MotorActionMedia.com is always looking for passionate, driven athletes as a part of the #DrivenByPassion series, presented by ProWatercraftRacing.com. This guy started from the bottom in the novice class, and has worked tirelessly to make his way to the top; Jimmy Wilson had one of his most successful seasons at the Pro Ski level, and MotorActionMedia.com got all the details.
Jimmy, you have quickly risen to the pro ranks as a U.S. favorite. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy getting here. Could you tell me a little about your journey this far?
I started racing in 2005. 2006 I won my first world title in novice ski limited and placed 3rd in novice ski stock. In 2007 I won my 2nd world title in amateur ski lites then I moved up to the pro ranks and I have been on the hunt for a podium in pro ski open ever since then. At one point a few years ago I almost gave up on racing due to a very unfortunate year of racing but thanks to Tim Judge, Joey and Scott Mckenna for putting together a great ski for me and now we have grown into one of the sports top teams.
I’m sure you have ridden a lot of different skis during your career, what are you riding right now?
I am riding a Judge Motorsports/JAM Racing built SXR 1100 and a stock class Yamaha Superjet. We use ProWatercraftRacing.com front sponsons on all of our skis to make them grip harder in turns and allows for more straight line stability. We also use their chin pads on all of our skis and we have been doing a lot of testing with the new FLEX yamaha superjet ride plate.
How have those ProWatercraftRacing.com handling components affected your riding?
These ProWatercraftRacing.com products have allowed me to push my riding to an entire new level. Our skis enter and exit turns with ease and have tons of grip from the front to the rear of the ski. The straight line stability of these products is unbelievable even at the speeds we run in the Ski GP classes. Honestly these products could be for anyone. These products could be used from the surf rider to the person who wants to cruise around the lake having fun and anything in between.
WHAT SET UP DOES JIMMY RUN?
–PRO WATERCRAFT FRONT SPONSONS
–PRO WATERCRAFT T2 HFC RIDE PLATE
You had some great success at the races you went to this season. Could you give me a rundown of how your season was overall?
Overall this season was one of the best we have ever had. I wasn’t able to make all of the races I wanted to but the ones we were able to race were a huge success. I had the least amount of time on my skis this year but my training program was a huge reason we were able to finish off the seasons with a couple big wins in Charleston WV and a huge race in Naples FL. I didn’t win in Naples but we had great starts all weekend and lead a lot of laps but unfortunately missed a buoy with like 2 laps to go.
What are your plans for next season?
Next season we will be doing some racing but we have not decided exactly what we are going to do yet. We will probably hit most of the Pro Watercross tour and we will be in Havasu for the IJSBA World Finals for sure.
Congrats on the little guy, do you think we will be seeing him on a ski someday?
I hope we will see my son on a ski in the near future. I will give him every opportunity to race jet skis if he wants but if he is not interested in them then I will not push them on him. My wife and I will give him the opportunity to try out as much stuff as he wants so that he can figure out what he likes to do.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to win a Pro Ski World Title. I have been working hard over the last couple of years to put together a program on and off the water to help prepare myself for this and I feel we will see some great results in the near future!
Do you think it is important for a Jet Ski racer to have passion, why?
It is for sure! Passion is something you need in your life not just jet skiing. If you want to succeed in anything you have to have passion. I mean you have to work hard in life to have the opportunity to do stuff like this. You have to go to school and get good grades, take care of your home life with family and friends, work a job or two to help pay for everything and you have to have time to train on top of everything else your doing. So if you are not passionate about this then its easy to quit or not give it 100%. I just want everyone to remember jet skiing is fun and you need to always try to make it fun.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I really want to thank my wife Julianne and my parents. They have helped realize how to balance everything in life and still give everything I have to my goal of being the best in our sport. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way: Judge Motorsports, JAM Racing, IPD Graphics, ADA Racing, Jettrim, ProWatercraftRacing.com, Hidden Trails Motorsports, Broward Motorsports, Amsoil, Fly Racing, Frowerx, Ben Swanson, Hot Products, OptimaRacing.com, Burn Industries, Hurricane Racing.
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