Jay Wilson on family, racing with Yamaha and life in Japan

Jandals in Japan

Jay Wilson, an accomplished motocross and supercross rider, shares his journey of how he ended up racing and living in Japan. Jay talks about his passion for motocross which began in his childhood and led him to win a world championship at age 14 in New Zealand. He discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced transitioning to professional racing, and the pivotal moment during the COVID pandemic that led him to send a successful, life-changing message to Yamaha.

Subscribe to our list so you never miss an episode of Jandals in Japan

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi (or Kia Ora or Konnichi Wa!) over on @jandalsinjapan on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Jay came to racing and winning in motocross racing
• Just how long it took to finalise the opportunity to work in Japan with Yamaha
• Jay’s top tips for enjoying life in Japan and helping his family to succeed here too
• Jay’s aspirations for the future of motocross in Japan and his mission here developing the next generation of riders and bikes

About Jay

Jay Wilson is a Junior World Motocross champion, as well as a multi-time motocross and supercross champion across New Zealand, Australia, and now Japan.

Jay turned Pro in 2011, In 2015 in New Zealand he rode for Altherm JCR Yamaha and wrapped up winning the New Zealand Motocross championship.

Jay moved with his family to Japan in 2022 to take up a full-time test rider, development and pro racing position with Yamaha Motor Co. While racing the All-Japan Motocross Championship, at 29 years of age, he won the 2022, 250 Championship dropping just one moto (heat/round) to be 15/16 for the season. Jay is now a two-time Japanese champion in motocross after dominating both the 250 and 450 classes. He also worked with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team in the US and plays an instrumental role in developing Yamaha’s future motorcycles

Now racing the 450 in the All-Japan Motocross Championships, Jay is an integral part of the Yamaha Factory Innovation Team in Japan as they continue to develop and test new parts for their dirt bikes.

Jay is also involved in mentorship within Yamaha, supporting the next generation and creating safer environments for people to learn how to ride.

His dream is to one day settle in New Zealand but for now, he is in Japan living a successful life as an athlete involved in the day-to-day innovation of motorsport with Yamaha.

Connect with Jay:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaywilson6/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaywilson_6

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

Connect with Jayne and Catherine

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jandals-in-japan-podcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jandalsinjapan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jandalsinjapan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jandalsinjapan