10/1/2017
RacinBoys
Long list of injuries doesn't deter Williamson from fearless approach on motocross track
By Lyndal Scranton (Wheatland, MO) -- Jeremi Williamson reads off his list of injuries suffered while competing in motocross like some people run down their grocery-shopping list.
"I broke my wrist, I cracked my collarbone, broke the top of my foot, collapsed my lung, have had 13 concussions and been in a coma," Williamson calmly states. "It sounds bad. But listening to other people in this sport, they have had it worse."
PHOTO: Jeremi Williamson of Willard, Mo., competing in this weekend's Lucas Oil Speedway USA Pro-Am, is nationally ranked in two pro divisions--CREDIT: Kenny Shaw photo
No one will argue that high-level motocross racing is a dangerous sport. But for Williamson and other top riders, competing in this weekend's inaugural Lucas Oil Speedway USA Pro-Am Motocross, you accept it or get out.
Racing with fear is not an option. The 20-year-old Williamson, from Willard, Mo., is one of the nation's best riders in the 250 Pro and 450 Pro divisions. He's been race-riding since he was six years old and has been able to win despite the looming danger.
"The fear is in the back of your mind," Williamson said. "But you don't feel it or you don't listen to it. Once you're a motocrosser, you live for (racing). You can't stop, literally. Once you start riding, you're pretty much hooked."
Williamson said he was hooked on the sport from the start.
"It was about six years old. My dad never rode, but he had a (motorcycle) and rode in the woods," Williamson said. "He took me out to a track and I just fell in love with it. it just sparked from there."
This season has seen Williamson bounce back from a broken wrist at an indoor arena cross back in February that sidelined him for about three months. He entered this weekend's action on the Lucas Oil Speedway Off Road track second in Nitro Summer Series 250 Pro points and 3rd in the 450 Pro standings.
This weekend, Williamson relishes the opportunity to compete in a big outdoor event close to home. His typical schedule finds him going out of state to race at least two weekends per month.
"I just want to give a big shout out to Jay Freeman for building the (motocross) layout and to Jay Reynolds for putting this event on," Williamson said. "A lot of people are looking forward to it."
Motocross racing action on Sunday begins at 7:30 a.m. with Quad and UTV racing set for noon after an 11 a.m. practice.
Sunday admission prices:
Adults - $15
Youth (Ages 4-12) - $10
Kids (3 and Under) - FREE
Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket info and schedules can be found by visiting http://www.LucasOilSpeedway.com.
Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.
Click http://www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.
In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at http://www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on http://www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
