Privateer Profile: Jimmy Decotis

Hailing from the Northeast, Jimmy Decotis is a strong privateer prospect who shocked many in the motocross community by leading a huge chunk of the first Lites Heat of the year in Indianapolis, in his first-ever AMA Supercross. We talked to him this week for our Privateer Profile.

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Racer X: A lot of people on the message boards and the fans watching Speed were asking who this Decotis kid is who’s leading the first East Coast heat race of the year! Tell me a little about yourself and where you’re from.
Jimmy Decotis: My name is James Decotis most people call me Jimmy D. I’m 18 years old. I grew up racing the local NESC circuit in New England. I’ve been riding since I was about 4, but didn’t take racing seriously until I was 14.

You turned pro last year and did some nationals; how did that go?
It went really good. I got a couple top-20s and scored 9 points. It wasn’t enough to get me a top-100 number, but I had fun and learned a lot from the nationals. I think it’s cool to have a three-digit number because makes you stick out more when you’re up front!

So, after the nationals, I know you went to Ryno's to train. How was that?
It was the best thing I could have ever done! Ryno’s program is top notch. There isn’t a better program out there to get you mentally and physically strong. Plus, Vince Friese and I have been riding together a lot out there and I think we both pushed each other and it helped my speed and confidence a lot. For the first time in my career, when I’m on the gate, I know I’m in the best shape I could possibly be in, and that’s a huge plus.

How long were you out in California for? And what type of training you did during the day?
I stayed out there for three months leading up to supercross, and if I tell you my training, then I won’t have an upper hand on everybody! (Laughs) Just kidding! We usually get up and go ride from like 9 a.m. until 12, come home, put some work in at the gym, and usually we’re done around 3 or 4. Everything we do in the gym involves core and balance. It’s a solid program and I’m happy to be part of it.

I noticed a Ryno Organics logo on your jersey; what is that?
It’s a food program that Ryno has where he gets you pre-packed fruit and nuts, all organic. If you want to check it out or order some products, you can go to rynoorganics.com.

How did your day go at Indy?
My day at Indy was so much fun! I just went into the weekend with no pressure and came into it as a learning experience. It’s only my first year in supercross, so everything is learning, and I think that’s what helped me in my heat race. I came in with no pressure and just had fun riding my dirt bike.

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How did you feel during that first heat!
Right at home! (Laughs) I couldn’t believe it because I qualified in 30th spot. I was riding very tight in practice and that was my biggest problem. But once I got out front, I just was having fun and it helped me so much. I wasn’t really too nervous. I was just so happy to be out front all the nerves went away.

Leading into the main, did your confidence jump right up after the heat? And did you expect a good result?
Yeah, I expected to do good in the main. I knew if I got a good start that I’m in shape for the 15 laps, so I knew I’d be doing pretty good. But I got a bad start then Futrell and I fell on the little anthill and I got back up and charged. Then I fell again. My speed was there, I just made a couple mistakes, but that’s all about learning and I’ve just got to take what I learned from Indy and move on to Atlanta with it.

What are your goals for Atlanta?
Just to make the main and have fun. That’s what it’s all about! If you’re not having fun, there’s no point of being out there.

What are your plans for the rest of the season?
I want to finish up the East Coast rounds and move into the Nationals. I'm going to try and do all the Nationals. Depending on money, I should be at all 12 rounds.

Do you have any expectations of where you want to finish in Supercross?
Not really, I’m just trying to make all the mains and do my best and never quit. As long as I put in the work during the week and have fun, I’ll be happy.

Well, good luck with the rest of the season! Is there anyone you would like to thank?
First off, I'd like to thank my dad and my entire family for all the support they have given me over the years. Also, Kenny G's performance tuning, Spectro, Ben at No Fear, Factory Connection, Pro Circuit, Venom Choppers, Scott Goggles, JP3 Graphics, Ryno Organics, DCS Financial Group, Hinson, Shoei, and my mad-dog mechanic Keith for everything he’s done for me.