5 Minutes With... Kelly Smith
Thursday, January 13, 2011 | 9:35 AM
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PrintBy Jim Kimball
Kelly Smith has now been racing professionally for over fifteen years. Through this time he’s raced for virtually every manufacturer, from factory rider to privateer. And although he may have not won a well-known championship, he does have some impressive wins to his credit – like winning the 2000 High Point National on a KTM, and winning the 250 Class at the U.S. Open of Supercross on his debut race on Yamaha of Troy. Moving to Arenacross in 2008, Smith started off slow, but by series end he had racked up an incredible string of wins, significantly closing in on point’s leader and eventual winner Chad Johnson. Based on that 2008 season, many of us pegged him to be a shoe-in for the 2009 Arenacross Championship. However, a severely broken leg derailed that plan, and then with a black cloud following him, Kelly again broke his leg early in the 2010 season. A couple months later, Smith would regroup to race the Jacksonville Supercross where he holeshot the Lites class as a Honda of Troy replacement rider. This past summer I had heard from friends that Kelly decided to retire from racing to become a Real Estate Agent – so when I saw the just turned 31-year-old suited up at the recent Tulsa Oklahoma Arenacross, I had to track him down.
Racer X: After watching you in Tulsa you looked pretty good, Kelly. How do you feel now that Round 1 is in the books?
Kelly Smith: Well, during the first practice I actually felt great, but during practice session two I made some mistakes out there. Then later I didn’t get that great of a start in the main as I had to start from the second row (Ed. note: Kelly was caught up in a heat race first lap bottleneck and was nearly last, therefore had a very poor main gate pick). With my poor start I felt that I was somewhat rusty and not that great at making passes through the field.
What have you been doing since last March when you filled in for Honda of Troy and holeshot the Supercross Lites class at Jacksonville?
I got my Real Estate License this past summer back home in Michigan, so I have been working at Century 21 Bay Shore, our local office in Ludington. Still, this whole time that I’ve been doing that I’ve felt that I still have something left to prove, so I decided that I still wanted to race. I love the competition and just like being on a motorcycle. I didn’t even have a dirt bike to ride this summer, so I was really jonesing to ride one. So, not too long ago I began contemplating as to whether or not I could do something on my own, but then with the way the economy is I knew it would be tough. Last year I pretty much did it on my own, so when I broke my leg I ended up wasting a lot of my own money. I’ve always been a strong Christian, and over the years I have known the guys at Team Faith, especially Kevin Johnson, who I’ve always been friends with. One day I called Kevin and asked him if he was going racing and he said that he wasn’t sure, but wanted too. So, I told him to let me see what I could do to help; I’d like to go racing with them. From there it all just took off, and eventually worked out. Kevin’s dad at Bobby J’s Yamaha really helped us out with bikes, and I ended up meeting a guy who’s originally from Michigan, and now in Alabama, named Robbie Miedema, who had always wanted to help me out. He’s actually the first guy that I called when I really started thinking about racing this series. Robbie has taken care of all my flights and travel, so that was a huge help. It all came together over time. Of course we got started pretty late, but once again we were provided for, and the Lord took care of us. Team Faith got the right help to keep it going, and I got to be a part of it - which is very cool as really like the message that the team brings.
How long have you been riding your Yamaha 450?
I’ve had my bike for about three weeks now. The first week that I had it I studded up some tires and went trail riding in the Michigan snow – just to get some seat time. Bobby J’s kindly did a trade with a local dealer for me so I could start riding as soon as possible. I knew that I would be going down to Texas to ride and test for a week prior to Tulsa, but just figured that every day that I had to ride would be a big plus for me. Even though it was snowing in Michigan I got a chance to ride the trails and play around. I did that and then went down to Texas where I was able to get my suspension done and actually ride a real track. So, we prepared as fast as we could with what resources we had. We slapped on a few aftermarket parts and are just going for it. The Yamaha 450 is already so good and fast that we don’t have to worry about modding them out much at all - we’re having a great time!
Many of us may recall that you were a member of Yamaha of Troy some years ago. Are there any similarities to your new bike?
