Motor Action Media interviews the industry’s funniest and goofiest runabout World Champion, the South African powerhouse, Jared Moore.
Motor Action Media: Jared, you have really blown up runabout racing here lately. Could you tell me how you got involved in the personal watercraft scene?
My dad and uncles raced F1 powerboats, so I grew up around racing and naturally started racing small juniors boats when I was 10 years old, then moved up to F1 when I was 15. I raced my first jet ski race when I was 14 and it was on a Tiger Shark 770cc.
MAM: I have watched you race many times, and I have to say it is very impressive. Your ski is like a rocket, how have you learned to hang on to and race such a fast ski so well?
Mostly it is all in the hull and the team at Seadoo Centre got all of it right. When a ski handles well its easy to ride. They have made a seat that holds us on the ski and we put foot lockers on the outside of our feet so our legs can be pulled down to keep us on the ski. It also helps a little to do some training.
MAM: Do you have any tips for someone who might be interested in racing runabouts?
Just ride, its the best way to learn. its even better if the water is rough and hurricane conditions.
MAM: I heard that you have switched to a Yamaha FZR, could you tell me about this new ski you are racing? What do you like about it?
I will not be doing much international racing this year, so I am mainly racing here in the SA. Yamaha SA is really supportive of our local racing and I am glad to take on the challenge of a whole new ski for me. The Yamaha FZR with its 1800 cc motor is crazy fast out the box and will be hard to beat.
MAM: Last season you travelled and competed on the National Tour with Team Kommander and team Rockstar Energy South Africa, what are your plans for this season?
Last year was a dream come true racing the tour, I had a lot of silly things go wrong but that is racing. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Team Kommander, Dustin (my fat brother) and Steve (my really old brother). It was a lot flying back and forward last year (296 hours) and I would love to do it again but will not be doing much international racing this year.
MAM: You are arguably one of the most fun and goofy guys at the races, how do you transition from joking to getting serious on the track?
If you aren’t having fun then its not worth doing. I don’t think I get that serious before a race, I’ve been racing for a while and I know what has to be done. I enjoy racing and want to win because losing is not fun.
MAM: I understand that along with the help of people like Steve Webster and Dustin Motzouris, you actually work on your own machines. Do you think that working on your own machines gives you an advantage over other racers?
I think working on your own ski is a good and bad thing. Really good when setting up your ski and helps when there is a problem, you’ll know straight away what wrong with the ski. And bad, because you have no time to rest and when your stuff breaks there is no one else to blame but you.
MAM:You raced a stand up once or twice last season didn’t you? Are we ever going to see Jared Moore switch to the stand up division entirely?
No don’t think so, they don’t even have a seat. And way to much work.
MAM: What do you love most about racing in the Runabout class?
The seat. The power sit downs have and fine tuning them to handle better is what I love.
MAM: Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I’d like to thanks my dogs and unborn children for all the moral support. Just kidding they don’t support me. I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and Team Kommander for all their help.