Meet Jackson, JetRenu team rider and a racer vying for the Ironman ski title at the 2016 Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race. Learn more about Jackson, his sweet skis, and why he chooses to be a part of the Jet Ski world – no matter the dollar amount — in this interview brought to you by JetRenu.
Age: 24
Hometown: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Years Riding: 8
Years Racing: 4
Ski(s) of choice: X2, SuperJet, HX
Jackson, could you tell me a little about how you got involved in Jet Skiing and Jet Ski racing? What sparked that interest for you?
My dad and I moved to Havasu in 2008 and rented a pontoon boat and Jet Ski for a family trip up river, rode the ski and I got hooked. I went to see the IJSBA World Finals after that and met Pat Bogart and Michael Ratti, they needed a truck and I wanted in. I ended up bringing Ratti’s amateur freestyle ski down to the water for them in exchange for a pit pass. I met some other awesome people like Eric Francis and his father back when they were still racing two strokes, and I fell in love with the family and culture of the Jet Ski community. I picked up my first X2 that year and haven’t looked back since — best decision I ever made.
What have been some of your favorite memories or accomplishments during your time in the industry?
I would have to say making top 10 in Vintage X2 Open this last World Finals has by far been my biggest accomplishment. In the past 3 years I’ve had some bad luck at World Finals and bringing it together this year was a dream come true. I’m honestly just happy to have met and worked with so many amazing people in the industry like Josh Paddock, Rius, Matt Goade, Chris Hagest, Brock Austin, Brian Boell, Chris Steenbock, and Gary Hart.
I know you ride a few different skis, could you tell me about them? What’s under the hood of your machines?
First and foremost is my pride and joy, my 1994 Kawaski X-2, this ski has been with me for some time now and is by far my favorite. It’s an 800cc Kawasaki superstock that was ported by Ultimate Watercraft Performance. It has an MSD Total Loss ignition, ADA Racing head, Novi 48mm Twins, Boyseen Intake, TNT superstock Exhaust, custom HX waterbox, setback C57 pump conversion, with a Skat-Trak pump and impeller. This ski is absolutely nasty, I find it hard to believe that there’s anything left stock on this ski.
Next is my new found love, my 2015 Yamaha Superjet “Christine” named after the killer car in Steven King’s novel; I’ve only been riding this ski since October and it has already claimed my buddy Ryan Schebie’s femur and my ear drum. I haven’t had this ski long so there aren’t that many modifications yet… it has an RRP pole, Jettrim mat kit, rejetted stock carbs, Bullett Racing rideplate and a Skat-Trak impeller.
Finally is my newest build, my 1995 Sea Doo HX. This ski was my first Sport Spec boat, now being converted to a Sport GP with a carbon ATP hood, Stroker 720, MSD Total Loss ignition, Factory Pipe HX chamber with ECWI, twin Full Spectrum 48mm carbs, ADA head, and Skat Trak Mag 148mm pump. The ski hasn’t been finished yet, but should be pretty snappy out of the hole!
I also understand you’ve got mad respect for vintage X-2, what’s got you hooked on X-2s?
Being a Body Beach resident in the summertime, I have been witness to many of the industries top performing skis. The X2 that started it all out for me was Josh Paddock’s 750 X2, he let me ride it for a lap around the buoys and I was hooked. The power and handling like that of a motorcycle was exactly what I wanted out of a Jet Ski. I got his number and built my first X2 with him and Chris Hagest and started racing in 2012.
I heard you will be racing the Mark Hahn 300 mile endurance race this weekend, will you be on your X-2, or your other ski? What’s your game plan?
I’m going to be doing the Mark Hahn on my stock class Superjet competing as an Ironman. My friends have told me I am crazy and I am starting to think they are right, none the less I have decided to move forward with this game plan. I’m going to go out there Saturday and take it one lap and pitstop at a time and do my best.
How have you been preparing for the Mark Hahn?
I’ve been training the track for the Hahn since I picked up my Superjet in October and put myself out there on the windiest, and nastiest days I could find in preparation for this race. Being sick the 2 weeks prior to the Hahn has thrown a wrench in my training program, but I believe both myself and the ski should be ready come race day.
I also understand that you are a member of the JetRenu team, what is your go-to JetRenu product? Why do you like it?
I recently picked up JetRenu as a sponsor and have been working with their products since the IJSBA World Finals last year. Recently getting to know their product line, I have to say the JetRenu Pink+ is by far my go-to product for wiping down the ski after a ride at Body Beach, it works on water spots and cleans the entire ski up to a showroom quality in a few minutes. The other products are awesome as well and I have seen a great improvement in the finish of my ski over conventional cleaning products. I honestly can’t say enough about the company as both a sponsor and cleaning product.
What are your goals and plans for this season?
The goals I set for myself for 2016 are to attend the entire West Coast Tour closed course events as both a course marshal and competitor as well as attending some DJSA races, IJSBA World Finals and potentially going to King’s cup as either a supporter or entry in Sport GP.
What do you love most about Jet Ski racing?
The people, I have never been involved in any sporting community with a greater sense of family or camaraderie than the Jet Ski industry. Being based out of Lake Havasu, I have been blessed with being raised in Jet Ski mecca. The greatest racers in the world come to my town to train and so many of them are humble and would give the shirt of their back to help one another. That is what keeps me coming back to jet ski racing. One day I sat down with my dad and did the math on how much I spend on Jet Skis annually, he just about choked and asked if I’d do it again knowing that number; my only thought was in a heartbeat.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I wouldn’t be racing without my sponsors JRod Racing, Jettrim, JetPilot, JetRenu, C57Racing, Ultimate Watercraft Performance, Hill Racing, Gasket Technologies, Miracle Racing, WestSide Powersports, Master Graphics, XScream, ODI, B-Rock USA, Dr. Dirt.
I’d also like to thank my Mom & Dad and my entire family for supporting and cheering me on. Jeff, Rene and Tyler Hill for being like a second family to me. Brock, Bill and Kary Austin for putting up with my shenanigans and always being great company. Bill, Leeann, and Taylor Miracle for being such great hosts and amazing supporters. Christopher Steenbock my main budd, thanks for always having my back thick and thin and pushing me to be my best. Josh Paddock and Matthew Goade for being amazing friends and helping me keep the dream alive, you guys are my motivation to keep moving forward. Kelly, Frank, Dean, Laura, Andre and the rest of the Jettrim crew you guys are my second biggest cheerleaders.
