9-year-old supercross racer prepares for Monster Energy Cup

Jackson Glathar speeds down the track during a practice run at SGMX in St. George on Oct. 5, 2014 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A St. George motocross racer has found a way to juggle his passion for racing, school, friends and other sports; all while being only 9 years old.

Jackson Glathar leans agains his bike for a breather after a practice run at the SGMX track in St. George on Oct. 5, 2014 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News
Jackson Glathar leans agains his bike for a breather after a practice run at the SGMX track, St. George, Utah, Oct. 5, 2014 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

After competing in races across the country and spending long hours of practice on the seat of his bike, Jackson Glathar now has the opportunity to progress in the racing world by competing at the supercross Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas on Oct. 18.

Jackson Glathar has been racing in motocross since he was 4 years old, he said, and really cannot imagine quitting a sport that has become such a big part of his life.

“I want to grow up and be a professional racer,” he said.

Jackson’s father, Sean Glathar, said his son is one of only 10 other racers in his age group in the country that were approached with the opportunity to race in the Monster Energy Cup.

This event is a big step in his son’s racing career, Sean Glathar said, and he is proud of all the hard work Jackson has put into making it this far in the sport.

“He’ll be (racing) the same track as a lot of the big pros out there,” Sean Glathar said.

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Videocast by Devan Chavez, St. George News

Jackson Glathar said he first became interested in the racing scene when a friend in his neighborhood showed him a new dirt bike. Soon after, he wanted in on the action and asked his parents for a bike.

Jackson Glathar posing for a his headshot for the 2014 Monster Energy Cup | Photo courtesy of Sean Glathar, St. George News
Jackson Glathar posing for a his headshot for the 2014 Monster Energy Cup | Photo courtesy of Sean Glathar, St. George News

“Santa brought me a little Honda (dirt bike) for Christmas after that,” Jackson Glathar said.

Only four months after getting the bike, Sean Glathar said, Jackson was already competing in races and spending more and more time at the track practicing.

“I was a little worried at first, but I’ve always said that if the kids find something they really want to do, I’ll support them,” Sean Glathar said.

Racing all over the country has also been a great way to make new friends. Jackson Glathar said he has made close friends through racing in the Utah area as well as other places like Idaho and Nevada.

The racing environment is also one Sean Glathar said he is happy to have his son exposed to.

“What is nice is at the end of (a) race, there is so much sportsmanship,” Sean Glathar said. “They wait for each other, they high-five each other, they congratulate each other on the races and it’s just good to see.”

Jackson Glathar makes a quick turn during a practice run at the SGMX track in St. George on Oct. 5, 2014 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News
Jackson Glathar makes a quick turn during a practice run at the SGMX track, St. George, Oct. 5, 2014 | Photo by Devan Chavez, St. George News

Besides racing, Jackson Glathar said he also enjoys playing football, soccer and wrestling, hanging out with his friends in the neighborhood, participating in the Boy Scouts of America and singing in his school choir.

Having so many extra-curricular activities means the father-and-son duo spend a lot of their time together. From ball games multiple times a week to long days of practice runs on the track, this time is something Sean Glather said means a lot to him.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he said. “I’ve put my life on hold.”

The Monster Energy Cup will also feature 45 professional riders competing for the cup and will take place on Oct. 18-19. Tickets to the race are still available and races will air on television through Fox Sports.

Ed. note: Date corrected in cover image photo caption.

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1 Comment

  • clod October 7, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    I think you have the year wrong ~ Oct 2015 hasn’t happened yet.

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