All Season, Every Season
This is another sub-installment in the Watercross Season we will be following this summer. Please check the Category: Watercross 2017 Season to read the full series.
We sat down with Korey 'KJ' Johnson to get a better look into his life as a racer. During this interview we learned that KJ is far more than just a watercross racer; he is proficient in every sanction of snowmobile racing there is.
Rookie Season; how are you feeling about it thus far?
In the words of Korey, "we've faced a lot of adversity this season. From sled problems to my own errors. Were hoping for improvement." KJ and his friend Jon Bischoff built this sled in roughly a month and so the whole season has been a learning process. KJ states that he's had to rebuild the sled after burning it down in Menomonie and is ready for Grantsburg. KJ said, "there are positives and negatives to bringing a freshly built sled to Grantsburg; on one hand, if it all goes well, we've got the best stage to debut it at. If it doesn't go well, we're debuting at Grantsburg." KJ has faith that his sled is going to do what it is supposed to; he is confident in his rebuild and he says the biggest part now is overcoming that learning curve.
Is watercross something you've always been interested in or did you recently just gain interest?
"A few years back a buddy of mine did videos for a racer and so I started showing up to watch them too. Last year I decided to give the Novice race in Hibbing a try and borrowed my buddy Champa's sled. It was an awesome race and that's when I decided to start modifying a sled," KJ said.
Tell us about Team JBR; what sports do you all participate in as a team? What do you personally participate in?
Team JBR began between KJ and a fellow racer. Originally, they were in just Hill Climb races but they've branched to everything from Snocoss to Cross Country snowmobile races. Team JBR has qualified the past two years for the World Championship of Hill Climb races and they've taken on an additional racer this year. KJ personally has participated in every sanction of snowmobile racing there is to offer over his years of racing.
How is watercross different from winter sled races?
Watercross compared to other races is virtually the same reaction according to KJ; the difference comes in the consequences of that reaction. Additionally, the learning curve that is presented in watrercross is often where to place your body. For instance, when hill climbing, KJ wants to have his body forward, versus in watercross he wants to have his body back. KJ also stated that you can't just slam on the breaks or slow down too much because you'll sink and you can't take super sharp turns because you risk burying your sled under the wake and causing damage or sinking.
What would you consider to be a successful season or what are your goals for the remainder of this season?
"For my rookie year I plan to be all of the remaining races, I still want to continue to triumph the learning curve and progress my own personal skills. We want to come back next year and hit it hard," said KJ.
How do you prepare for a race weekend: physically, mentally, and mechanically? How does this differ from winter sled racing?
"The change isn't really too different. I don't have to psych myself into a race, I've been in pro-class disciplines for hill climb races for 4 years not, racing for 14 years, and been on sled since 16 years old," KJ said.
Do you have any sponsors or specific people you would like to thank?
KJ would like to extend thanks to his partner in watercross who helped make his season possible, Jon Bischoff. He also wants to thank Fly Racing, Triple 9 Optics, Ride Minnesota, and his girlfriend Angela.
Do you have any sports you like to watch?
KJ states he really enjoys anything involving a snowmobile, hockey, and golf to wind down.
What do you consider the most challenging aspect of watercross?
"Definitely not sinking," KJ said with a laugh. He says it's been a big learning experience as a rookie to understand all the mechanical aspects this sport demands. Unlike in Hill Climb where you have sleds specifically build for the sport; in watercross you really have to fly by the seat of your pants to see what works for you mechanically.
Any breakthroughs that you are proud of this season?
"Definitely proud about how we ran at Menomonie; despite burning the sled down, it was running mechanically well until I had a driver error and soaked the clutch." KJ said.
We finished up the interview with KJ who seemed optimistic about the remainder of the season and looks forward to Grantsburg. Thank you to KJ for taking the time to sit down with us and provide us some insight on his rookie season. Look for KJ and our other racers this weekend in Grantsburg.