About Me

Branden Jesseman created quite a stir within the sport in 1998 when he ran with the leaders in his very first AMA Outdoor National event. He had just turned 16 and was thus just eligible to compete at this highest level of American motocross. "That was a High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania," remembers Jesseman.

"High Point was my home track and I had trained all season just for that one race. I finished 11th in the first moto but came back to sit in the top three for most of the second moto until I got a little tired toward the end. I still finished fifth, which was good enough for fifth overall."

Jesseman was suddenly a star, but unfortunately a string of injuries prevented him from repeating this stunning success for another season and a half. Branden got back on track for 2000, putting in some great rides for sixth place in the final point standings of the highly competitive AMA 125cc Eastern Region Supercross Series. Another injury slowed Branden at the beginning of the Outdoor National Series, but he came on strong near the end of the season to score podium finishes at Kenworthy's MX Park in Troy, Ohio, and Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pennsylvania.

And then, just as his confidence was returning in time for the 2001 season, another injury ruined another Supercross season. Once again Jesseman rebounded to get progressively stronger throughout the Outdoor National Series, placing in the top ten six times, finally stepping onto the podium in third place at the Steel City season finale.

Throughout his up-and-down career, Jesseman has never lost his love for the sport. "I like racing because not everyone can do it," he explains. "Whoever wins deserves it because they wanted it the most and had to work hard to get it."

Jesseman considers himself more of an outdoor motocross rider than an indoor supercross racer, but that sentiment may be changing. As he tell us, "I used to prefer outdoors because that's what I'm more used to, but actually I'm getting to like supercross more and more each year. It's getting to be more fun the more I do it."

The 2002 season will be Jesseman's second stint on Suzuki RM motorcycles, having spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons with teams receiving support from the Suzuki factory. But now he's enjoying a full factory sponsorship, and he says there is a definite difference. "It's great -- this team is run so professionally. Our team manager, Roger DeCoster, makes sure I don't have to worry about anything but racing, and everybody gets along really well. My Team Blimpie Suzuki RM125 is awesome this year, too. I can't believe how much it's improved since the last time I've ridden one."

Jesseman has clear goals for 2002, which certainly include staying healthy for the entire season. "I just want to stay consistent and do my best at every single race. That's all I can ask for, and hopefully that will put me on top of the podium."

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 150 lb.

Classes of Racing Entered:

AMA 125cc Eastern Region Supercross Series

AMA 125cc Outdoor National Championship Series

His Motorcycle:

Look for the yellow No. 28 Team Blimpie Suzuki RM125 tuned by James Koi

Personal Items:

Born: April 16, 1982. Single. A native of Fombell, Pennsylvania. Enjoys golf, bicycling, movies, music and arcade games.

Noted Accomplishments:

2001

Ninth place overall, AMA 125cc Outdoor National Championship Series.

Podium finish (third overall) at Steel City.

2000

Sixth place overall, AMA 125cc Eastern Region Supercross Series.

11th place overall, AMA 125cc Outdoor National Championship Series.

Podium finishes (third overall) at Kenworthy's and Steel City

1999

20th place overall, AMA Outdoor National Championship Series.

1998

Fifth place overall, AMA Outdoor National Championship event at Mt. Morris, Penn.; competing in his first National, under a Pro-Am license.

1996-1997

Winner of five amateur class titles at important events such as the AMA Amateur National Championships in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., and the NMA Grand National Championships at Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Racing History:

Jesseman began motorcycle riding at age 4 after receiving a Suzuki JR50 from his parents for his birthday. He began racing at age 8 with guidance from his uncle, also a motocross racer.