FMX Insider No.4: Young Blood

Welcome to our brand new weekly web-exclusive column, Transmoto‘s FMX Insider. Penned each week by South Australian rider, Ben Heidrich, the FMX Insider will present the story-behind-the-stories of the Aussie and international freestyle motocross scenes. 

There is no doubt that the passion that comes from the younger generation of riders is what’s fuelling the sport of freestyle motocross in Australia. The grommets coming up are the future of the sport – they are the ones growing strong and keeping the scene alive.

This week, we’re taking a look at 19-year-old Jake Smith from New South Wales. Jake has been turning a lot of heads lately, and has proven he’s not scared to crank it up a notch to keep up with the big boys. Recently adding the Backflip to his already dialed bag of tricks, Jake is progressing fast and looks to have a promising career in FMX.

Jake grew up in a little town called Goolgowi in NSW, riding dirt bikes at his family farm and the local motocross track, from the age of four. He has recently taken up riding FMX and has been hard at it for two years. “I’m lucky to have a sick bunch of dudes to ride with every weekend”, said Jake. “Riding with guys such as Joel Brown, Rhett Standen, Tom Robinson, Grant Gross and more, we all push each other and progress faster. I’ve been riding a lot with Tom Robinson, who has one of the sickest styles and rides super consistent. Riding with him so much has really helped me progress a lot this past year.”

Jake rode the AFMXC qualifier last year, which scored him a spot in the Coonabarabran round at Goanna Tracks, NSW.  Due to an operation, he was unable to finish the series. “I’m pumped to ride the series again this year!” said Jake.

He also recently rode his first FMX demonstration in Wagga Wagga, NSW for the Snowy Hydro Children Air Flight charity day on the new Freestyle Kings portable truck with Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong and Truman Carroll. “I had never landed on a portable ramp before so it was a good opportunity and all for a great cause,” said Jake.

Most people, who decide to learn the Backflip, immediately look around for a mate’s foam pit or even build their own. But Tom Robinson asked Jake if he would be keen to Flip straight to dirt.

“Having never flipped a 450 into a pit, I wasn’t real keen but I didn’t let him know that!” said Jake.

That weekend, Tom and Jake went out to Liam Goesch’s compound, pushed the ramp into 55ft and jacked it up. After a few straight jumps Tommy Rob pulled one around no worries.

“I didn’t want to be a girl, so I did the same,” said Jake.

Both riders nailing the Flip without the use of a foam pit; that’s some true dedication!

Jake has also recently learnt No Footer and Heel Clicker Flips, riding with Truman Carroll at his compound.

“I’d have to say my biggest influence was definitely Joel Brown,” explained Jake. “I grew up watching him ride local demos and reading articles on him in magazines and the local news paper,” Jake continued. “He’s also been a big help as far as getting a foot in the door of FMX by introducing me to other riders and riding spots.”

Jake would like to step it up and start flipping 75ft in the next month or two. His plan for this year is to get a good Overall position in the AFMXC series and start doing more shows.

Make sure you keep an eye out for this young shredder!