This photo of Jody was only taken a few month before his stroke. Once a racer always a racer.

By Tim Olson

Since 1977, Jody Weisel has been more than the lifeblood of Motocross Action Magazine—he is its conscience, its sharp wit and the beating heart of an entire sport. For nearly five decades, Jody has dedicated his life to a singular, unyielding mission: protecting and championing the everyday racer. He knows what it takes to wake up before dawn, load a beat-up truck, pay an entry fee with hard-earned money and wait on a cold starting line for the love of two wheels and the drop of a gate. Jody believes with every fiber of his being that racers deserve the unvarnished truth, whether it’s about a factory flaw, an overhyped part or a bike that simply isn’t ready for the track.

Inside Jody’s famous barn, where motocross history fills every corner.

He doesn’t flinch. He doesn’t bow to advertising dollars, corporate pressure or the fragile egos of motorcycle manufacturers. If an engine bogs, a frame cracks or a component fails the working man, Jody says so plainly and fearlessly in black and white. Because of that relentless integrity, Motocross Action is far more than a monthly publication; it is the “Bible” of motocross, trusted by generations of riders who turn to Jody’s guidance before spending their hard-earned money on their passion.

Jody and his wife, Sally, known to MXA readers as “Lovely Louella.”

A few weeks ago, Jody suffered a serious stroke—a sudden, life-altering event that has profoundly changed the world for him and those closest to him. Most of all, it has changed daily life for his beloved wife, Sally, cherished by readers for decades as Jody’s devoted “Lovely Louella.” Behind every column, every late night at the keyboard and every test session in the Glen Helen dust, Sally has been his anchor, his partner and his greatest source of grace.

Jody receiving the Edison Dye award in 2018.

To Jody, the global motocross community is more than a readership—it is his extended family, bound together by premix, bruised knuckles and mutual respect. Today, that family needs to stand shoulder to shoulder for him. We are asking the thousands of riders, mechanics, industry friends and devoted readers whose lives have been touched by his words to wrap Jody and Louella in love, strength, comfort and prayers. Jody has spent nearly fifty years fighting on our behalf; now it is our turn to lift him up as he faces the day-by-day challenges of recovery and rehabilitation.

Jody with Roger DeCoster.

Jody’s wisdom, values and uncompromising standards are stitched into the very fabric of Motocross Action. While his desk is quiet for now, the team he built continues to uphold the truth and passion he stands for. Above all the magazines, track designs and stories, our focus is on Jody and his family. We stand beside you, Jody, and we are with you every step of the way.