ANAHEIM — Local motocross phenom Jeff Mann Jr. recently thundered into the top 20 American Motocross Association (AMA)-ranked riders in the U.S. during the recent nationally televised Anaheim II Super Cross.
Mann Jr., who has collected endorsements from Roundy Kawasaki, Nor-Cal decals, Scott USA Goggles, EVS-sports.com, and, most recently, Troy Lee Designs, has been riding since he was 12. The 2009 graduate of Middletown High School began attracting serious attention when he started winning races at age 14. Now at 19, he”s in training for the AMA Motocross Championship.
“I owe every ounce of my success to my parents,” the young rider insists. “My mom and dad have done everything for me to get me where I am. They”ve been mentors, coaches, sponsors, managers … you name it, and they”ve done it.”
When he was asked about his new AMA rating (31st in the nation), Mann said, “It”s like the difference between playing college football and playing in the NFL. In college, you have a life outside football, maybe a day job. Once you”re in the NFL, there”s only football. Once you”re ranked in the AMA, there”s only riding.”
Mann then smiled and added, “Not that I mind.”
Mann Jr.”s home training track is the Oasis Motocross Track, located at 24736 E. Highway 20 outside of Clearlake Oaks. His parents, Jeff Mann Sr. and Dianna Mann, manage the facility. This well-maintained dirt track hosts everything from day passes to rides for $20. There is also an 80cc and Pee Wee track for young riders and classes for riders seeking private, high-level training.
“We bring well over 1,000 people a year into Lake County and as we add special events, that number will grow,” Mann Sr. said.
The hotline number for the Oasis Motocross Track is (707) 239-3911.
