Jasmin Jao Turning Pressure Into Motivation

Having the surname Jao surely gets attention in the Philippine motorcycle racing industry. After all, the legendary Jolet Jao’s feats both in circuit and motocross racing are remembered and recognized well through the years.

Now, the legend’s daughter, Jasmin, is out to continue the legacy of her father and pursue her passion in life.

Jasmin started racing when she was 18 years old. Her Dad told her to join him in practice and after four days of training and tutorial sessions in the track, Jolet had her daughter participate in a race. Initially, Jasmin struggled as it was her first time to use a motocross production motorcycle with clutch. She experienced crashes, errors in shifting gears and engine shutoff.

Jasmin knows that everyone starts with nothing and there is a process in everything. She continuously trains hard to achieve her goals. In 2019, Jasmin was one of the two lady riders in the 13th InsideRACING Grand Prix held at the Clark International Speedway. Jasmin was the only female competitor in the Top 1 Evolution Matic Automatic Trophy class where she raced for Platinum Lubricants-JAD Racing. She had a notable performance as she finished seventh after starting at 10th place.

The 22-year-old has been racing for four years now and usually joins races every weekend. For her, whatever place she gets in each race is an achievement especially when she was just new to racing, she was really happy to be in the podium. She still feels the same way but she has higher goals now. To be one of the top racers here in the Philippines and compete in international races together with other lady riders are the dreams of Jasmin.

It’s mixed feelings for Jasmin being the daughter of Jolet Jao. She admitted that before, she felt pressured because of high expectations of people from her. 

In the beginning, she wasn’t that skilled yet and was afraid because people expect her to be good being Jolet Jao’s daughter. But today whenever she hears people’s expectations, Jasmin is motivated. “I gotta show them something. Kasi ang sarap marinig na “anak nga ni Jolet Jao yan”. But still, I know to myself na yung legacy na naiwan ng tatay ko ay hindi mare-replace kahit siguro ng sarili ko. Being the daughter of the Philippine motorsports legend Jolet Jao is a huge blessing. Yung tatay ko ay idol, coach at mechanic ko pa. All in one,” Jasmin proudly exclaimed.

Aside from being a racer, Jasmin is also a Lalamove rider. It’s a fun experience for her. She enjoys it as she is used to riding and the roads as she used a scooter going to school before. Jasmin vouches how different riding in a racetrack and in the public roads. For her, riding is much more dangerous in the streets.

Jasmin is grateful to the people who appreciates and supports her. She also encourages those who want to race to go for it. She expressed, “Thank you to everyone na nagsu-support saken. I may not be the best or top lady rider now but I can still feel the love and support ng mga fans ko. Thank you kasi kung wala kayong lahat, wala din ako. To those people na gusto ng motocross or even circuit racing, give it a try! Kapag naman passion mo talaga, mararamdaman mo yung excitement sa katawan mo whenever gagawin mo iyon. Kaya always go for it, risky lang talaga ang racing but it is so fun!”

“I wanna thank the Man above for always guiding me sa race man, sa pagla-Lalamove or kung san man ako pumupunta. Of course thank you to my family, my Dad, Mom, kuya and sa friends ko na laging nagsu-support sa akin and laging proud sa mga naaachieve ko,” shared Jasmin who also thanks her sponsors Platinum Lubricants, Potato Corner, Boss Jomag, KYT Helmet Philippines, Black Mamba Energy Drink, Big Bike Tech, Mitas Tires, Teves Family, KRB Speedway Track, Fortysix Motorworkez and Motomoms.”

Photos provided by Jasmin Jao

This was published in InsideRACING Magazine’s Volume 19 Number 3 issue

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