MotorActionMedia.com interviews Kedric Bayles — a JetRenu athlete — who plans to make a big come back in 2017.
Kedric, could you tell me a little about how you got involved in Jet Ski racing?
I started racing when I was 15 years old. I worked in a restaurant in Blanding, Utah. One day a dear friend of mine who was also an owner of the restaurant, “Kim Acton” showed up with a 650SXR in the back of his truck bed. That afternoon after work we went to Recapture dam to try it out. I’ll just put it this way, I was immediately hooked! Kim told me that he knew somebody from our neighboring town Monticello, Utah, who raced jet skis. His name was “Richey Black.” We became quick friends and started racing in Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. Soon another one of my friends Jet Christiansen, from Blanding also got a ski, and the 3 of us set up a buoy course at the local damn, we practiced and raced as much as we could. I really miss those days, great memories! Kim Acton later passed away in a plane crash along with my brother Brian Bayles. Some of my career highlights Growing up, I was inspired by watching the National tour every weekend and heading to IJSBA World Finals every October as a spectator. The Kings Cup was a dream. I raced the Pro WaterCross National Tour, it came down to the last race for a National Title and it was incredible. I ended up 2nd overall and was beyond happy. And then a podium finish at Kings Cup in Thailand, it was something I would’ve never imagined, racing World Finals is very special to me. One thing I’ve always said, I’m just happy to be on the line!!!
What classes do you race? What are your skis of choice?
Am-Ski Limited most of the time. I have raced in Stock class, and in Open. Skis of choice? It’s actually “Ski” singular 😢. I have always been a huge Kawasaki fan. My engine was built by Go Fast US/Christophe Girello. It’s an 825 Limited, basically all ADA Racing as far as the engine, RRP pole, Factory Dry Pipe, handling by Bullett racing, Novi-Carbs, with a few little “Secrets”.
How has your season been so far? What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Unfortunately this season I have been unable to race due to an injury to my knee, however my goal for the 2017 season is to race “The New, “West Coast Tour!!!”, World finals, and Kings Cup.
Who are your biggest role models within the racing community, and why?
Hands down the people I have spent the most time with racing. Kyle Araiza and Brock Austin. Both world champions and good friends, they have taught me a lot. Eddie Araiza, and Bill Austin have always been amazing holders for me, Kary Austin and Denise Araiza are incredible. When you live in another country the logistics of racing can get a little tricky. They have always been there coordinating flights, transporting my Ski all over the country, picking me up at the airport, making sure I have food, and the list goes on. Truly two amazing JetSki families.
How do you train for racing?
Training is difficult, due to the fact that my race Ski is in the US and I live in Mexico. The short time it was here in Cabo, I used an empty milk jug as a buoy. Since I am not allowed to drop buoys in the bay. So basically I would just come at the milk jug at different speeds and at different angles. I do a lot of CrossFit, and Spinning. Spinning is the only way I know of to get my heart rate up to race conditions. However after world finals, my ski is coming back to Mexico so I can get water time and I’m hoping to have a “GP” boat built for the 2017 Season.
What do you love most about racing?
Nothing better than a Start. The butterflies and adrenaline as you’re heading to the line. The incredibly loud sound of multiple skis firing up when the whistle blows. The smell of race fuel! And of course being rail to rail heading to the first turn on something that accelerates from 0 to 60 in barely over 2 seconds!
I understand that you are sponsored by Jet Renu. What are your favorite Jet Renu products, what do you use them for?
My favorite Jet Renu products are “Red” Water-Spot Remover, I have never seen anything take off water spots like that before. Pink Quick Shine makes the Ski look brand new every time! I’m really excited to start using Renu Shield seeing how my ski is going to spend a lot of time in the Sea of Cortez.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I truly love this sport very much and I’m thankful to the people that make it possible for racers like myself to do what we enjoy doing!
Please feel free to thank your family, friends, and sponsors.
Of course I could do none of this without the support of my sponsors and family. So thank you so much to #JetRenu, #RynoPower, #GoFast and to the Austin and Araiza families.
This article was brought to you by JetRenu.