SMART ATTACK:
JAYDIN SMART
Jaydin Smart was one of the top prospects in the Cobra Jr. classes throughout the 2019 racing season, placing himself in the battle for the podium at each and every race that he attended throughout the year. The young Californian shares time between his home state and Moto X Compound in Georgia, oftentimes training on the east coast in preparation for some of the more high profile events. Smart was at the top of his class in the 51cc (4-6) Limited division at Loretta’s last year, collecting two 2nd place finishes and a moto win in order to finish 2nd overall at the end of the week. He quickly settled into winning form as the Cobra rider put himself on the top step of the box at Mini Os, Supercross Futures, and the Daytona RCSX; starting the 2020 racing season off on the right foot before the unprecedented postponement of races occurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Smart continued to ride and keep his bike skills sharp at his brand new backyard supercross track out in California, staying ready for the inevitable return to racing action. We caught up with Jaydin to see what he’s been doing during the lockdown, talk about some of his number one plates last season, and how he got so good at backflipping.
What have you been up to with no racing happening in the last couple of months?
My dad built me a cool supercross track so I’ve been having fun riding it and spending time with my family.
Did you take some time off when racing was postponed?
Yes, I took a few weeks off then just did some play riding at home while the track was being built.
What was your riding situation like throughout the last few months with lots of places closed?
They actually didn’t close many tracks around here but I didn’t go to any for about a month just to be safe. Luckily we have a place to ride at home.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from riding and training?
I like to play with my cousins who live by me, jump on the trampoline, jump ramps on my bicycle, and swim!
What is your role like as a big brother since you have a younger brother that races?
Uhhhh…..Mom had to help me with this one. He picks his brother’s gate and packs it for him as well as gives him as many tips as he can spit out before the gate drops.
How do you like riding the KTM E-Bike?
I like it a lot! It’s slower than my Cobra Jr but smoother. I like it on our supercross track.
How did you get so good at backflips?
I started when I was like 2. I did backflips on our little trampoline in our house and I would land on a big stuffed dog on my tummy until I learned how to land it.
Tell us about your week at Mini Os last year, winning two titles in the 51cc (4-6) Limited class.
It was REALLY COOL to win both titles! I had a lot of fun training for it at Moto X Compound with my teammate Eidan (Steinbrecher). I can’t wait to go back!
How was your experience racing Supercross Futures at the beginning of the season?
It was super cool because I got to have a number 1 on my bike.
What was it like to win a title at the Daytona RCSX your first time ever racing there?
It was awesome! I got to meet Ricky Carmichael and get his autograph. I liked riding the track with him out there watching me.
How did your weekend go at Spring A Ding Ding earlier this year?
It was ok. I was in 1st but I crashed in my second moto and my bike wouldn’t start. I tried to catch up but my friend Kade (Nightingale) was too far ahead so I didn’t win.
What do you think about the track layout down at Underground MX?
It was really fun! I liked all the jumps because I could make them perfect on my Cobra. My favorite part was the big step up.
What’re your goals and plans heading into Loretta’s this season?
I want to win the Jr class and the electric class. I’m going back to Moto X Compound to train for it.
Do you know what classes you’ll be racing heading into 2021?
I’m going to race the Cobra Sr and the 65 (7-9) class.