Jaydin Smart enjoyed a memorable weekend at Ernee as he experienced the atmosphere of the Motocross des Nations and came away with a race victory in the 85cc Blu Cru class. The young American rider admitted the crowd and the occasion made the event a special one, while also revealing his ambitions of one day representing Team USA at the MXoN.
Smart impresses at Ernee
Smart made a strong impression on the track despite not getting the best of starts – he was able to get himself right to the front.
“I got such a bad start. I was a little down on power but I made some quick passes. I got up into third quite quickly and then was able to make the two passes needed so I got the win. We got over to France on Monday before the race. I’ve never been here before but it’s good”.
The technical nature of the Ernee circuit was also something Smart felt comfortable with, having experience riding deep ruts back in America.
“I was comfortable on the track. I train at world moto and the ruts get deep like here so it was pretty technical but I am used to it”.
Ernee is renowned for its passionate crowds, and Smart admitted the atmosphere was impressive, although he had already experienced something similar during Ironman last year.
“The crowd was loud but I rode at Ironman last year, the crowd was really loud there as well. It feels amazing to get the win here at Ernee. Racing Ironman last year was good, it helped to know what I had to face”
Dreaming of Supercross and Star Racing
The MXoN also gave Smart the opportunity to watch some of the world’s best riders up close, something he hopes will eventually lead to him lining up himself as a Team USA rider.
“It’s fun to be here and watch the top riders. It’s my dream to race the MXoN for America one day. I want to be a pro rider one day with Star Racing – that’s the dream”.
While representing America at the MXoN is a long-term goal, Smart already has his sights set on another major part of the sport.
“My dream is Supercross in the future. I do train at Supercross at home, I do enjoy it”.
The young American also has some experience of racing in Europe, having competed at Heerde in the Netherlands two years ago at the Junior World Championship. With the Blu Cru race returning to the Netherlands next year, Smart is looking forward to another opportunity to race there.
“I raced in the Netherlands two years ago at Heerde. The Blu Cru race next year will also be at Netherlands next year and I’ve been there before so that’ll be cool. I am not the best in the sand but I just need to learn it some more. I was on a Cobra 65cc back then but I’m not comfortable on the Yamaha”.
With a race win at Ernee now added to his experience, Smart will be hoping his latest European adventure can be another step towards his ultimate goal of becoming a professional rider in the future and eventually representing Team USA at the Motocross of Nations.
