Brandon Clarke
It was a chilly night at Snapdragon Stadium as I took a seat inside the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki pit with Jerry Masterpool, father of 250 rider Ty Masterpool. Known affectionately among the team as “Poppa,” Jerry exudes a calm and gentle presence, a stark contrast to the adrenaline-soaked atmosphere of a Monster Energy AMA Supercross event. Jerry had just returned to the rig after watching Ty secure P3 in his heat race, and I was greeted by his soothing voice and a long white beard that seemed to embody wisdom itself.
Breaking the ice, I complimented Jerry on his beard, asking how long he’d had it and whether he used any products. With a twinkle in his eye, he joked, “Sixty-five years, and no products needed for this masterpiece.” He shared that his beard has been a constant in his sons’ lives—so much so that none of them could remember a time when he was clean-shaven. Laughing, he even recounted how Ty, as a baby, used to grab onto it.
As the conversation shifted, I asked Jerry about the significance of Ty’s ride with Pro Circuit Kawasaki. His voice trembled slightly as he said, “It’s a blessing.”
After a pause, he added: “Our program is to simplify everything for the rider. Ty’s job is to go out and be the best he can be at all times. What we can’t do is what Mitch [Payton, team owner] and them do. I’m not a mechanic; I don’t have their wisdom. Pro Circuit is full of expertise in this sport.”
He emphasized how crucial their support has been: “We literally couldn’t do this without them. We’ve tried. Ty did his job, but we didn’t have the bikes or expertise.”
I personally got to witness firsthand how much this opportunity meant to Jerry at Pala when Ty earned his factory ride with Pro Circuit Kawasaki. From across the paddock I could see the pride and gratitude on Jerry’s face that day that spoke volumes about the journey that led them here. As I continued to dive into our current conversation, I quickly realized the significance of the moment. It wasn’t just about the ride—it was a culmination of perseverance, faith, and belief in Ty’s potential.
Ty was originally presumed to race the 250SX East Region Championship. However, after Levi Kitchen became ill and pulled out of the season opener at Anaheim 1, Ty was brought into the West Region lineup after missing the opening round. When I asked Jerry about this adjustment, he said, “Ty is here for experience right now. To give it 100% effort every time he races.”
While I wondered if this might reduce expectations, Jerry reassured me, “He’s here for the experience but will give it his best effort.”
Jerry’s journey into motocross is as unconventional as Ty’s path within it. Coming from a background in snow sports, Jerry was a ski racer, while his wife, Tara, was a trailblazer in women’s snowboarding. The couple had little intention of involving their boys in competitive sports. “Sports can be ugly at times,” Jerry reflected. “But competition is a beautiful thing, too. Iron sharpens iron; it makes you stronger.”
The Masterpool boys were raised on a desolate ranch in Texas. Their eldest son, Jesse, was the first to express interest in motocross. Though hesitant, Jerry admitted, “You never want to take your kid’s dream away.” He hoped the boys might eventually lose interest, but they didn’t. Ty and his brother Jake followed suit, fueled by a passion for riding that Jerry and Tara couldn’t ignore. Tragically, in 2010, Jesse passed away from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. When I cautiously brought up this painful chapter, Jerry encouraged me to explore it, saying, “We do it for Jesse; we race for him.”
Despite the heartbreak, the family remained steadfast. While many riders migrate to Florida or California for training, the Masterpools have thrived in Texas. Jerry explained, “The climate is perfect, and our facility has all types of dirt. Plus, most races are within a three-hour flight.” Their unconventional approach has proven successful, even as Ty’s journey faced hurdles—from being dropped by Star Racing Yamaha to finding his way back to a factory ride with Pro Circuit Kawasaki.
I asked Jerry about Ty’s High Point victory last summer. Tears welled in his eyes as he described it. “It was special, very special,” he said, his voice shaking. “It’s been a tough road. All those struggles make the win even sweeter. It was beautiful to be part of Mitch’s 300th win.” When I inquired about how proud Jesse would be of Ty, Jerry’s emotions deepened. “Jesse would be so incredibly proud. They were very close. I was hoping they’d stop riding moto, but you can’t keep a kid from his dreams. Life is dangerous, but this feels like what Ty is meant to do.”
Faith is the cornerstone of the Masterpool family. “It’s first and foremost,” Jerry said. “There’s a purpose in everything you do.” Beyond faith, Ty’s respect for hard work and community keeps him grounded. “Take pride in everything you do,” Jerry advised. “If you’re going to be a janitor, be a janitor who does beautiful work.”
When asked about Ty’s talents outside of motocross, Jerry smiled. “Too many to count,” he laughed. “He loves hunting, wants to rodeo, ski race, snowboard—he wants to do everything. But right now, his focus is on riding.”
At the time of our interview, Ty had yet to take the track for the 250 main. Unfortunately, he broke several fingers during the race and recorded a DNF. While he may miss Anaheim 2, I’m hopeful for his recovery and eager to see what the rest of the season holds. Ty’s journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the enduring bond of family—a story as inspiring as the man who’s helped guide him, “Poppa” Masterpool.
