Personal History
Brothers Jet (12) and Jaiden (9) Takkunen are motocross racers who grew up in Africa and are starting their racing careers in the US. They are both American and Finnish citizens who were born in Kenya, Africa and raced in Kenya from the age of 5. They have been fortunate to travel and see the world at an early age, including racing dirt bikes in six different countries. They moved to Raleigh, NC in August 2017 and are on a road to Loretta Lynn’s in 2018.
The boys both began riding at the age of 3, and racing competitively at the age of 5. From humble beginnings, the boys have worked hard to improve their riding and have enjoyed success at an early age in Kenyan motocross. Moving to the US has been an opportunity to get into a much
more competitive motocross scene as well as to experience many different and well designed and prepped riding facilities. Some of their favorite tracks in the US include Ball Creek MX , North Carolina Motorsports Park and ClubMX Practice Facility.
Jaiden and his brother Jet train with their dad every weekend on the bike at the track. School holidays are usually spent at the track training. They also jog and workout to keep fit in this very physical sport. Their training focuses on 1) Physical Fitness 2) Technical Skills 3) Mental Preparation and 4) Nutrition. They have also been able to train with Daniel and Kai Sedlak from Sedlak Offroad School.
Jaiden is a 4th grade student at Leesville Road Elementary School. Jaiden achieves good grades and enjoys Health and Fitness and playing sports with his friends at school. Jaiden also played on school teams in Kenya. He liked rugby and cross country, but was also very involved in music and theater. Jaiden is a talented drummer, plays the guitar, sings and enjoys participating in theater productions. Jaiden’s favorite food is Ethiopian food.
Riding Goals
Jaiden's goal in 2018 is to gain experience in a more competitive racing scene in the US, having come from Kenya. His ultimate goal for the year is to qualify for Loretta Lynn's National Amateur Championships.
Competitive Highlights
2017
• AMA D29 NCMP, 65 7-11, 2nd place | 65 7-9, 2nd place
• Lake Sugar Tree Halloween Bash SX, 65 7-9 1st place | 65 7-11 3rd place
• Kenya National Motocross Championship MX65, points leader when he left the country
2016
• Kenya National Motocross Championship MX65, 3rd place
• Central Africa Motocross Champion MX50
• Africa Continental Championship MX50, 3rd place
2015
• Kenya National Motocross Champion MX50
• Africa Continental Championship MX50, 11th place. Zimbabwe
2014
• Kenya National Motocross Champion MX50, 3rd place