THE DIRTY DOZEN - JAYDIN SMART
Entering into his last year on the 50cc machine Jaydin Smart isn't a new name to the class and with Loretta Lynn's right around the corner he has a big target on his back. We got the chance to talk to Jaydin about his mind set towards this up coming Loretta's and many other things like his transition to the bigger 65cc machine which he has been showing he can get the job done on as well. Check out what Jaydin has to say in are interview below!
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2022?
My goals for 2022 is to do as many national races as possible. I would like to go undefeated in the 50 class, consistently be on the podium in the 65 7-9 class and try to squeeze in a win when the opportunity is there. My goals will not be easy to achieve but I am up for the challenge!
WHEN DID YOU START RIDING?
I started riding an oset right when I turned 2 and was on a Ktm mini at 2 years 8 months old. But I rode the wheels off of striders between one and two years old. Ha ha!
WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE PRO RIDER AND WHY?
My favorite pro is Eli Tomac. I like him because he is a great racer and doesn’t make excuses or complain on the podium.
YOU BROUGHT HOME 7 TITLES FROM THE SPRING NATIONALS THIS YEAR, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR RIDING AND WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MEMORY FROM THIS YEARS SPRING NATIONALS?
Spring nationals were definitely good to me this year. I accomplished all of my goals that I made for myself with my best memory being winning both the 50 and 65 titles at Daytona! Even though I made some mistakes and got docked positions it was an achievement that I will never forget.
DO YOU ENJOY GETTING TO SPEND SO MUCH TIME WITH YOUR BROTHER AT THE TRACK AND DOES IT MAKE RIDING MORE ENJOYABLE FOR YOU?
No spending time with my brother traveling in the motorhome is annoying and we just fight all of the time. Just kidding ha ha! We might fight with each other but we are very close. We ride scooters on our half pipe and love to do trick and flip competitions on the trampoline. Eli is actually really funny. He has us laughing all of the time!
HOW HAS THE TRANSITION FROM 50CC TO 65CC BEEN FOR YOU?
The transition from the 50 to the 65 came fairly easy for me because My dad got me an old kx 65 when I was 5 to play on at home and learn to shift so it was basically my pit bike at home.
DID PULLING THE HOLESHOT AT LORETTA’S IN THE 65CC CLASS HELP WITH YOUR CONFIDENCE ON THAT NEW BIGGER BIKE? WHAT DID THAT FEEL LIKE FOR YOU?
Getting the holeshot at Loretta’s on the 65 was such a great experience for me even though it didn’t last very long ha ha! The top kids in the class we’re going so fast but it was good to get up there and see the pace I need to try to work up to for next year.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT LORETTA’S THIS YEAR? DO YOU FEEL PREPARED TO BATTLE FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS?
So far I feel very confident going into Loretta’s. I had a great run for the championship and ended up second in the 50 class last year so I get to run the #2 on my bike which is awesome! There will be some tough competition but hopefully I can get the job done this year. I feel great on the 65 as well and I’m ready to do battle!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK TO RIDE AT?
My favorite track changes all the time. My parents always ask me what my favorite track is and they always get a different answer. I really just like riding a lot of different tracks especially if they have big jumps that I can throw whips on!
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND TRAINING ON A NORMAL WEEK?
On a normal week we will go to Tuesday night practice at our local track Riverfront mx and usually try to get a Saturday practice at MMX Racing. Other than that I just ride pit bikes at home with my brother and my dad. Before big nationals we usually go to a race camp at moto x to get tuned up and ready.
WHAT’RE YOUR GO-TO MEALS TO COOK AT HOME?
My go to meal is usually me GOING TO my grandmas house on my pit bike to have Top Ramen. I’m very lucky to have my grandma live close by so she can spoil me. I actually enjoy cooking though. My mom taught me how to make meat loaf and use the bbq! I eat a lot of salads packed with tomatoes, avocados and cucumbers. Tacos and salami sandwiches are always a favorite of mine as well.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO THANK AND WHO HAS HELPED YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE AT?
I would like to thank my mom and dad of course, Cobra motorcycles, Tyson, Fox, T-Rex throttles, Dunlop, Roost, Pro taper, Moto seats, Spectro, Gold country casino, Skyline steel, Papa John, Sudan construction, Robbie with DRS suspension, CP Racing, all my family, friends and the great companies that believe in me. Last but not least thank you Motoplayground for the media coverage and making us little racers feel like we are pros!!