Despite some good finishes in the early qualifiers, no one from District 23 made it to the Final in 1977. Things began to turn in 78. The first rider from D23 to break into the top five at the Nationals was not from Minnesota, but Wisconsin. Jeff Jacobson and J&J Motorsports were just over the border in New Richmond, but he was a District 23 guy through and through. Jacobson finished 5th overall in the 250cc class that year. All of the riders representing the district finished in the top twenty. Jeff Sorenson and Brady Jass were 10th and 17th respectively in the 250s, Chuck Partridge was 13th in Open, and Jack Lane III was 15th in the 125 class.

In 1979, Jake continued his ascent. He finished third in the 250cc National Final and won both 125 and 250 Expert titles back home, the first time that had been done. Only two other riders qualified for the Final, both in the 250 class. Jim Benolkin was 13th and Jeff Hahnen finished 17th. Benolkin did not have the early success or dominant years that his brother, Tom, or Jacobson had. An intermediate just two earlier, he logged countless hours honing his skills, riding every day possible, to steadily advance through the ranks.

Jeff Jacobson on the gas

Prior to Loretta Lynn's becoming the permanent home of the national finals in 1982, the Youth and Amateur Finals were separate events, and the races were held at different tracks each year. Spring Creek Park was chosen to be the site of the 1980 Final. Seeing how well Michigan riders did at Red Bud the previous year, Jacobson was among the favorites to win the 250 championship. But he was not the only one familiar with the Spring Creek track.

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