TransAm Vet Classic Racer Profile | Jacob Himmel
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TransAm Vet Classic Racer Profile | Jacob Himmel
Age: 26
Hometown: Ontario, California
Classes Raced: 25 Intermediate
Sponsors: None!
Jacob Himmel is a regular at the Swapmoto Race Series, and since he just became of age for vet class racing, this year was his first appearance at the TransAm Vet Classic.
Can you tell me about your nickname “Himself”?
One of my friends actually started calling that when we’re in middle school I believe and that was the only cool nickname I’ve ever gotten so I just stuck with it.
You’re a regular at the Swapmoto Race Series, but the TransAm is just an event for vets, what do you think of it?
It was really fun. The class difficulty went up coming here just because of the ages. I think it was really fun just especially because they do it at Glen Helen. They get a lot older guys and they’re really fast still. The competition is super good and they make the track a lot better than on their regular days. It’s good to come out and get a good ride here because the dirt is really good.
We’ve lucked out this year with some great weather and the track at Glen Helen is awesome- wouldn’t you agree?
I would agree, in fact, I rode last week and the week before at LACR and Cahuilla, tracks that are known for really good dirt. And this track totally smashes it this weekend, that’s pretty awesome.
I understand you’re a second-generation racer with a pretty high-profile dad. What’s it like being the son of Jeff Matiasevich?
Yeah, when he shows up he gets a lot of respect and a good turn out. He doesn’t necessarily like the big crowd coming to him, but for some reason, everyone still thinks he is cool. To me, he is just the regular whatever guy, but I mean here he is pretty cool I guess. It’s fun.
Your dad still hauls butt, does he coach you or give you any tips?
He only tells me that I’m really slow and when I need to jump something bigger. (Laughs)
Did you grow up racing or is this kind of an adult life thing for you?
A little bit as a kid. I’ve always ridden and then now that I’m older and more so on my own with paying for everything, I’m doing it on my own. Just for fun, I still have to work because this sport is dangerous.
What does Vet Class racing mean to you? It’s obviously not about trying to get a factory ride…
No, I think it’s just because I’ve been doing it for so long. Even on the weekdays, I go ride on my own just because it is so fun and something to get away from everything else like working and going to school. As long as I stay uninjured.
What do you do for work?
I’m a maintenance mechanic at a Walmart distribution center, so I work on forklifts and keep the conveyors running, all of that good stuff.
Are you able to get out to practice during the week at all or is motocross a weekend only thing?
I try to get out as much as I can during the week, my schedule changes so when it allows I go during the week. I’m a weekend guy too, I try to go whenever I can.
