As World Supercross continues its push to become a truly global championship, Jason Anderson is one of the riders embracing the opportunity to race in new environments, meet fans from around the world and take on the demanding travel schedule that comes with it. The American star has been refreshingly open about the highs, challenges and excitement of taking part in the expanded series – one that has taken riders far beyond the traditional borders of the AMA calendar.
Anderson admits that tackling an international schedule has been a fresh but welcome change compared to the one-off overseas events riders are accustomed to.
“I think most of the time we usually do like a one-off race here and there, so to do like the whole series, man, I think we’re pretty much going to every continent at this point. It’s fun, you know, I think being able to see different cultures and check it out is something that not many people get to do so it’s been fun. It’s been exciting, jet lag, trying to get some sleep here and there, but it’s all around, I think it’s been a fun crew, and I think, yeah, looking forward to it, and hopefully do it more”.
One major highlight for Anderson has been the enthusiasm from international fans – many of whom would never typically get the chance to see top American riders compete in person.
“I think it’s really cool. I think, obviously, the last race in Australia, the stands were packed, you know, and it was really cool to see the enthusiasm from the fans that don’t get to see us, you know, because normally we’re just 17 rounds in America, and then we’re done. Those people have to travel across the country and now we’re going to their backyard, and it’s really cool to see the enthusiasm out of them, to see some of the people that they have watched on TV from across the pond all these years”.
The travel and tight schedule have taken a toll, and Anderson hasn’t been shy about the challenges – especially following the intense trip back to USA from Australia before heading to Sweden.
“I flew back from Australia, and I landed Sunday, and then we obviously had a little bit of issues, but I rode Monday and Tuesday in Florida. I’ve been testing stuff, trying to figure out how to, you know, avoid what happened in that third race, and we were out there till 5 p.m., so it’s been a long couple days, and when I got here yesterday, I definitely slept all day”.
Despite everything, Anderson insists his mindset remains simple: enjoy the ride, stay competitive and take the results as they come.
“For me, I’m just trying to have fun. You know, if it happens (winning the title), it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, but at the end of the day, it would be cool to add it to, you know, something that I’ve done, but at the same time, I’m just trying to go win a couple races and then, yeah, keep the work going and hopefully come back next year and be battling for it again”.
This weekend’s stop also brings back memories for Anderson, who unlike his competition has previously raced in Sweden more than a decade ago.
“I don’t know if I’d have advantages, but I raced here in like 2014 with, I think I raced Josh Hill and Mike Alessi that night, but I just remember it was really rutted. But that whole week, I came here a whole week before and just hung out with Torsten Hallman, which is super random, but rode all around Sweden. That was kind of fun, and I was able to win, so that was cool, so hopefully I can do it again”.
When it comes to dreaming of future rounds, Anderson already has a destination in mind – one he feels would be a perfect fit for the global series.
“I think somewhere dope like Tokyo would be sweet to have on the World Supercross schedule. I think just like an Asian country, because I mean we were supposed to go to one, but we ended up not, but I’d rather Tokyo than Malaysia”.
But for now, the biggest challenge might simply be staying awake. With riders’ body clocks completely misaligned, adapting to race times has become part of the job.
“I just don’t think that any of us are on a schedule right now. I think that we’re falling asleep sometimes whenever the racing starts. But once the adrenaline starts going, you’re not sleepy anymore or anything like that. So luckily we just have to be performing within a two-hour window”.
As Anderson continues to navigate the demands of a jet-setting championship, his attitude remains positive and energised. Whether it’s battling jet lag, engaging with passionate new crowds or reflecting on past memories, he is clearly enjoying the global chapter of his career.
