INTERVIEW I AFT SUPERTWINS GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPION JARED MEES
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put a lot of effort into making it
happen. We've been together for
a long time, and we know each
other well. I think that's a big fac-
tor in why we're so successful.
"I've
been with [team owner]
Craig Rogers since 2009, I've
been with [crew chief] Kenny
Tolbert since 2013, and [Öhlins
suspension technician] Jimmy
Wood has been doing my stuff
for just as long. I've been with
everybody 10-plus years.
"These guys read me good.
These guys know my demeanor.
The language is all there. When
-
ever we turn up at a racetrack,
we want to
win. We all work
hard to win races and champi
-
onships. I have the best team,
that's
for sure."
So, what's next for Mees and
his dynasty?
Displacing Parker to sec
-
ond all-time with a 10th Grand
National
Championship is the
obvious goal that looms be-
fore him. But there's another of
Parker's
most high-profile marks
that was long considered out
of reach that Mees has been
quietly sneaking up on.
Over his career, Parker accu
-
mulated a remarkable 94 main
event
victories. The closest any-
one ever came to that number
was Carr,
with his 78 wins.
Mees now ranks third and 29
victories ahead of fourth place
with 72. Granted, that remains
a mighty big gulf to first. In fact,
fewer than 20 riders in the long
history of the sport have ever
racked up as many wins as the
"I love this sport.
I love racing.
I love winning."
He's no longer just a racer
with big goals, but a husband,
father, and businessman with
similarly lofty aspirations
across those competing
pursuits.
