Jason Isley is a southern Californian from the San Diego Region SCCA. He competed this year as he has in recent years driving a 2005 Mazda RX-8 on Kumho V710 tires. While many have forsaken their Kumho’s for that ‘other’ tire Jason remained committed to the one that brung him to the dance…
RR: Is this your first attendance at Nationals?
JI: No.
RR: If not, how many times have you attended?
JI: This was my 11th trip to Nationals.
RR: Is this your first national championship?
JI: No. I have won four National Championships in a row, all in B Stock driving the same car; 2005, 2006, 2007 and now 2008.
RR: What was your favorite memory of the competition?
JI: I loved the East Course, super busy, and a great mix of elements. The competition, it is the only time all year that you have all the top drivers in one place – to me no other event measures up.
RR: What do you think was your key to success?
JI: I just try to keep it simple and focus on driving.
RR: Who has most influenced you?
JI: My wife Jennifer, she is very driven.
RR: Who inspires you?
JI: Our daughter Jessica, at 3 yrs old everything is new for her, it is cool to see her discover and experience things for the first time.
RR: Do you have any special pre-race routine, or any superstitions you follow?
JI: Not so much, check the oil (rotaries are known for using more than normal), fuel and air in the tires.
RR: Do you have any driving aids or tools you use to help you?
JI: I have a Max Q Data and GoPro video camera, but I only use them at local events, I don’t want the distraction at Nationals. This year I had a co-driver at Nationals for the first time in years (Mike Bronson), and he wanted to use his ChaseCam and Max Q Data. I told him no problem, as long as I don’t have to mess with anything – he took care of it all, and was great to co-drive with.
RR: What do you think you do differently than your competition?
JI: I don’t touch the car at Nationals. If you are still working on your setup between runs, it is way too late. We actually have not changed a thing since the first Championship in 2005 at Forbes Field, we have been fortunate that the setup works pretty good everywhere, so we have been able to just focus on driving better.
RR: Have you attended any driving school?
JI: Nothing formal, I just did my local autocross school when I started out. It was actually with our Corvette Club, and SCCA Champ Tom Kotzian was one of our members and chief instructor.
RR: Describe your driving style.
JI: I’m not sure how I could label my style, right or wrong, I just go as fast as I can.
RR: What was your first –and favorite autocross car?
JI: First was my 86’ Corvette, ran Super Stock back in 1993. Favorite has got to be the RX-8; it drives itself, and wins.
RR: If you could change one Solo rule – either for your specific class or in general — what would it be?
JI:Â In a misguided cost cutting attempt I would restrict non-OE shocks in stock class to single adjustable.
RR: Who would you like to thank for your success?
JI: Jennifer, it’s really her car after all. Kumho Tires, Mazdaspeed and Pure Power Lubricants have all been great supporters in their own way. SportsCar magazine, for giving me an opportunity to turn this silly hobby into a job.
Photos courtesy of www.gotcone.com
For copies of photos email me at david @ evorticity.com
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