Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

Who doesn’t love a story about a small town kid making his mark on the world and seeing his dreams come true? At 21, Jamie Lanza, a Kern Valley native has done just that.

In October, Lanza represented the USA on the junior enduro team at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) held in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. Since 1913, countries have sent their best racers to the ISDE, the world’s largest off-road motorcycle competition. The desert-like terrain of western Portugal provided the setting for this year’s competition, which drew 500 riders from 36 countries.

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The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Team USA was comprised of the World Trophy Team and America’s top junior, women and amateur off-road racers.

At five-foot-five, Lanza may be small in stature when compared to his teammates, but he's certainly not small in spirit. Lanza's junior team came home with bronze to mark their third place finish. To that, Lanza added his own individual gold medal. His first place finish was based on his overall score in his class. “You have to be in the top 10 percent of the leader’s time to get gold,” Lanza clarified.

Summarizing differences between racing overseas and at home, Lanza said, “It’s a very different format than we have over here. There it’s all about enduro, longer days, and only the riders can work on their bikes.” He added, “We just had to adapt to it as much we can.

Lanza attributes his success to dedication and lots of hard work, but added, “Part of it is being in the right place at the right time in terms of getting on a good team. If you get that kind of support, it can really boost your career.”

Sponsors are extremely important and Lanza is grateful to the help he has received from companies like Northland Motorsports, Precision Concepts, Kawasaki, IMS, Shoei and Maxxis. Currently he’s on a “B” team which is just below the level where he would receive a salary. “I am fortunate to get my bike, clothes, gear and travel taken care of, but as for a regular paycheck, I’m not quite there yet.”

Lanza currently lives in Beaumont, Calif. where he attends college and trains on local tracks. He is quick to credit his brother, Joey, with whom he lives, with having had the greatest impact on his life.

“He’s pretty much why I started racing,” Lanza stated, “It’s really good to have someone like that to train with and to help keep you motivated.”

Lanza’s father Mike, a Squirrel Valley resident, was happy to brag on his youngest son. “He has always been very driven and has the ability to really focus.” Commenting on the relationship between Jamie and Joey, he stated, “They were always very competitive even though there was such a big age difference. I think that only served to make Jamie more determined to succeed.” He jokingly added, “They still compete today,” referring to the daily bicycle rides the two men take as part of their training regime.

His pride also extends to his son’s accomplishments off the track as well. “He’s not only training and racing, but he also carries a full load at college,” Lanza said. The senior Lanza added that his son’s deep faith has played a big part in his life and commented, “I believe it has really helped to give him balance in his life.”

Lanza’s mother, Joni Meachem, who also lives in Squirrel Valley, said “I just couldn’t be any prouder of Jamie. He’s got so many wonderful qualities. He’s honest, compassionate, caring. He really is a fine young man.”

Recalling watching her second youngest race when he was only six years old, she stated, “That first race was in Adelanto, he was the littlest kid out there. Even his helmet looked bigger than he did.” Meachem went on to add, “I have been so blessed with all of my boys. They have all taught me so much.”

As for what the future holds, Lanza can’t say for sure. “I would love to be able to race for the next 10 years. Racing has definitely taught me an insane work ethic which I believe I can take with me anywhere. I’ve learned that it’s important to have a lot of passion for whatever you’re doing.”

Wherever life takes him, one thing is certain, he won’t be going there alone. Recently Lanza’s high school sweetheart, Erin Zurn, accepted his marriage proposal and the two are now engaged.

Last summer, friends and family raised $7,000 locally to subsidize Lanza’s Portugal trip. No doubt everyone who contributed would agree with Dirt Rider Magazine which stated, “Watch out for this guy. He packs a lot of punch on and off the track!”

To learn more about Lanza, you can check out www.jamielanza.com.