Irish Motocross racer Jason Meara started 2025 in a rich vein of form but was forced out of the second half of the year due to illness.
As he looks ahead to returning to the track in 2026, he rattled off his answers to our Dirty Dozen questions…
Dirt Hub: Do you have a Pre-Race playlist you listen to, and if so, name a couple of tracks that are on it?
Jason: I never really listen to music before I race. I usually try to stay calmer rather than hype myself up.
DH: When was the last time you cried?
Jason: Honestly, I don’t know 🤣 probably through a previous injury, I have definitely cried with pain.
DH: What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Jason: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” I also love Muhammad Ali’s quotes.
DH: Do you have any weird suspicions or pre-race rituals?
Jason: “Not really, I usually try to stay as calm as possible and visualise how the race is going to go in my head, you are also sure to see me in the portaloo after my sighting lap.”
DH: What drives you most to get up in the morning and to go training?
Jason: Just the money and effort I’ve put in over the years kind of keeps me going, like the thought of how much it costs to get there to show up and not have done the work, that would really grind me.
READ MORE: DIRTY DOZEN INTERVIEWS
DH: If you didn’t race, what sport would you play?
Jason: I would say Gaa football or maybe squash I love a bit off squash.
DH: What is your biggest Phobia?
Jason: Being tied up and restrained. I got tied up in an ambulance bed one time, being taken to the hospital, and had a full-blown panic attack😱 😂
DH: Who is your biggest sporting idol and why?
Jason: Ricky Carmichael, not sure why, I just thought he was really cool when I was young.
DH: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Jason: Probably retired from racing, but then again, I don’t know what I’m doing one day to the next 🤣
DH: What is your all-time favourite meal?
Jason: Lasagne, garlic ciabatta bread, and coleslaw. Great combo
DH: Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
Jason: Definitely my parents, how they managed to get me and my two other brothers, who were racing at the time, to the races I will never know, but I will be forever grateful, as there is nothing more I love than going racing still to this day.
DH: What is your philosophy on life?
Jason: Live every day like it’s your last; tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Feature Image courtesy of the Scottish Motocross Championship
