Earlier this week, Great Lakes Post spoke with Jackson Lee who is the son of NBC Sports Indycar and IMSA Pit Reporter Kevin Lee. Jackson Lee is currently competing in the Lucas Oil Formula Car Series.
How did you get your start into racing?
Lee: Most people would think I got my interest in racing from my Dad, who does commentary for IndyCar, IMSA, and other forms of racing, but it actually comes from my Mom’s side. Most of my uncles on my Mom’s side raced either go-karts or sprint cars. After going to one of their sprint car races, I was immediately hooked. I wanted to find out how I could also drive. After begging my parents for the next couple of months, they eventually let me start racing quarter midgets.
How do you think you have been doing in the Lucas Oil Formula Car series?
Lee: I feel like I am having a pretty strong season. After the first six rounds, I have already won two of the races and am leading the points championship. But on top of those results, I have improved my driving skill so much. All of the instructors in the series are accomplished drivers themselves. They have been able to teach me so much about car control and race craft, which I can use in higher levels of racing.
What made you decide to go into open wheel racing?
Lee: I have always been an IndyCar fan. I have been to every Indy 500 since I was 7. So that is where I wanted to take my career. I also knew that if I wanted to go to IndyCar that I would have to learn how to drive road courses. So that’s when I decided to move into go-karts after quarter midgets, and from there into open wheel race cars.
Do you think maybe F1600 or F4 could be the next stop for you?
Lee: I am open to all opportunities. We have been looking at possibly doing some F1600 events later this year, but next season I see myself running in USF2000 if we can find the budget.
What’s it like to have your Dad who does the TV Side in racing helping you?
Lee: My Dad has been a big help in my racing career. Other than the amount of work that every father of a racing driver does, he has been able to help me with the extra experience he has in the sport. He knows exactly what needs to happen for me to have a successful career. My Dad helps me take the necessary steps to get there. He has also helped train me for the media side of racing and helped me prepare for public events. Without his training, it would be much more challenging to learn how to be able to present me professionally.
How do you mentally prepare for a race?
Lee: As I have progressed over my career, I have realized when I am more prepared for a race event. It makes it a lot easier to stay calm and focused on what I need to do. Because of this, I spend plenty of time studying film from previous drivers, talking to people who have already driven the track, and spending countless hours in a simulator to make sure I know the track before the event even begins. When I am prepared for a track, I am confident and calmer and capable of performing at the level I need to.
What has racing taught you?
Lee: Since early in my career, racing has helped me in a lot of ways. It’s taught me a level of professionalism that I can use throughout my whole life. I have learned how to be more focused, how to comfortably speak publicly both on my own and on my sponsor’s behalf and how to think responsibility on and off the track. Finally, it’s taught me how to be accountable for my actions and my results.