This bike is completely different than the old steel frame Yamahas that I used to race. Since those days there have only been one or two times when I was able to ride one of the newer aluminum-framed bikes. I had not ridden the newer Yamahas with the rearward engine and EFI until three weeks ago. Fortunately, throughout my career I’ve been able to adapt to new bikes pretty quickly, and I was able to do that here. It was just like last year when I had broken my leg (early in Arenacross) and been on the couch for ten weeks prior to riding the Honda the day before the Jacksonville supercross. That was on a 250F and I had not even ridden a 250F for a year and a half until then. I wasn’t really stressed about adjusting to the new Yamaha 450F at all. Actually, that’s what most riders and teams have to do these days anyways with the budgets being stretched and everyone starting so late. As I said, now I get to be at the races I love for much more than riding a motorcycle – with Team Faith there is a higher purpose. I still have a lot of competitive desire, but the ultimate goal is to be here every weekend spreading God’s message.
Kelly Smith.
Photo: Jim Kimball
You’ve got some unfinished business in Arenacross. Can you put this series together?
I’m really hoping too, Jim. I would love to have that redemption. My first year in Arenacross I got second and closed the gap a lot on (eventual winner) Chad Johnson late in the series. I think that if I would have been smarter in the beginning of that rookie season that I could have won the championship. It was a learning curve, and I admit that at the beginning I wasn’t the best at it. In that early part of the championship Chad did well and built up a good points lead – he capitalized on that and finished off strong. Breaking my leg early these past two seasons, I feel kind of shorted, like I never really got that chance to have a real shot at the title. Tyler Bowers may almost feel that same way about this past season, he should have wrapped it up in 2010 - only to break his leg just as the series was ending. At this point in the series my number one goal is to stay healthy and consistent. It's fourteen weekends, so there is a lot of time to keep making changes and improving. I’m confident that I will keep getting better as I get more time on the bike. There are a lot of fast guys that will do well this year and I feel that I can be one of them.
In closing, is there anything that you would like to add?
I’d like to thank our Team Faith sponsors, for sure. Pilot, Western Power Sports and Fly Racing, Enzo, team owner Brian O’Rourke, and our mechanic here this weekend Chuck (Lemaster) and all the other sponsors like Pro Circuit that help us. I’ve either never realized, or maybe just took it for granted, how many little sponsors there are that help. As long as we are healthy and here at the races, we will be having a successful season.
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Good luck kelly, you riding for the best team in the world.
It makes me cringe when all these Americans are banging on about god, are people honestly like that over there? They do know he's not real - like Santa?
to jimfunn: unfortunetly not everyone is "like that", just the brave ones. God is real, and you weren't a mistake. He has a plan for you and I pray you're open enough to ask Him what it is. To Kelly: ROCK ON!!! Holeshot and win for Him!!!
motomad is a weeeeeetaaarrrddd. read some science books there bud, you might learn something.
teach me sir wise unicorn... we were once a rock I presume? Science was an invention to attempt explanation of the unexplainable. BTW, Satan is real too and for the time being he's got you tricked.
If I came from a monkey how come there's still monkeys?
People are so ignorant, like sheep, they follow, and do not think for themselves. Faith is not a science, or is it factual, as we all just a foolish race of poeple that can not see past reality. We all want to believe in land of Disney after we die, but come on people, it's time to live your life here and now !
Everybody has their own belief and I respect that, ill stick with my lord jesus christ. Those none believers well,,,, judgement day will come for all. Yeah science thats a good can you explain your scientific logic maybe not a rock but a chemical equational balance of sort?
Truly no one knows, but we have too many people that have their hands out, and claim everything is possible, but only in God's own time, you must pray, and when he wants to respond, you will recieve what is due you, but again, Religion is like wreastling for every move there is a counter move, just like most Christians will have some ignorant reply to your questions, that is why you will never win an agurment with the ignorant. Do your research people, don't be part of the flock !
Kelly Smith has not achieved his potential because he depends on God, and does not do what it takes to win a championship, because his everyday is controled by his belief that God makes all of his life's decisions. What a really retarded way to live your life as an athlete. 15 years of sub standard results, the truth is brutal, but he made his decision to be led by his religion, no one else is to blame, and for everyone else, keep on praying, and no one is listening to your regurgitated babble of what you memorized out of the Bible, come up with your own thoughts and act like an intellegent race of people.
