Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1544134
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Passes J eff Smith, one of the most versatile racers in motorcy- cling history, excelling in a vari- ety of motorcycle racing disci- plines, most notably motocross and trials, has passed away. Beyond his prowess as a racer, Smith was an industry leader, working in several leadership positions at Can-Am and serving as the executive director of the American Historic Racing Mo - torcycle Association (AHRMA). Born in 1934 in Colne, Eng- land, Smith's motorcycling journey started at nine years old when his father brought home a two-stroke Triumph motorcycle for him to ride. After World War II, Smith began competing in local trials events and quickly attracted the attention of Norton Motorcycles, be - coming one of the manufacturer's works riders in 1952. Smith won the ACU British Trials Championships in 1953 and 1954, the latter title on a BSA. Soon after his second trials cham - pionship, Smith began his motocross career with a stunning victory at the 1954 Dutch Motocross Grand Prix after BSA approached him to fill out the roster for the factory team at the event. In the year following this victory, he won the Experts Grand National, a prestigious British scrambles event, and the 1955 British Grand Prix, signifying a start to his moto - cross career on the world stage. Smith's international career hit a fever pitch in 1964 and 1965, when he raced his way to back-to-back 500cc World Mo - tocross Championships while riding for BSA. He was also a six-time Motocross des Nations Champion as a member of the British team. Smith excelled outside of motocross as well, competing on behalf of his country at 11 International Six Days Trial, now known as the International Six Days Enduro, events and winning eight gold medals for England in the process. After his racing career, Smith joined Can-Am's motocross efforts on the developmental side, helping produce the brand's racing motorcycles. In the 1990s, Smith served as execu - tive director of AHRMA, a role he held un- til his retirement in 1999. He also served the North Central region on the AMA Board of Directors from 2001 to 2008. Smith was inducted into the AMA Mo - torcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. CN WIND IN THE P34 Legendary motorcycle racer Jeff Smith passed away at the age of 91.