Pro Freestyle Rider Jeremy Parr Leads IJSBA National Tour
- 17 Aug 2010
"It's hard to pinpoint any one thing from NASA that has helped me, but as I look back, I can see how it has had a definite impact on jet skiing and my life in general," reflects Parr. Parr works as a Mechanical Engineer in the Prototype Development Branch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and he says working there has opened his eyes to the worlds of possibilities for new designs and problem solving techniques. "I can assure that I don't accept problems at face value any longer, I do my best to get down to the root cause of the issue and fix it, where as I see a lot of guys 'throw' money and parts at problems.
"Funny story regarding your flight dynamics question, a few years ago I was considering adding golf ball dimples to the bottom of my ski to reduce friction with the water. Long story short, after getting some super smart folks to think about it with me, we decided it would most likely have a hefty negative effect on performance. It seems that golf balls and jet skis have nothing in common," remarks Parr with a wink. The 2010 season has been tremendous up to this point for Parr, he is leading the IJSBA National Tour with only two round remaining. It's an awesome feeling, and a dream that I have been chasing for years," admits Parr. He originally began his freestyle calling in Texas back in 1998, and he says he was fortunate enough to get a summer job that year doing a jet ski freestyle show at The Beach Waterpark in Mason, Ohio. The point of the matter is that he was immediately talented enough to be asked to perform at the show. "Needless to say I was hooked," adds Parr. "The following years led to more water ski and jet ski shows and hundreds of competitions. I never imagined a weekend hobby could turn into something so exciting." In 2004 Parr won the APBA National Title in Can-Am Freestyle. He has been competing in the Pro Class ever since. "I did end up with a pretty bad injury in 2005, that set me back a bit, but overall I have been slowly moving up the ladder, and the 2010 season is the dream I have been chasing." Parr runs a pair of K&N 59-2042R flame arrestors on his full-spectrum carburetors. "I have been using this setup for about five years now and couldn't be happier. A two-stroke motor is just a big air pump, and the more air and fuel you can get in, it equates to more power out the back side. K&N racing flame arrestors suck, which is exactly what they should do, suck massive amounts of air," explains the rocket scientist. Regarding what lays ahead, Parr says smiling, "I wish I knew. My career in jet skiing to this point has been a thrill ride, I have no idea where the future will lead. Only the Lord knows my direction, my job is to follow his lead." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
