Motor Action Media interviews up-and-coming pro racer, Josh Block.
Motor Action Media: So Josh, how did you get involved in racing?
My dad used to race in his early 20s, but he quit when I was born because it cost too much money. When I turned 11 my dad got a call from a race promoter and found out they had started a 10-12 age group class. My dad got me a Kawasaki SXR and I have been racing ever since.
MAM: Who is your inspiration or role model?
My role model and inspiration has to be both Jeff Jacobs and Chris MacClugage. Jeff Jacobs was the best stand up jetski racer of all time and I talk to him every year at the World Finals. Chris MacClugage is the best overall PWC racer. He can win on anything, stand up, sport or sit down. Chris sponsors me and I am very grateful for that.
MAM: How do you train for Jet Ski racing?
I workout at a gym with my personal trainer 3 times a week in the Winter. Once I start riding I drop down to two days a week and ride almost every day. I also run and do small workouts at home on random days.
I heard you had your own Juniors clinic in Canada – how did that go?
The clinic was awesome! 24 kids attended, 4 of them had never raced before. The clinic was on a Friday before the races. The first thing we went over were the basics: like switching feet, taking the best racing lines, and how to properly start at the staring line. Then I took them to the starting line and practiced starts with them. I held for each Junior and then did full starts by having them take off 10 at a time. I set up a special buoy that the kids had to go around a certain way so they don’t leave the inside open and make the track a shorter distance. I rode with them around the course to show them the course and watch them up close for personal advice. At the end everyone came back on the beach and I had swag bags for participating an answered any questions the kids had. I’d like to thank everyone who helped me with the clinic, Ray Proulx, Amy Green and my family. I would also like to thank my sponsors, Yamaha, Hot Products, Wiseco Pistons, Trinity and Hydro Turf for donating to the swag bags.
Is there anything else you want everyone to know?
I would not be able to do this without my family. My dad is the master mechanic, my sister is a mechanic and a photographer, my mom is the glue – she keeps us all working together and makes food for us. I would also like to thank all my sponsors for helping me get this far and supporting me: Yamaha, Rick Roy Products, Hot Products, ADA Racing, ETS Racing Fuel, Trinity Composites, Fly Racing, Wiseco, Macc Racing, Judge Motorsports, Jet Dynamics, Hydro Turf and LG1 Designs.
Are you a Josh Block fan? Check out his Facebook page.