Born in Christchurch, James Smith grew up in the South Canterbury town of Waimate with his older sister Josephine and younger brother Matt.Motorbike racing is in his genes with his grandfather (Albert George Smith) winning several Canterbury titles on the road and speedway track including a land speed record Gold Star clocking 96.7mph in 1938.James showed racing prowess from an early age taking up BMX racing winning several club and regional titles.
His first foray into motor racing was in motor-cross competing in the popular, and tough, 125cc class regionally, in the South Island, where he was ranked in the top 5. He competed for about seven years in motor-cross.James' introduction to road racing was in 2001 purchasing a 125cc bike. His ability quickly saw him challenging the top riders in the South Island.
He up-sized to a 400cc bike for a season before moving into Sports Production 600s, one step below the premier Superbike class.
In his first season on the 600 he win both the King of Levels and King of Canterbury F2 titles.
Although he did not compete in all the 2003-04 national series, his best finish was fourth at the Levels round, held in Timaru. He also finished 6th in the John Britten Memorial that year, held at Ruapuna.He had some good results in the 2004-05 season when he competed seriously for the first time in the seven-round National Sports Production Championships finishing a tough and very competitive season with a national ranking of 10th.
Some excellent results during the 2005-06 season saw him finish seventh overall in the national series a result he wants to build on this season as a member of the Triple R Suzuki race team.
James ended the 2006-07 season ranked seventh overall in New Zealand and the top-placed South Island rider on the national circuit.
After the national rounds had finished he topped the podium in the 2007 Canterbury Senior Enduro Championship competing against 600cc and Superbikes.
When time allowed he also continued to practice and race speedway under the watchful eye and tutoring of former NewZealand and World Speedway Champion Larry Ross who guided James from B Grade into A Grade in his first season of competition which included winning the B Grade Speedway Title at the inaugural 2006 Burt Munro Challenge. And then finishing 8th in the New Zealand Speedway Championship.The 2008 season was highly successful with James ranked second nationally in Sports Production after racing for the all-conquering Triple R race team which clinched 1st in Superbikes and 1st and 2nd in Sports Production.
2008 was also successful for James off the track when he married sweetheart Jen. The couple live in Christchurch with their two cats and dog Bailey.
James still has his focus firmly set on winning the NZ #1 number plate.
PS, I would like to thank my family for their on-going support in my racing ventures, James.
