Damon J. Smith Interview

manering
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manering 2/13/2011 1:09am
2/13/2011 1:09am
dam that guy just doubled the IQ of the entire sx field. lol just kidding.

good luck to him
FastEddy
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FastEddy 2/13/2011 1:26am
2/13/2011 1:26am
mxrider225 wrote:
Thats pretty good for a 40 year old to even be on SX track after not riding most of his life.
Yeah I was thinking the same.
I really hope the guy does better his times,it would be cool to see a 40 year old guy make the night show.
Also he is a big dude and watching some of his videos on his site,he looks better on a 450.
FIREfish148
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FIREfish148 2/13/2011 1:42am
2/13/2011 1:42am
Wow, so hes only been riding since 2005? So he was 34 when he started? Damn...
xnationalwrench 2/13/2011 5:31am
2/13/2011 5:31am
It seems that he needs to spend some time on "for real" Supercross track to work on his speed, he does seem to have the desire. Some of the people posting here are a trip and seem to like jumping on people. Just for the facts at Houston, for example, in the 250 class there were a total of 72 racers that took time for the 40 spots that go into the night show. The fastest time was 24 seconds a lap FASTER than the 72 place rider. This to me shows Mr. Smith is not the lone cowboy and you can see the same thing in the outdoors Nationals. Many riders like to say I'm racing Supercross or Outdoor Nationals and many never actually make the show in their careers.

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motodriller
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motodriller 2/13/2011 6:55am
2/13/2011 6:55am
Supercross is a joke these days and this deal just verifies it. This dude is just making himself something to write about in his next book and doesn't care what it takes to be a lagit racer. But he has the money it takes to show up and race so he's in.
Blake
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Blake 2/13/2011 7:29am
2/13/2011 7:29am
motodriller wrote:
Supercross is a joke these days and this deal just verifies it. This dude is just making himself something to write about in his next book...
Supercross is a joke these days and this deal just verifies it. This dude is just making himself something to write about in his next book and doesn't care what it takes to be a lagit racer. But he has the money it takes to show up and race so he's in.
What the hell is a LAGIT racer?

Did you mean Legit? Or Lag it?

Maybe he's just smarter than the average moto board junkie?
motodriller
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motodriller 2/13/2011 8:00am
2/13/2011 8:00am
Obviously u woodnt no wat lagit is no mater how ets spellled. Turd tammper.
FLmx305
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FLmx305 2/13/2011 8:24am
2/13/2011 8:24am
I understand people are happy that he is chasing a dream, etc....but most importantly -- he is putting everyone else on that track in danger. Watch the video that is posted at the beginning of this thread...his corner speed is a joke...comical. It doesn't exist - watch the video and tell me he has ANY corner speed. He just looks out of place - no fluid flow on the bike. When he jumps he looks weird. When he is jumping on/off the tables he looks weird. He needs to ride locally and get comfortable on the bike. Maybe write another book - anything but getting out on a SX track. Sorry, he is putting the health of every other rider at risk.
mxmadness
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mxmadness 2/13/2011 11:14am
2/13/2011 11:14am
151 wrote:
He does come across like a decent dude. But he also speaks like a politician, and is sponsored by lawyers that sue people involved in motorcycle...
He does come across like a decent dude. But he also speaks like a politician, and is sponsored by lawyers that sue people involved in motorcycle accidents.

Makes me wonder who would racers not mind seeing get sued.

I like how he played the "your an idiot if you think I have alterior motives" card. Decent diversion tactic. Or the truth. Could be either.
WTF? Motorcycle lawyers sue over street bike accidents. They sue insurance companies who try not to pay when someone riding a street bike gets slammed by a big truck or SUV. They don't sue over motocross, where riders sign their lives away before they can even walk on an AMA track. Also, lawyers like entertaining clients. If you haven't noticed, motorcycle lawyers have been sponsoring almost every SX event this season.

