is his passion, recent competitions have seen him compete in back-to-back enduro events.
He placed second in his age group at the inaugural Nandaly Enduro held on the King’s Birthday long weekend and placed seventh overall at last weekend’s Trinita Enduro.
“I only compete in enduro events if they are local,” Jack said.
“It’s always tough, riding a motocross bike and competing against enduro bikes – they are completely different bikes.”
Looking forward to the future, Jack remained focussed and hoped to achieve continued success on the motocross circuit.
“There’s no ultimate goal,” he said.
“I just want to keep riding and having fun.”
