Jake Weimer, a 24-year-old who grew up in Rupert, finished fifth and second in the season's first two races. On his Kawasaki KX 450F, he's currently in fourth place in the season standings heading into Saturday night's race in Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium.

Weimer's prospects for a strong 2012 season with his team, Monster Energy Kawasaki, look bright now, but that wasn't always the case. A crash two years ago during practice resulted in a broken arm after he flipped over the bike's bars, forcing him out of nearly the entire 2011 season.

"I was out for a while and then I came back and I really struggled," Weimer said. "It wasn't going how I wanted it to go -- my results were struggling, my confidence, the whole thing.

"The biggest thing, for sure, was confidence."

During the 2011 offseason, Weimer committed to mentally preparing himself for a breakout year with a mantra instilled in him by his father, Jason.

"Growing up, even as a little kid, my dad's been a huge influence," Weimer said. "He's one of the guys that (believes) 'You don't quit -- ever. It doesn't matter what you're doing.' I just worked harder than I've ever worked and made a decision that I wanted to get back to where I thought I could be."

Weimer's confidence regenerated gradually. He again feels capable of realizing both of his goals: finishing on the podium every week and winning races.

"It was definitely a long process that was not easy, and it's been nice to kind of get it back together," Weimer said. "Through the whole process, I've just been taking baby steps and trying to surround myself with good people and people that believe in me, and that for sure has made a difference."