Spotlight | A Chat with the Oscar Jackson King of Forced Induction

Which leads us to their more recent addition to the turbo-charged lineup, the Honda Talon Turbo Kit: A turbocharger unit designed for performance SXSs that features OEM technologies and is engineered for abuse 

Jackson Racing expanded its expertise, moving seamlessly into the off-road sector, where Oscar's deep-rooted passion for dirt biking and off-road adventures played a crucial role. One of Oscar's most notable achievements is the development of turbo kits for Honda's racing division, including the highly regarded turbocharger kit for the Honda Talon. This project exemplifies Jackson Racing's commitment to quality, durability, and cutting-edge technology. With over 40 years of experience in tuning Honda vehicles, Oscar's team meticulously designs products that meet the rigorous demands of both professional racers and everyday enthusiasts.

We sat down with Oscar Jackson to pick his brain about recent product developments and racing programs, as well as his long history of innovation in the world of racing.

Which leads us to their more recent addition to the turbo-charged lineup, the Honda Talon Turbo Kit: A turbocharger unit designed for performance SXSs that features OEM technologies and is engineered for abuse.

Jackson Racing expanded its expertise, moving seamlessly into the off-road sector, where Oscar's deep-rooted passion for dirt biking and off-road adventures played a crucial role. One of Oscar's most notable achievements is the development of turbo kits for Honda's racing division, including the highly regarded turbocharger kit for the Honda Talon. This project exemplifies Jackson Racing's commitment to quality, durability, and cutting-edge technology. With over 40 years of experience in tuning Honda vehicles, Oscar's team meticulously designs products that meet the rigorous demands of both professional racers and everyday enthusiasts.

We sat down with Oscar Jackson to pick his brain about recent product developments and racing programs, as well as his long history of innovation in the world of racing.

Matthew McNulty: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Oscar Jackson: My name is Oscar Jackson, and I own Jackson Racing. We are a performance company that specializes in boosted products. We've won numerous SCCA road racing championships as well as SCORE championships in Class 10 and with trucks. We also built the turbo kit for American Honda's Talon, which has been a great project.

MM: What sparked Jackson Racing’s shift from road racing to off-road UTVs?

OJ: It isn't really a transition for me because I grew up racing dirt bikes and road racing motorcycles. When my children were born, they grew up on mini-bikes and then full-size dirt bikes. We've spent our whole lives riding in the dirt. Jackson Racing started as a Honda performance company with CRXs and Preludes, so moving to off-road wasn't a big leap. When Honda approached us about their new UTV, the Talon, we were immediately on board because dirt is where we grew up.

MM: What does the process of building an aftermarket forced induction kit for a Honda look like for you?

OJ: It was a huge endeavor. Meeting durability, environmental, and manufacturing standards requires a lot of effort. As an aftermarket manufacturer, we've built superchargers and turbochargers for Honda's automobile line for years, and all our products are CARB legal. The challenge with side-by-sides is their unique blend of brutality. We had to design around off-road abuse and ensure the product's durability, which involved extensive testing and continuous driving loops in harsh conditions.

MM: For a novice UTV enthusiast, what sets the Jackson Racing turbocharger kit for the Honda Talon apart from other options?

OJ: There are many great manufacturers in the aftermarket, but what sets us apart is our focus on durability and in-house calibrations. We've won numerous national championships and earned many CARB certifications over the years. Honda called us because of our expertise. Our knowledge base from 40 years of experience allows us to make the perfect parts.

MM: What supporting updates would you suggest for anyone installing a turbo on their Talon?

OJ: The way we've designed the kit, you don't really need to add anything. You can install a boost gauge or an air-fuel ratio gauge, but our calibration is set perfectly, similar to a production car. Some desert riders might want to add particle separators, and we support those with kits for different manufacturers. Overall, it's a simple, bolt-on kit that's easy to service.

MM: Who do you think is the ideal customer for a turbocharged Talon?