The amount of ignorance on these posts is amazing. So amazing that when a guy like 490 does an interview and breaks down the sport on an intellectual level, you can't think of anything to say but "he speaks like a politician."

Think before you drink, and think before you post.
Huckster
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Huckster 2/13/2011 11:44am
2/13/2011 11:44am
"During my senior year of high school I had multiple Div 1 schools interested in me, and I signed early with a full 5-year scholarship to play football at Utah State"

Ahhhhh reality check....NO such thing as a 5 yr scholarship in the NCAA....Scholarships are renewable on a yearly basis and are given out for 1 yr periods.....This guy is walter mitty
mxmadness
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mxmadness 2/13/2011 3:34pm
2/13/2011 3:34pm
Huckster wrote:
"During my senior year of high school I had multiple Div 1 schools interested in me, and I signed early with a full 5-year scholarship to...
"During my senior year of high school I had multiple Div 1 schools interested in me, and I signed early with a full 5-year scholarship to play football at Utah State"

Ahhhhh reality check....NO such thing as a 5 yr scholarship in the NCAA....Scholarships are renewable on a yearly basis and are given out for 1 yr periods.....This guy is walter mitty
If you knew anything about college athletics, you'd know back in the 1990's colleges offered 5-year deals in case they red shirted the first year. That way they'd still have 4 years of athletic eligibility + a total of 5 years to get their degree. After some guys weren't taking advantage of the time given, they started only offering scholarships on a 1-year basis. This was pretty common back then, look it up. Like I said, think before you post.

I watched all the guys' stuff on YouTube and there's an interview with his college coach. People obviously just want to talk crap about this guy.
smc916
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smc916 2/13/2011 4:03pm
2/13/2011 4:03pm
Dudes got my respect.
sbarrington314 2/13/2011 4:23pm
2/13/2011 4:23pm
thats cool that he doesnt care what people think. i admire him for that. but trying to create this big story of how he only rode for 2 years then attempted supercross isnt cutting it.
so does this make it ok for anyone that has the time and money to go out and race races until they have the correct amount of points to race pro? anyone can do it. just takes some people more time and money than others.
Dirtysmile56 2/13/2011 10:27pm
2/13/2011 10:27pm
Wait, so it only takes two years of riding to ride at the pro supercross level? So it really is that easy, sweetWink
Come on, this guy can't even rail a corner let alone ride a supercross track safely.(watch the video!)
I don't care what his instant band of nut huggers say, the guy does not belong out there period.
rpk191
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rpk191 2/13/2011 11:10pm
2/13/2011 11:10pm
I honestly think I could go faster on my 4 wheel death machine......
Ddavis
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Ddavis 2/13/2011 11:12pm
2/13/2011 11:12pm
The guy is successful and seems pretty professional about his choices and future plans, in his shoes, it's pretty incredible for him to go attempt supercross head on like that. Something alot of people don't have the nerve to do, I still stand by my opinion when I say he shouldn't be allowed out there, but he seems like a cool dude.
hondaracer664 2/13/2011 11:41pm
2/13/2011 11:41pm Edited Date/Time 2/13/2011 11:44pm
Ddavis wrote:
The guy is successful and seems pretty professional about his choices and future plans, in his shoes, it's pretty incredible for him to go attempt supercross...
The guy is successful and seems pretty professional about his choices and future plans, in his shoes, it's pretty incredible for him to go attempt supercross head on like that. Something alot of people don't have the nerve to do, I still stand by my opinion when I say he shouldn't be allowed out there, but he seems like a cool dude.
Wow, a post from Ddavis that I not only don't feel dumber for reading, but I actually agree with. Great job.

Blake
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Blake 2/14/2011 7:27am
2/14/2011 7:27am
This Smith guy is far too educated for this sport.

He's smarter, more educated, probably in better shape, has a job to go to in case this hobby doesnt pan out(What most 3rd grade motocross dropouts dont have without industry).......and probably makes more money than most the racers and team managers.

Thats why everyone hates. If they dont like him being out there, the could suit up, don a helmet, and go bump the guy from the gate.

