Throughout the years I’ve met and trained with a lot of riders from New England. During 2006, I met Jimmy Decotis as he was dominating the 85cc class in New England. No one even came close to his speed. That following winter we packed up and lived with Decotis at his Florida home to train. There is something very special about this kid. His determination to ride is amazing. Almost every time we rode or raced Jimmy did all his own plans and scheduling at 15 years old. His father “Big Daddy” is very busy providing for a huge family and basically let Jimmy take control of his own racing program. His family support is amazing and is always there for him, but Jimmy’s own drive to ride is what really stands out in my head. Working hard and riding for endless hours is fun for Jimmy. You wouldn’t believe how many practice bikes Big Daddy has bought!

Fast forward to the first round of the East Coast and I knew it was Jimmy’s first Supercross. He is a excellent jumper and started training with Ryan Hughes so I knew he would be ready. I almost fell out of my seat and lost my voice when in the first heat, Decotis passed Barcia and Izzi for the lead! He finished 3rd in his first heat race ever with a ticket straight to the main. From practice to the heat he dropped almost 4 seconds off his time! I think its safe to say you will be seeing his name more this year!

Chris

A lot of people on VitalMX and the fans watching Speed were asking who is this Decotis kid, he’s leading the first East Coast heat race of the year! Tell me a little about yourself and where your from.

My name is James Decotis most people call me JimmyD. I’m 18 years old. I grew up racing the local NESC circuit in new england. I’ve been riding since I was about 4, but didn’t take racing seriously until I was 14.

Chris

You turned pro last year and did some nationals, how did that go?

Jimmy

It went really good. I got a couple top 20's and scored 9 points. It wasn’t enough to get me a top 100 number, but i had fun and learned a lot from the nationals. I think its cool to have a 3 digit # cause makes you stick out more when your up front!

Chris

So after the nationals I know you went to Ryno's to train. How was that?

Jimmy

It was the best thing i could have ever done! Ryno’s program is top notch. There isn’t a better program out there to get u mentally and physically strong. Plus Vince Friese and I have been riding together a lot out there and I think we both pushed each other and it helped my speed and confidence a lot. For the first time in my career when I’m on the gate, I know I’m in the best shape I could possibly be in and thats a huge plus.

Chris

How long were you out there for and tell me about what type of training you did during the day.

Jimmy

I stayed out there for 3 months leading up to supercross and if i tell you my training then i wont have an upper hand on everybody!!... hahaha just kidding! We usually get up and go ride from like 9 till 12, come home put some work in at the gym and usually be done around 3 or 4. Everything we do in the gym involves core and balance its a solid program and I’m happy to be part of it.

Chris

I noticed a Ryno Organics logo on your jersey, what is that?

Jimmy

Its a food program that Ryno has where he gets you pre packed fruit and nuts all organic. If you want to check it out or order some products, you can go to rynoorganics.com

Chris

Jimmy

My day at Indy was so much fun! I just went into the weekend with no pressure and came into it as a learning experience. It’s only my first year in Supercross so everything is learning and I think thats what helped me in my heat race. I came in with no pressure and just had fun riding my dirt bike.

Chris

How did you feel during that first heat!

Jimmy

Right at home!  haha I couldn’t believe it because I qualified in 30th spot. I was riding very tight in practice and that was my biggest problem. But once i got out front I just was having fun and it helped me so much. I wasn’t really to nervous. I was just so happy to be out front all the nerves went away.

Chris

Leading into the main did your confidence jump right up after the heat and did you expect a good result?

Jimmy

Ya i expected to do good in the main. I knew if i got a good start that I’m in shape for the 15 laps, so I knew I’d be doing pretty good. But I got a bad start then Futrell and I fell on the little ant hill and I got back up and charged. Then I  fell again. My speed was there I just made a couple mistakes but that’s all about learning and just got to take what I learned from indy and move into atlanta with it.

Chris

What are your goals for Atlanta?

Jimmy

Just make the main and have fun. Thats what its all about! If your not having fun, there’s no point of being out there.

Chris

What are your plans for the rest of the season?

1:05pm

Jimmy

Finish up the East Coast rounds. and move into the Nationals. I'm going to try and do all the Nationals depending on money I should be at all 12 rounds.

Chris

Do you have any expectations of where you want to finish in Supercross?

Jimmy

Not really just to make all the mains and do my best and never quit. As long as I put in the work during the week and have fun ill be happy.

Chris

Well good luck with the rest of the season! Is there anyone you would like to thank?

Jimmy

First off I'd like to thank my dad and my entire family for all the support they have given me over the years. Also Kenny G's performance tuning, Spectro, Ben at No fear, Factory Connection, Pro Circuit, Venom Choppers, Scott Goggles, JP3 Graphics, Ryno Organics, DCS financial group, Hinson, Shoei, and my Maddog mechanic Keith for everything he’s done for me.

Chris

Ok see you at Daytona! BTW I'm staying at your house!

Jimmy

hahahaha ok sounds good!