The Watercraft Journal: You’ve enjoyed a long career in jet ski racing and have the championships to prove it; what continues to push you to continue to compete when others don’t?
James Bushell: Yes, I have been racing for 15 years. I loved the sport from day one when my dad bought a jet ski, I wouldn’t get off it so he then went out and bought another for me. So it’s all down to him really why I got into the sport. I just love being in the water love the speed, and all the good times jet skiing brings. I love the sport and love winning – this is what drives me. I never give up and train hard to win.
WCJ: From your unique perspective as a world champion racer, what do you see that makes you enthusiastic/positive for the future of PWC racing?
JB: The adrenaline rush keeps me enthusiastic. The adrenaline starts for me being on the line with the best racers in the world, when the band snaps you calm down, apart from if I’m in the lead, there is no better feeling being in the lead at World Finals in Pro Runabout or at King’s Cup. I think that is what keeps me coming back racing because you can’t get that feeling any where in the world. Winning keeps me positive, also I would love to see the sport grow this keeps me positive for future. I see the growth at King’s Cup each year it gets bigger and better, also the U.S. Tour in 2013 was great and I am looking forward to seeing the world championship to see if they make it an awesome event. I think the sport is growing but there are too many organizations they all just need to pull together and make one big organization and grow and promote the sport.
WCJ: You have been partners with Sea-Doo for a long time now. Can you tell us how that partnership came about? What makes this relationship so important to 158 Performance?
JB: Yes I have worked with Sea-Doo since the start of my race career, this also helped me set up 158 performance, the largest Sea-Doo dealer in the UK (also Scarab distributed for UK and Spain, and Flyboard distributed for UK). We work with many racers and build a lot of race boats, we work alongside Sea-Doo Centre also building my race winning RXP-X SDC turbo shark. We can supply and race ready ski from stock to full-blown GP. BRP have the best products and the race results prove it.
WCJ: We’re excited to announce that you’ll be participating in the inaugural Pro Watercross World Championships! What can you tell us about what classes you are planning to race? (What classe(s), and what kind of PWC)?
JB: Yes, I am pleased to be coming to race; I raced the 2013 tour and was great loved the people and loved the racing. I would love to race the tour again. At a the World Championship race I will be working from Jason Russo trailer so I would like to thank him and Julian for sorting all of that out for me. I will be racing in Pro Open on my Sea-Doo Centre RXP-X. I think it is awesome that the race will be on CBS Sports, it’s just what the sport needs.
WCJ: What are some of the best techniques that you’ve found to prepare (both physically and mentally) for a race? Can you tell us a little bit of your training routine?
JB: I train in gym about 4 times a week get out on my bike, ride my Kommander stand up ski. 
Any training is good but I love getting out on my bike or stand up, I would love to practice on runabout more but to be honest my turbo boat uses too much fuel would be expensive training. As for mentally, just stay calm focused. I never “big myself up” like some racers, I just stay low key and get on with the job.
WCJ: After this month’s World Championships, what other events do you plan to race this year? Where else can we see you?
JB: I will go straight to World Finals and I thank Mike from Optimaracing.com who will be getting my ski to Havasu. From there I go on to Thailand. Thailand is one of my favorite places to race just love the atmosphere the trophies are awesome (if I’m lucky enough to win one). Thailand and Havasu are my favorite places, they have everything, weather, atmosphere, great waters and great racers.
WCJ: OK, here’s your chance for some shout-outs: Is there anyone that you’d like to thank?
JB: I would like to say big thanks to mum and dad, 158Performance, SB Components, Sea-Doo Centre, Jettribe, Blowsion, Jettrim, WORX, Kommander, and BRP! Thank you!
