Jesse Masterpool, one of the top amateur motocross riders in the country and a 2010 addition to Dunlop’s elite Team Dunlop program, passed away on March 20 after sustaining injuries at the Lake Whitney Amateur National on March 13. He was 14.
In his young career, Masterpool won multiple amateur titles at Loretta Lynn’s, and in 2009 he won the prestigious international amateur Bercy Supercross in Bercy, France, as well as 11 amateur U.S. National Championships. He started racing at a later age than most kids (8) and rose to the top of the class in a short period of time. More recently he was establishing himself as one of the more dominant amateur racers in the country. Brian Noah, Motocross Support Specialist for American Suzuki, said this about Jesse. “Jesse had the talent, determination and drive to become a future champion and this is what made him so special in combination with his personality and quiet demeanor.”
We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Jesse, and join the entire amateur racing family in extending our heartfelt condolences and support for the Masterpool family.
The following is a statement issued by the Masterpool family on March 21.
Due to the injuries Jesse sustained, he passed away early Saturday morning.
We all feel you are now part of the family. We didn’t want anyone speaking for us in these letters and because of this we have not done the job that all of you wonderful people deserve. Jesse was extremely passionate, positive, and considerate of how his actions might affect other people. We felt he would not want to bring this news to the riders or the fans attending last night’s Supercross race. He would want the riders to focus and ride their best and the fans to celebrate in their efforts.
One of Jesse’s favorite movies was Remember the Titans. He felt strongly enough to wear it on his butt patch; it was a part of him. Not just a movie, but like his own name.
The passion that brought such different people together dissolved old feelings between them—to see what they truly felt. Inside the soul, they were not different after all. As crazy as it may seem to Jesse and many riders, the butt patch is sacred. It is your name. It is you. It can’t be bought by a sponsor. It is a passionate symbol of who that rider is. Your passion, faith and love have brought us all together.
We all feel Jesse’s spirit; Jesse is now a part of all of us. Jesse brought us all together. We know what Jesse would want us to do.
God Bless
Love, Jesse and the Masterpool Family
Feel free to visit Jesse's profile and share your thoughts, and memories. CLICK HERE
