HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – After thirteen seasons of riding at the professional level, former 250SX Western Regional champion Jake Weimer has officially announced his retirement.
Weimer, who rode this season for Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda but was injured for much of the campaign, made the revelation on his Instagram page in a heartfelt video and statement.
“They say all good things come to an end,” Weimer said. “I’m so thankful for the career I had. I accomplished some things that I had never thought of and had a long career (13 years). One thing I’m very proud of is that no matter the result, I always worked hard and gave it my all. I was able to travel the world racing and meet so many great people and life-long friends.
“I want to thank everyone that ever gave me an opportunity and believed in me. I thought long and hard about when it was time to hang up the boots and the simple answer is (that) one day I just knew,” noted Weimer. “I’m excited for the future and what’s next in my life. I have some fun opportunities that are coming in the near future that will allow me to still be involved with motorcycles. I will still be around and go to some races and I will continue to ride. My love for motorcycles and the sport has not changed.”
Now 30, Weimer turned pro in 2006, shortly after his 19th birthday. The Idaho native was originally a Suzuki prospect, but when he reached the professional level he was tabbed by GEICO Honda to ride one of their bikes at the start of his top-level career.
Weimer later moved over to Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki, finding his greatest moments during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He won the 250 Nationals in 2009, earning a spot on Team USA in the Motocross of Nations as a result, and then went on to claim the 250SX West championship the next year for Kawasaki.
Though injury-plagued during much of his tenure at the 450SX Class level, Weimer still finished fifth in the 450 Supercross standings in 2012 and added a third-place finish in 450 Motocross points that same season, his best results in both disciplines.
Weimer had a couple of injuries in short succession at the end of 2017 and the start of 2018, something he noted did play somewhat of a factor in his choice to walk away now.
“The past year, I think, was the majority behind the decision. When I got hurt last September, that one definitely took a toll on me and was tough to come back from,” admitted Weimer. “And then I immediately again got injured, which — that one wasn’t a big deal, but it was just another setback. I guess, ultimately, I felt like it was time.
“I had the option to go race again for 2019, and originally I figured I would, but I took a couple months off. … At that point, it was more clear to me that it was time.”
Weimer has no regrets in his decision, however.
“This wasn’t an easy decision and it’s been a long time to make sure I’m making the right call, but I’m happy to announce that I’m retired from professional racing,” Weimer smiled. “I’m happy where I’m at. I’ve got a family, I can walk away healthy and look back knowing that I accomplished more than I thought I would.
“It feels good; it really does.”
