Jason Richardson certainly has made his mark on BMX racing, he’s one of the fastest and most consistant AA Pro riders in the world today. He is very passionate about BMX and it’s future, read on to find out more about Mosh’s powerhouse, Jason Richardson.

bmxultra.com: Could you tell us how, you got involved in BMX
JR: I started because my brother raced – we went to a skate park and next to the skate park was a bmx track, the rest is history.

bmxultra.com: 20 Years in BMX is a long time what would be the most significant changes you have seen in BMX over those years?
JR: Technology of the equipment and the skill level of riders today.

bmxultra.com: Who are your sponsors?
JR: I ride for Mosh and my co sponsors are: Sonic, ATI, Answer, Vans,Spy, Sun Ringle, Profile, Champion Nutrition, Powerbar, and SDG.

bmxultra.com: how much input did you have to the design of the Mosh bike?
JR: I had most of the Input on the design of the Mosh bike everything from geometry to the tubing.

bmxultra.com: what are you studying at the moment?
JR: I am currently getting my Masters in Business

bmxultra.com: how much longer do you have until you complete the course?
JR: I will be finished late in our spring time (late May or early June).

bmxultra.com: It must be hard to find time to train and compete and study and well?
JR: I think going to school helps my BMX, it keeps things balanced and helps me be appreciative of what I have.

bmxultra.com: What happens once you have finished your Masters? Work and race, a break, or more study?
JR: No more study, at least in a formal manner. I’ll tell you what I like to say to everyone else: “I am going to do whatever the hell I want!”

bmxultra.com: What did you think of Australia?
JR: I love Australia.

bmxultra.com: What is it you like about it?
JR: The people, the culture, the ladies.

bmxultra.com: Do you see yourself coming back to Oz in the near future?
JR: I certainly hope so.

bmxultra.com: What did you think of Australian BMX tracks and how do they compare to the US tracks?
JR: The tracks could use some help in the Berm department. I don’t understand why they put that gravel on the track? US tracks are getting better, at least in the NBL. The turns are paved or bowled really well. Some tracks are putting on special pro sections!!!!

bmxultra.com: What did you think of Australian riders?
JR: The Australian riders have proven to be strong and very technical, which makes for a well rounded BMXer.

bmxultra.com: Did you expect more from the Australian World titles track?
JR: I was a little disappointed when I saw the worlds track in Melbourne but my experience in Australia made up for it.

bmxultra.com: What is your all time favorite track? Why?
JR: I like South Park in the US It is fast and has big ass Jumps!!!!

bmxultra.com: Which track do you dislike the most? Why?
JR: Most of the ABA indoor tracks that they build for nationals, they don’t care if the track is technical or smooth or even hard packed. They just throw a track up and collect the money. NO PRIDE.

bmxultra.com: How was France? What was the track like?
JR: France was probably the best trip I ever had. The track was cool, the race was enormous and the crowd was really into it.

bmxultra.com: How did you go?
JR: I was there for the World cup and placed third on my 20 inch. Then I went to the worlds and placed third on cruiser. I was  looking to make the 20 inch main but I fell.

bmxultra.com: What are your favorite websites?
JR: I like the Double A Marketing website the best.

bmxultra.com: What do you do for training?
JR: My training is top secret, You might tell someone and they will move to America and know the American Pro secrets!!!!

bmxultra.com: (laughs)…Gym? Track work? Do you have a tight training schedule that you stick to?
JR: I don’t have a real tight schedule, I tried that once and it was too rigid for me. I am already disciplined, so now I know what I have to do and what I need to work on – so I just do those things.

bmxultra.com: Which riders do you ride/train with through the week?
JR: I ride with some San Diego locals: Mike King, Mike Hanner, Paul Kittner, and some close friends who just ride for fun.

bmxultra.com: What racing rule really annoys you? How do you think it could be fixed?
JR: The thing that annoys me about BMX, at least in the US is that it is not respected as an adult sport. There is no one or organization that represents the pros. The  freestylers and Jumpers are getting great coverage, I think that we should as well – But the promoter(s) of the races make the tracks for little kids. We need our own show!!

bmxultra.com: At the 98 Worlds in Melbourne, AUS we were both part of trying to get a riders organization started, do you think that could make a difference?
JR:It could make a difference. They need to get the Olympic thing out of their heads. I think there are better ways to grow the sport through corporate sponsors, school competition, etc….

bmxultra.com: Is there anything else about BMX you’d like to see changed?
JR: I would like to see clipless pedals banned from BMX.

bmxultra.com: What was your worst ever crash? How long did it take to recover?
JR: No Comment (knock on wood) [(we say that in the US so we don’t jinx ourselves)]

bmxultra.com: What do you think the future has in store for BMX? Do you think it could ever become as popular as stadium sports like football, basketball and tennis?
JR: I am no fortune teller, however, I am afraid that BMX (racing) may not become as big as it should be because the people in charge are not focussing on the right things. They need to focus more on the quality of the races, have fewer nationals and build up racing on a local level. It needs to become somewhat prestigious to be a pro just like in stadium sports.

bmxultra.com: What do you do when you’re not racing/riding/training/studying?
JR: When I am not racing or riding, I like to relax and hang out with my friends.

bmxultra.com: Do you think bicycle manufacturers will move away from Alloy frames soon? ever?
JR: I think Bike manufacturers will still make alloy frames, although cromo is making a comeback. Probably 80% alloy and 20% chromoly.

bmxultra.com: Do you think there is an advantage with a stiffer bike?
JR: It depends on your riding style and what generation you come form in regard to the stiffness of a frame. Some pros actually like their bikes to have a little flex in the stays.

bmxultra.com: What size cranks and gear ratios do you run? Do you change them much?
JR: 182 mm cranks w/ a 48/17. I rarely change gears. IF I do, I use a 45/16 which is a half a tooth easier.

bmxultra.com: Are you looking forward to racing in Argentina at next years worlds?
JR: I always look forward to the World Championships. Argentina should be fun.

bmxultra.com: Who would be the rider you admire the most right now?
JR: Dave Mirra