Slovenian rider Jan Pancar is the definition of a true privateer – no big rig, no endless parts budget, and no team of staff working around the clock on race weekends. Just him, his dad, a camper van, a trailer, and a heap of determination. Together, they follow the MXGP calendar around the globe, chasing the dream.

For those unfamiliar with the inner workings of MXGP, riders don’t get paid directly based on their race results – making it even harder for privateers like the Pancar family to stay in the fight. Despite the financial and logistical disadvantages, nothing has stopped them from chasing the dream. After showing flashes of serious speed throughout the season, Pancar delivered a breakout performance at the MXGP of Czechia, securing his first-ever top-three race finish while going bar-to-bar with high-paid factory riders.

“I mean, I had the speed already all season” he said, when asked about his third place finish in Loket. “If people notice the Time Practice or Free Practice, I was many times in the top-five. I’ve been struggling with the starts and the first few laps with speed, and yeah I changed some little things on the start and today was two good starts. That’s why I was in front, the speed is there to beat the top-five guys, I just need to continue working to get the starts I need to be at the front.”

At only 25 years old, Pancar certainly has a mature head on his shoulders. Despite being well aware of the challenges he faces each weekend due to limited resources, he refuses to use them as an excuse. He backs his talent instead of searching for reasons why he isn’t succeeding – and while the ultimate goal is to secure a full factory-supported ride, he knows that such opportunities don’t come easily.

“Yeah we can say it is a bit frustrating but it isn’t easy to get on a full factory seat you know? I mean, it is a bit on me, of course I have the speed but the results down’t show it because of my starts. If you start 15 to 20 (position), it is almost impossible to through to the top-five – but today I showed if I start in the front, I can be there; even in Teutschenthal, I started around third and I finished fourth so yeah I hope the teams see that!”

The Pancar family are a true testament to the passion that drives motocross. Although the sport may be relatively small in the grand scheme of things, they embody the true privateer work ethic – building season by season to push Jan closer to factory contention. His dad balances a full-time job with traveling to the races and preparing the bikes each weekend, while Jan does everything he can to tick all the boxes required to compete at the highest level in one of the most physically demanding sports on the planet.

“It’s mainly just plugging away to do as good as possible” he reflected, when asked about any expectations for the remaining six rounds. “Of course, it would be nice to be at least top-ten you know, but it’s not a main thing I look for, it’s just about getting good results and hopefully someone will notice me.”

Check out the full interview with Jan from the Cult Moto Post Race podcast show below!