In 2017, Jared Mees dominated like few have dominated in Grand National Championship history. No one, including Mees himself, figured he could repeat the feat. It’s just insanely difficult to do, even for guys like Carr, Parker and Graham, Hall Of Famers all.

But it’s happened. With 10 wins and 13 podiums so far this season, Mees clinched his fifth Grand National Championship title in runaway fashion, and did so with three races to go, one less than it took him last year.

Mees wrapped up the 2018 AFT Twins presented by Vance & Hines championship at last weekend’s Springfield Mile II. He didn’t win, losing to teammate Bryan Smith by 0.013 seconds, but the smile on his face – and on the faces of his entire crew – told the story.

We caught up with Mees on Tuesday following Springfield to see how he was feeling about his accomplishment. The champ was honest yet measured, as he often is, but clearly energized by what he and his crew were able to accomplish this season.

Congratulations, Jared. Once again you are a Grand National Champion. How do things feel a few days removed from Springfield?

We were three inches short of win and I’m a little bummed about it. Losing by a few inches is a bummer.

You’ve been dominant pretty much all season long, with 10 wins, 13 podiums and a whopping point lead. What made the difference?

We went to every race with mindset of winning, and we were able to get job done a lot this year. For us, a bad day was 2^nd place and a terrible day was 4^th, so that’s what did the job. That, and other riders not being as consistent, helped. Guys finishing second in one race would end up outside the top ten in other races.

After last year’s also-dominant performance, what motivated you to continue winning at such a furious pace?

I just hate to lose; the only thing to do besides lose is win. I hate losing more than I like winning, if that makes any sense. My job is to go to the track and win, and I’m motivated to be perfect at my job.

What is your motivation and where do your set your sights for the rest of the season now that you’ve already clinched the title?

 I’d like to win the last three rounds; it would be awesome to match or break the record for most wins in the season.

Celebrating with wife Nichole and daughter Hayden - and the #1 plate - on the Springfield podium Saturday afternoon.

Talk about Kenny Tolbert and your crew…

Those guys are the ones that make it happen. Tolbert has been around for a long time and is incredibly knowledgable. Another guy who works his butt off and maybe doesn’t always get the credit he deserves is Bubba Bentley. Some days I think that if there’s ever a day where I’d have to go racing with just one guy, I’d pick Bubba because he’s such a hard worker and has been on it all year long. He’s always on top of things and really well-rounded. Jimmy Wood, my suspension tech, flies in for all my races. He’s not just good at suspension, he is very good with overall set up for the races and being a hand when Kenny and Bubba need it. Those guys are always there to help one another when one is behind or needs something. Everybody knows what his job is and does it well. My guys get the job done, and get it done consistently.

You said on the podium you wouldn’t change a thing regarding your last lap strategy at Springfield (leading coming off turn four and having enough of a drive to win). Did you know it would be Bryan who’d be closest, or?

I knew it was Bryan. He seemed to struggle early, but knowing Bryan and knowing Springfield, I knew it would be him. I now know that next year Bryan is the one to beat, as well. Not only is he a good miler, but he is a veteran; he has experience, especially when it comes to strategy in drafting. For example, in the spring Jeffrey Carver Jr. had no strategy except to run away and hide. He burned it in beginning and left us, but didn’t need drafting strategy. That doesn’t pay off in the drafting war; Bryan is toughest to beat in that scenario.

Mees (1), Carver Jr. (23), Smith (4) and Bauman (14) ran like this for much of the Springfield Mile II Main event. Thrilling doesn't even come close.

Carver Jr. was probably your toughest competition all year. How do you view him and his efforts this season?

He’s done well, winning Springfield and being on the podium a few times. He gave me a fit in Calistoga and Black Hills. He has definitely been my toughest competitor.

Tell us how your family impacts your racing effort, your mindset and your drive?

Obviously, I owe a big thank you to Nichole. She understands my routine during the week to be prepared for the races. I’d say she’s got the toughest job; sometimes I wish I could help and be there more, but she’s a strong chick and understands what it takes for me to go out there and win. Hayden is an awesome little girl, but she’s almost 1 and a half, and everyone knows what comes with that age. Nichole is there to take care of Hayden when she may be crying at night, and she lets me rest and prepare to race, so she is a huge part of what allows me to perform well at the track.

Mees, lining up for the Main sandwiched by Bauman (left) and Kenny Coolbeth Jr. (2).

You obviously train hard and eat well. Talk to us about your program.

I follow a structured weekly program and have a team that looks over what I do and they guide me with the program. Over the years I’ve learned and now understand what my body likes and found a regimen that works for me. I think it’s most important for people to not so much listen to what others tell them to do, but moreso what makes their bodies function properly.

The Springfield fans are on their feet as the Springfield Express freight train roars by again. The sound was awesome.

Your Atlanta DQ for a non-legal tire could have been a setback in more than one way, but you put that to rest quickly with a win at Texas Motor Speedway. Did you feel pressure in race #3?

No, I was mostly just bitter, because I don’t understand what happened, and would love to. I am still caught off guard by that. I was bitter that it happened and the aftermath of people accusing me of cheating. Obviously, I was thinking that it wasn’t the case and afterward I was ready to prove it, and then I won next four races in a row, so...

High points and low points this year?

Highest: Getting the 10 wins and winning at the X Games

Lowest: My performance at Peoria and watching/learning of Brad Baker’s injury.

You gotta believe there's a ton of respect in that handshake.

What’s your contract situation for 2019 and beyond? How many more years do you see yourself racing like this?

I will remain with Indian. I’m only 32, so I will go as long as I can until I can’t win anymore. As long as I am still competitive, can make a living and have fun, I’ll still be racing. I train and eat right, and I think that will buy me a couple more years. You know, the mid- to upper-30s may have some people on the other side of their prime, but with what I’m doing hopefully I can stay competitive longer. 

What does Jared Mees do in his spare time? Moto? Mountain bikes? 

Moto and mountain biking are both training and part of the regimen. I enjoy hanging with Hayden and Nichole and having family time where I can. I’d have to say that I enjoy fishing, although I haven’t fished in a while. Enjoy waking up every day and trying to be better on the track. If I feel like I’ve accomplished that each day, then I spend my time with my family. I’m obviously wrapped up in what I do.

Who were your heroes growing up?

Will Davis was someone I looked up to a lot when I was young. Nicky Hayden and I were young at the same time, but I watched what he did and followed his journey as he became a road racer. Nicky was a great American ambassador for the sport.

I wouldn’t say I looked up to him, but I always followed and paid attention to what Chris Carr was doing. I watched and listened when he was doing his thing. I found out as much as I could about him; he was the man when I was coming up.

Scott Parker is known as one of the best. I didn’t really get to know him until I moved to Michigan, but he is a great guy and I now I consider him a great friend. I’ve always respected his accomplishments and would be lying if I said I didn’t want what he has done and will work very hard to get it.

I’d like to also thank the entire Indian Motorcycle team and the team at S&S Cycles for the support, as well as Craig Rogers and SDI Insulation and all of my supporters. Big hats off to my entire team, including Nichole. I couldn’t do it without them!

2018, like 2017, was a Very Good Year for Indian Motorcycle and the Jared Mees crew.