Condo winner Smith heads for Broadford

Fresh from taking victory at the Condo 750, Yamaha-supported Jacob Smith is out to chase similar success in the motocross arena as he gets his 2007 Nokia MX Nationals campaign underway at Broadford this weekend.

The 18-year-old stunned seasoned competitors as he rode a brilliant race across the course of the 2-day navigational bike event in Condobolin, stealing the win in his first attempt. He will switch disciplines at Broadford Motorcycle Complex where he’ll be up against the nation’s best motocross riders in the Pro Open class, campaigning a YZ450F with the assistance once again of Sam Laws from Sam Laws Motorcycles Orange.

Smith is a well credentialed motocross racer having finished runner-up in the 2005 MX National Cup.  The New South Welshman was on target to take the title that year but blew his engine in the final round of the championship and had to settle for runner-up. Ironically that mechanical failure handed the 2005 National Cup title to non other than current CDR/Nokia/Yamaha factory Pro Open racer Ford Dale.

Those memories will no doubt spur Smith on this weekend when he renews rivalries with Dale in the Pro Open pack.  "I'm really keen to get back into motocross and have been training pretty hard for this weekend," said Smith."Winning the Condo 750 was fantastic and a real bonus, it's given me good confidence to go in against the factory guys and work my way into a good position."

"I didn't race the MX Nationals after round 5 last year after my knee reconstruction so am really excited about the weekend, with a goal of finishing within the top 15. As I find race pace it would be great to be challenging for top 10 positions. Thanks must go to Sam Laws for his continued support and provision of the new YZ450F."

Laws, who has supported both Jacob and his brother Todd in a number of their two-wheel pursuits, said he was pleased to provide the opportunity to the up-and-coming talent. “We’re doing as much as we can for Jake to offer support in his racing, it’s great to have him on board as part of our team,” said Laws.“It will be a good chance for him to showcase his skills as a privateer rider, and I’ve got no doubt he will surprise some of the factory riders. The Pro Open class will be very hard work but he has proven he is both fit and committed to getting the best possible result, especially after his efforts last weekend.”