As a new feature on nzjetski we have started doing rider / racer profiles. To kick things off I got in touch with Callum Farnell from the far North, I remember hearing his name from when I first got interested in the sport, with thirteen years of riding he is a wealth of knowledge and experience and an all around good guy.
Name
Callum Farnell – Team Farnell Racing 101
Where are you based & what’s your local club?
Russell, Bay of Islands. Belong to the AJSA, TJSA & EBJSA
What type of ski/skis?
Seadoo RXT-X 260 RS Superstock & Seadoo RXP-X 255 Superstock
Mechanic?
Jason Robertson – Waterworx Marine
Pit Crew Supporters?
Jason Robertson, Dwight Strother, Derrin Farnell, Murray Holdaway, Brett Hyslop, Peter Whale and Fraser Mclean.
Sponsors?
Waterworx Marine, Leading Edge Cylinder Heads, Rapid Cams, Derrin Farnell Personal Training & Fitness Consultant, Bay Signs
Enduro or short course?
Both
Your best race?
We’ve managed to win the overall line honours for the Winter Endurance series a couple of times. Most recently was the 2010 series. The best race we’ve had was in the early 2000’s. It was the whole series. Grant Nicholson and us were neck and neck the whole season and it came down to the last lap of the last race of the series in Taupo in rough conditions which we won to take out the series and line honours.
Career Highlights?
Last couple of years
2012 NZJSBA North Island Summer Tour – Watercross Overall Season Champion
2012 NZJSBA Nationals – Vets Open 2nd.
2012 North Island Championships – Vets Open Title
2012 North Island Championships – Watercross Open Title
2011 NZJSBA Nationals – Watercross NZ1 Plate
2011 NZJSBA North Island Champs – Watercoss Champion
2011 NZJSBA North Island Summer Tour – Watercross Overall Season Champion
2010 NZJSBA North Island Winter Series – Line Honors Overall Winner
2010 NZJSBA North Island Winter Series – Teams Champions
How many years riding / Racing?
13
What got you into racing?
Went to a couple of winter endure races as a spectator in my late teens. My mate Fraser Mclean was racing. Got hooked and been into skis ever since.
Helmet and goggles, Lifejacket, Wetsuit-booties-gloves? (Brands)
Jet Pilot/Fox (not sponsored) too lazy to go and ask for support. Will do someday!
Most important piece of equipment?
A very good quality helmet. I have been through a couple of serious crashes and one was even opened up. It saved my life.
Sea or Lake? Why?
Depending on the conditions. I prefer a flat lake for short course racing but prefer the sea for endures I prefer the seas for the endures because of the predictability of swells in the rough. Rough lakes can provide unpredictable short sharp swells.
Any mentor or hero?
I enjoy keeping up to date with all of the pro’s but not one in particular.
Most important lesson learned?
Go round all of the buoys on the track or it can cost you a title! Also carry a huge range of spares and know that something else will break no matter what!
Any race goals?
I really race for fun but enjoy being competitive. I enjoy the competition and wouldn’t mind racing overseas at some point if my job takes me there.
Any one left to thank?
My wife Dee! Any spare time is pretty much spent driving the 6 hour round trip back and forward to Auckland to test and run skis Plus the huge k’s I put into getting to and from races. She is so supportive of my hobbywhich not only takes time but a huge investment.
Any suggestions for NZjetski?
Fantastic site, keep up the good work.