You know, if you believe in God and there is none, you're out nothing, but if you don't believe in God and there is one...You're out everything.
Oh where to start? To Magic Unicorn I have read science books, that is why I have come to the conclusion that life, this world, or the universe we live in did NOT just happen by chance. My challenge to you is to read the #1 selling book of all time, the BIBLE, which happens to be the best most accurate history book to date. Then make your decision. As for jimfunn, I think a little course in history might help you understand as well. Do you know why the first early settlers came to America? You got it, freedom of Religion! It is sad to say but even after our nations four fathers based the constitution on Christian values, leaders now try to pull farther away to make everyone else happy and wonder why we have so many problems in society. Now poor Krisy...had I actually lived my life in a way that were pleasing to my Father (Christ) I would have put the work in required to win a championship, instead of following my own selfish desires. You are right, I should have made more of myself and my career, but unfortunately I wanted to listen to me, not God and what He had in store for me. Just as I have fallen short of being the best motocross rider of all time, I also fall short of perfection to work my way to heaven, it is this very reason Christ entered to world so that we might have grace that atones for the sins of all mankind It is not too late for you to use your own intelligent thinking and realize our short time here on earth is nothing compared to eternity in one of two places. There is a Creator, and He did send His Son to die so that you and I could spend eternity in heaven. I do pray for each and everyone of you that one day you will soften your hearts and come to realize the TRUTH!
You sound like a crazy person. A real life crazy person.
Kelly That was a very Christian and professional response. A lot of people are very glad to see you ride for Team Faith and we pray that you and Kevin will have a successful season.
It's great to see that God, Magic Unicorn and the Easter Bunny are all moto fans. I assumed God was too busy doing God stuff to watch dirtbike racing. Go figure...
way to go Kelly!!
Christianity is a cult, there is no difference. Brainwashing their minions to spend there time and money on a fairy tale. If it was true, why does this supposedly 'good' entity 'god' kill off his people with floods and fires and earthquakes and tsunamis?? If he is the all controlling, why does he allow for murders to happen?? does he/she not care? was he'she takin a shit at the time?? or does he/she not even exist?? the last one is definatey the most plausable. I mean you worship suicide WTF??
Kelly, so pumped you're riding for Team Faith! Lookin forward to seeing you guys in KC! Good luck this weekend. Keep livin' the life brother!
WOW Can we all just get along. A well devised educational system that is blind and one sided, most of what I have read is very much one sided, and reading one or two books does not confirm anything, but should open our mind to learn more. I am truly sorry if my opinion and others hurt the feelings of some, but then it's just my personal opinion, with no negative intent toward anyone, as I should be able to voice my ideas just like everyone else is allowed thier opinions without being linched. History is very inaccurate, and one sided, anyone that has a modern education will tell you we have been taught many historical facts that are not true. What an arragant human existence we are to think we are the only humans in the universe and are the only ones to be saved by the creator, if all we do is believe. How do you decide what God has in store for your life, did he call you, text you, send a letter, There is no one that can prove they talked to God, healed with annointing oil, dunked in a tank and forgiven of all your sins, all forgiven if you are true to your heart, but that is between you and God. Kelly as all of us use our own strengths and beliefs to work through why we do what we do, and being a Christian or a motocross rider, does it all really matter as long as you do what you feel called to do in life, that's all I am saying, I like Kelly Smith, he is a great guy, but we all take turns in the road to get us to different destinations in our own way.
Again. You worship suicide WTF?? I can admit i dont know the half of the history of the earth, but as a race we know a lot more than we did 1000 years ago. Accepting that all is not known is better than creating a fantasy and claiming it to be fact. We may never know the truth, but we dont have to and we wont make up a story and call it the truth, as you christians do. the bible = the best selling fiction book in history
Great response kelly , I wish the team great success but in my eyes and most importantly GODS you guys are true winners..All GLORY
you worship god?? or his suicidal son?? thats like looking up to Jlaw for career advice, because he committed career suicide.... sounds crazy right??
Well said Kelly... with you all the way; arms locked... Broken and living in the here and now, looking forward to an eternity with Him. BTW - I'd expect endless and perfect loam in the hereafter! Not to mention no environmental issues so 2-smokes are welcome and encouraged; although you've certainly proven yourself an awesome 4-stroke rider!