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Dirtysmile56 2/14/2011 10:46am
2/14/2011 10:46am
Anyone can do it, the bike does all the work. sheesh.
MBBadgers
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MBBadgers 2/14/2011 10:53am
2/14/2011 10:53am
151 wrote:
He does come across like a decent dude. But he also speaks like a politician, and is sponsored by lawyers that sue people involved in motorcycle...
He does come across like a decent dude. But he also speaks like a politician, and is sponsored by lawyers that sue people involved in motorcycle accidents.

Makes me wonder who would racers not mind seeing get sued.

I like how he played the "your an idiot if you think I have alterior motives" card. Decent diversion tactic. Or the truth. Could be either.
I think you missed the point, they defend motorcyclists in accidents, big difference.
Dirtysmile56 2/14/2011 11:01am
2/14/2011 11:01am
Here's a thought for you guys. Remember when Shaun Palmer gave it a go a few years ago? Remember the vid of him and Ping riding at Castillo? Ping, a retired self proclaimed couch potato made Palm look like a 125 novice in that vid. Palm barely made the night shows and the guy is one of the most gifted athlete's and has had a lifelong history with the sport. This 490 dude couldn't hold Palms Jock strap let alone Pings let alone guys who have been at it for a long time. I admire the guy for his audacity and desire but the reality is that it will never happen. The fact is that the chances are much higher that he is going to end some up and comer's career by getting in the way or paralyzing himself. If you think he has a shot at the night show, you need to pass around whatever it is you're smoking, because it must be some pretty good shit Smile
BLAHBLAH
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BLAHBLAH 2/14/2011 11:32am
2/14/2011 11:32am
I think this guy is pretty intense, in a good way. I don't blame him for trying to qualify for a SX, I blame the AMA. I still think he has no business being on a SX track and he would be much better off trying to qualify for a national.
BLAHBLAH
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BLAHBLAH 2/14/2011 11:33am
2/14/2011 11:33am
Ddavis wrote:
The guy is successful and seems pretty professional about his choices and future plans, in his shoes, it's pretty incredible for him to go attempt supercross...
The guy is successful and seems pretty professional about his choices and future plans, in his shoes, it's pretty incredible for him to go attempt supercross head on like that. Something alot of people don't have the nerve to do, I still stand by my opinion when I say he shouldn't be allowed out there, but he seems like a cool dude.
hondaracer664 wrote:
Wow, a post from Ddavis that I not only don't feel dumber for reading, but I actually agree with. Great job. [img]https://www.psdgraphics.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/gold-star.jpg[/img]
Wow, a post from Ddavis that I not only don't feel dumber for reading, but I actually agree with. Great job.

That's a big gold star..
ImTheDude
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ImTheDude 2/14/2011 11:40am
2/14/2011 11:40am
nice.
thanks.
redrider400
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redrider400 2/14/2011 12:08pm
2/14/2011 12:08pm
Dirtysmile56 wrote:
Here's a thought for you guys. Remember when Shaun Palmer gave it a go a few years ago? Remember the vid of him and Ping riding...
Here's a thought for you guys. Remember when Shaun Palmer gave it a go a few years ago? Remember the vid of him and Ping riding at Castillo? Ping, a retired self proclaimed couch potato made Palm look like a 125 novice in that vid. Palm barely made the night shows and the guy is one of the most gifted athlete's and has had a lifelong history with the sport. This 490 dude couldn't hold Palms Jock strap let alone Pings let alone guys who have been at it for a long time. I admire the guy for his audacity and desire but the reality is that it will never happen. The fact is that the chances are much higher that he is going to end some up and comer's career by getting in the way or paralyzing himself. If you think he has a shot at the night show, you need to pass around whatever it is you're smoking, because it must be some pretty good shit Smile
Harsh, but true. I couldn't agree more.
redrider400
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redrider400 2/14/2011 12:09pm
2/14/2011 12:09pm
BLAHBLAH wrote:
I think this guy is pretty intense, in a good way. I don't blame him for trying to qualify for a SX, I blame the AMA...
I think this guy is pretty intense, in a good way. I don't blame him for trying to qualify for a SX, I blame the AMA. I still think he has no business being on a SX track and he would be much better off trying to qualify for a national.
He will see just how far he is from pro level if he does a Nat. He will probably be about 1 minute or more off the pace.
MX4EVR
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MX4EVR 2/14/2011 12:44pm
2/14/2011 12:44pm
looks like this guy is doing a lot of practicing and all you guys are doing a lot of flapping your flappers!!!! LOL
I bet he makes the night program sometime in the future and I to might go and get his book! what a cool dude. very strong in the mind.
grover738
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grover738 2/14/2011 12:44pm
2/14/2011 12:44pm Edited Date/Time 2/14/2011 12:46pm
There is a lot to like about the guy. Great positive attitude, work ethic, educated, successful, great role model.

