Brandon Clarke
Collin Jurin was on the open road, heading back to Snohomish, Washington, when I caught him for a chat. He was on his way home after Anaheim 2, where he made the 250 main event at Angel Stadium. He barely escaped two separate pileups, riding over a rear wheel as he shot out from the center of the carnage. After the first turn, he was in 13th, rallying his way forward taking the last and final qualifying position in the LCQ. While he made a main event in 2018 on a 450, it had been 11 years since he last made a main on a 250. But for Jurin, this accomplishment was about far more than just himself.
“There’s so many people that make this journey go round,” Jurin said. “When I made it before, back when I was younger, it was all about me. But when I did it last night, it was about everyone who’s helped me or donated along the way. It was a Thank you. To show I’m not wasting your time.”
A Long Time Coming
Jurin’s first Supercross experience was in 2012 at Seattle, where he made his debut in the 250 class. That year, he also made his first main event in Salt Lake City. Plans for a full West Coast campaign in 2013 were cut short by injury, and after that, he stuck mainly to his hometown Supercross race in Seattle—until this year.
“I’m not getting any younger,” he admitted. Juggling a full-time job, kids, and family… time was running out to pursue the dream he’s been chasing since he was 4 years old.
Growing up, Jurin cut his teeth racing Monroe Arenacross and earned his pro points through the system. He never chased Loretta’s or any other major amateur national events; he did it with just grit. Jurin turned pro in 2011, with his first pro national event at Washougal that same year. Since then, it’s been a mix of local races, occasional pro nationals, and chasing his Supercross dream when life allowed.
Balancing the Chaos
To call Jurin’s life busy would be an understatement. As a full-time crane operator, he puts in 55-60 hours a week doing everything from holding up the roof of Climate Pledge Arena during its remodel to setting hot tubs and A/C units. His schedule’s unpredictable, much like the weather in western Washington. Add two kids—both active in racing and basketball—and you’ve got a recipe for chaos.
“It’s a nightmare trying to train,” he said with a laugh. “The wife is a massive help, even allowing me to do it. I’m just trying to juggle it all and sleep when I can.”
When it comes to training, Jurin keeps it simple. “It’s really just a lot of running,” he said. “I’ll grab the kids, put them on their STACYCs with a couple extra batteries, and we’ll go several miles. If we’re stuck inside, it’s either the trainer bike or tossing a football around the house.”
Racing as a Family
Racing is a family affair for Jurin. Whether it’s a local race or a big Supercross round, his wife and kids are always along for the ride. “I don’t really have time to think about racing until I’m lined up on the gate,” he said. “I try to help the wife with the kids, make sure they’ve got snacks and are entertained. Once everything’s settled, then I can focus on racing.”
Fatherhood has been a motivator rather than a deterrent for Jurin. “I don’t want to ever give up,” he said. “You always have a kid that’s excited regardless of how you do. The best feeling is when you get back to the pit and your kid is stoked. They think you’re the coolest person ever.”
After making the main event at A2, Jurin’s oldest child was the first to high-five him in the pits and say, “Good job!” That moment summed up why he still races. “Your kids think you’re Superman, and I don’t want to let them down. I’m going to give it my all for them.”
The Grind and the Gratitude
Jurin’s journey to Anaheim 2 wasn’t easy. In the past, he’d show up “off the couch” and race. This year, he put in four days of riding total in California, on two separate trips, leading up to Anaheim 1. At Anaheim 1, Jurin got knocked out during a big crash in Qualifying 2. Round 2, in San Diego, he improved his results qualifying P25 and finishing the night P11 in the LCQ. With such little time to prepare I asked how is it possible to be ready, especially when so many riders like to blame bike setup as a monumental issue? “As long as it’s stiff and doesn’t kick, I can make it work,” he said.
So, is it grit? Perseverance? Talent? While Jurin’s career might not include red plates or factory contracts, it’s rich with lessons and memories. It’s a story of hard work and balancing acts that most will never experience.
“I’m stoked on the journey I’ve been on,” he said.
While he’s wrapping up what may be his final year, with Seattle, where it all started, becoming his final race, he has a lot to look back on and be thankful for. It does make you wonder a little bit what a guy with that much perseverance could’ve accomplished if ever given the chance with a factory bike or full time training. We may never know but I think it’s safe to say he wouldn’t change a thing. For Jurin, it’s always been about the journey—and the people who helped him along the way. “I’m grateful,” he said. “This is my way of saying thank you to everyone who’s been part of it.”
