Latvian talent Jekabs Kubulins has made a strong impression in the 2025 EMX125 Championship, showcasing both speed and consistency as he takes full advantage of an opportunity with the JK Racing team. After stepping in as a replacement, Kubulins has quickly found his rhythm and is now looking forward to building on a promising start.
“My season has been really good so far and I’m really happy about my riding and results,” Kubulins told GateDrop.com. “I got the opportunity to race for JK Yamaha as Jamie Keith got injured. I have a good relationship with JK already from last year when I replaced Giorgio Orlando. I like to work with the team, they are like a family team so I feel good with them.”
Kubulins has managed to slot in smoothly with the Italian based team despite only joining them after the season had started.
“Now it looks like I will have a chance to do the rest of the rounds with them. I haven’t spent any time with the team besides the races because the opportunity came when the season was already started.”
Hard pack circuits were previously a challenge for Kubulins, but that’s something he worked hard to overcome during the off-season.
“Last year, yeah, I had a good race in Arnhem, but I wouldn’t say that hard packs were my weak area because I still felt good in them but somehow wasn’t able to manage the race that good. This winter I spent a bit more than one month in Spain where I only rode hard pack tracks and now I feel more confident in them.”
Part of Kubulins’ progress can also be credited to his long-standing relationship with the Justs brothers, who have been coaching him since the very beginning.
“Yes, I work with the Justs brothers. I’ve been working with them since day one when I started riding and they started coaching. It’s super fun and interesting to work with them because they are really experienced and can explain the things that I need to work on and why.”
Like many young riders, Kubulins draws inspiration from his fellow countrymen who are doing well on the international stage.
“Yeah, it’s really nice to see Latvian riders doing good and it also motivates me. Yes, I do look up to them (the Reisulis Brothers) and try to learn things from them that I am not so good at.”
Racing at the highest level always brings challenges, particularly with starts and competition being so intense.
“It’s a bit harder (being heavier) but I wouldn’t use it as an excuse because I know that I can take a good start also. I still can ride the 125cc next year, but we still don’t know how things will go for me.”
A particular highlight for the Latvian youngster came earlier in the season when he secured a moto win in Cozar.
“It was great, one of many dreams that has come true. It was hard and felt like a super long race but yeah, won’t forget it forever.”
While the season still has plenty to offer, Kubulins remains focused and grounded.
“The goal for me is to do maximum every race, as I am always doing,” he says. “I would say I didn’t expect it (to be sixth in the championship) but I was hoping for it, in my head I wanted to be around the top 10. Yeah, I’m happy about my season so far and I really look forward to the next races.”
With strong performances already under his belt and growing confidence in all conditions, Kubulins is definitely one to watch as the EMX125 season continues to unfold.