But (of course there is a but) I just don't get the supercross riding. He's not close to making the night show. It isn't a matter of hitting a section correctly or picking up some corner speed. It's everything. He's not close. How can a guy of his intelligence not realize this? What is he gaining by being out there, beside the ability to say he rode a professional SX? He would be much better off at a practice track with a riding coach.

The reason it's so strange to me is that I'm a similar age and ability to him. I see him riding a sx track, he does some obstacles that I wouldn't do, but I think I'd have him in the corners would be more aggressive in the whoops than he is. If I somehow found myself without a wife and kids to support and a huge itch to race supercross, I'd never even consider taking advantage of a lax qualifying system in order to go straight to the top level and try to ride. I'd live at a practice track until I had the ability to ride at a level close to where I needed to be.

If he gets interviewed again, I'd love to see him answer that - "why not practice until you're at least in the neighborhood of the guys trying to qualify?"
mx_563
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mx_563 2/14/2011 1:21pm
2/14/2011 1:21pm
Hank_Thrill wrote:
Great job dude! Haven't even started reading it yet, however, i'm stoked! I think it's great you did this. I also think it is lame the...
Great job dude! Haven't even started reading it yet, however, i'm stoked!

I think it's great you did this. I also think it is lame the moto industry turned the other way on a GREAT story.
That's what I don't get! The web is totally buzzing over this guy and nobody in the mainstream moto media seems interested. This is obviously a big story. What gives?
Huckster
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Huckster 2/14/2011 1:34pm
2/14/2011 1:34pm
Huckster wrote:
"During my senior year of high school I had multiple Div 1 schools interested in me, and I signed early with a full 5-year scholarship to...
"During my senior year of high school I had multiple Div 1 schools interested in me, and I signed early with a full 5-year scholarship to play football at Utah State"

Ahhhhh reality check....NO such thing as a 5 yr scholarship in the NCAA....Scholarships are renewable on a yearly basis and are given out for 1 yr periods.....This guy is walter mitty
mxmadness wrote:
If you knew anything about college athletics, you'd know back in the 1990's colleges offered 5-year deals in case they red shirted the first year. That...
If you knew anything about college athletics, you'd know back in the 1990's colleges offered 5-year deals in case they red shirted the first year. That way they'd still have 4 years of athletic eligibility + a total of 5 years to get their degree. After some guys weren't taking advantage of the time given, they started only offering scholarships on a 1-year basis. This was pretty common back then, look it up. Like I said, think before you post.

I watched all the guys' stuff on YouTube and there's an interview with his college coach. People obviously just want to talk crap about this guy.
Didn't say anything about red shirting or how many years you had to complete your 4 years of eligibility. I played in the late 80's on scholarship and it was renewable EVERY year. I red shirted my freshman year and was on the 5 yr program....the NCAA has had the rule in effect since 1973 that Scholarships were only allowed to be given on a ONE year basis and were renewable and revokable. Did Mr. Mitty play before 1973?

Before you pipe up, do your research and read thoroughly........

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