OJ: The Talon is great as it is, but if you load it with four people or take it to the dunes, you'll notice it slows down. That's when you want to add a turbocharger. The Talon is a brilliant vehicle, but additional load or challenging terrain makes a turbocharger a valuable upgrade.

MM: We heard you really put the Talon through rigorous testing. How does real-world testing help build the best kits?

OJ: At Jackson Racing, we aim to build perfect, turnkey products that last. When Raceco wanted to race the Vegas to Reno with Ricky Brabec, we started testing at higher boost levels to identify weaknesses and make countermeasures. Racing lets us push the envelope and apply those learnings to our production kits, ensuring they are durable and reliable.

MM: Any memorable stories from testing?

OJ: There are plenty. One that stands out is when we tested a prototype in Johnson Valley, camouflaged to look like a Razor. We parked right on the main road, and no one noticed us. We like to say we were hiding in plain sight.

MM: Is installing the turbo kit something a quasi-trained mechanical enthusiast can handle themselves?

OJ: If you're a mechanic with good tools, it's not hard. However, if someone has never changed their oil before, this shouldn't be their first mechanical job. The hardest part is removing the stock air box and exhaust system. Once that's done, our parts fit easily.

MM: Why choose a turbo over a supercharger for the Talon?

OJ: We love supercharging, but the Talon’s packaging didn't allow for it. The drivetrain fits wonderfully in the back but doesn't leave room for a supercharger. We went to Garrett for the turbocharger, and their engineers helped us design a system that meets OEM quality and reliability standards. The result is a fantastic turbocharger with instant throttle response.

MM: What makes the Talon a great platform for forced induction?

OJ: The Talon’s engine is brilliant by design, with beautiful ports and a well-laid-out structure. Forced induction can make even a mediocre engine run well, but the Talon engine is already like a finely tuned watch. Boosting an engine with individual throttle bodies, like the Talon, is challenging, but our 40 years of Honda tuning experience helped us find solutions.

MM: How have your experiences as an SCCA racer influenced your work?

OJ: Racing improves the breed. The knowledge I've gained over the years, compared to when I started SCCA racing in my 20s, has dramatically improved. Racing teaches you to find countermeasures for problems, and that knowledge has grown over time. My children are also involved in powersports, continuing the legacy.

MM: What are Jackson Racing’s and Honda’s goals for the turbocharged Talon this year and moving forward?

OJ: The Talon has been a great platform, and Honda has made evolutionary changes to improve it. Our goal is to refine our processes alongside theirs. We introduced a new air filter for the 2023-2024 models to improve dust control. We’ll continue making evolutionary changes to our product to match Honda’s.

MM: Are there any racing series you'd like to see the turbo Talon compete in?

OJ: We’d like to run the turbo Talon in production turbo classes, but we face difficulties because ECU limitations prevent us from modifying it. We hope to get it in production turbo someday, but we run it in the unlimited class for now. Despite this, we use the same componentry as our base kit, applying what we learn from racing to our production parts.

MM: Do you listen to music when you ride by yourself?

OJ: No music. When I’m driving, I want to focus on what's in front of me. If I want to listen to music, I’ll do that at home with my headphones on, listening to some 70s rock and roll.

MM: How do you wind down after a day of serious riding?

OJ: After an exciting day of testing, we take a deep breath and relax. Sometimes, I’ll have a cold beer and put my feet up to wind down. It’s a good way to end a fast-paced day.

What sets Jackson Racing apart is not just their technical expertise, but their dedication to family values and top-tier engineering. As a family-run business, they take pride in crafting finely-tuned vehicles that stand up to the harshest conditions. Whether prepping a race team or releasing new products to the consumer market, Jackson Racing remains focused on delivering unmatched performance and reliability. Their approach is simple: blend decades of racing knowledge with the latest technology to create products that push the boundaries of what's possible in automotive performance.