When its my time to check out all i ask my savior jesus christ is to open up those big ole gates for me, with my faith and love for him its looking pretty good for me.
One of the main reasons im not involved in the race team world anymore is the fact that so many people expect instead of appreciate. Kelly Smith rode a KTM in AX last year that Funmart furnished. Along with parts, all the credentials, and lots of fuel to get our hauler that Funmart furnished to those races.I also donated tons of time to test with Kelly in Georgia and built all the suspension and motor's free of cost. A good friend of mine,Chris Nodurft also spent money out of his own pocket to help out with this venture just for his love to be at the races. So for Kelly to say he did AX in 2010 on his own, is not a true statement. Its dissapointing when you read an article like this and no that there was alot of time and money spent, and no thanks at all.
Suicide? Really? I believe it's pretty well indisputable that he was executed and suffered the death of a criminal- crucifixion (yet was without sin). Oh and just in case, they jabbed a spear in his side to make sure he was dead.
Junior, he said pretty much on my own....not all on my own! Kelly has always been appreciative to the sponsors that have helped him out in the past including you and Chris. However he did spend a lot of his own money to get to the races. I have heard him brag about you to his Dad and myself about how great of a mechanic and bike builder you are! I have also heard him tell you thank you on the phone as well. Maybe he should have sent you thank you cards but I haven't really had very many thank you cards sent to me from the male species. He does appreciate everything you and his past and present sponsors have and will do including his parents. What we do for you is out of love and you will be persecuted until he comes again, keep strong and don't be ashamed of your faith!
Yes, just another way to pay for your racing expenses and everyone can sing Kumba Ya and feel good about it, but in reality this is just another race team utilizing yet Christianity to pay and support a growing hobby, now a business. Team Faithâ
We can all debate the merits of our individual beliefs and I'm all for it~ As the founder of Team Faith I am very proud of Kelly Smith and Kevin Johnson and Chuck Lemaster and Lary Dean and Terry Russell and Rob Lewis and Tim Wilson and Justin Mize and Brian O'Neal and Jason Woods and James Aitken and Monica O'Rourke and EVERYONE ELSE that has been a part of Team Faith and involved in the sport that has the conviction and obedience to stand for Jesus in this apathetic spiritually disillusioned culture. Moral relativism has paved the way for the decay of values in this country (and in the world for that matter) to the point that it makes me physically sick. The political correctness and social tolerance we are now subjected to and expected to adhere to in this day and age seems to be extended to EVERYONE except Christians. It seems if you want to spew propaganda about whats important to you - like illicit sex and partying and doing illegal drugs and satisfying every lust of your flesh you want- well that's OK. In fact its not only tolerated but promoted! But if Christians mention the most important thing to us, we're bashed for it. In 1994 God got a hold of me and changed my life. I wasn't looking for Him nor did I want Him. (or so I thought!) He also showed me how powerful top-level athletes could be as role models for Him. So Team Faith was born! And we have seen remarkable impact in the lives of MANY who have decided to believe in Jesus since then! Unfortunately, we've also seen many reject Him as well. We're not saying we are perfect - just forgiven. And we're saying its just as important to us as anything else is to you. Just so everyone knows - the only money we spend on racing comes from people and sponsors that directly support our Race Program. Believe me, although we are blessed and highly favored, and God has given us much, we truly are diligent stewards of the resources God gives us. We operate on literally a third of what other raceteams and ministries operate on. We are severely underfunded and have only begun to see a glimpse of what God can do through the ministry of Team Faith. My guys constantly make sacrifices to represent Team Faith and the Lord. And, as long as God allows, we will continue to preach and race for Him! Thanks goes out to: Western Power Sports, Fly Racing, Michelin Tires, Bobby J's Yamaha, Pilot Travel Centers, Silkolene Lubricants, Vertex Pistons, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Pivot Works, ENZO Suspension, Trinity Racing, Pro Circuit, RK Chains, K& N Air Filters, Athena, UFO Plastic, Dragon Optics, EBC Brakes and SDG USA. For more information on Team Faith please visit www.teamfaith.com Revelation 3:16 So, because you are lukewarmâ
God is real. The second after you die, you will know...