AMA Hall of Famer Jeff Smith: 1934-2026
Motorcycle.com is saddened to learn of the passing of Jeff Smith, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer known for his contributions to motorcycling in both racing and in industry leadership roles. He was 91.
The British-born Smith became a factory ACU British Trials rider for Norton Motorcycles in 1952, winning the championship in 1953 and, after leaving Norton for BSA, again in 1954. That same year, Smith switched to motocross racing, winning the 1954 Dutch Motocross Grand Prix. In 1964 and 1965, Smith won consecutive 500cc World Motocross titles for BSA.
Smith also represented Britain in the Motocross des Nations (winning six championships) and the International Six Days Trial (winning eight gold medals).
After retiring from racing, Smith held a developmental role in Can-Am's motocross program. In the 1990s, Smith served as executive director of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA).
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AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith Passes Away
The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened by the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Smith and extends its condolences to his friends and family.
Smith was one of the most versatile racers in motorcycling history, excelling in a variety of motorcycle racing disciplines, most notably motocross and trials. Beyond his prowess as a racer, Smith was an industry leader, working in a number of leadership positions at Can-Am and serving as the executive director of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA).
Born in 1934 in Colne, England, Smith’s motorcycling journey began at nine years old when his father brought home a two-stroke Triumph motorcycle for Smith to ride. After World War II, Smith began competing at local trials events, and quickly caught the attention of Norton Motorcycles, becoming one of the manufacturer’s works riders in 1952.
Smith earned the ACU British Trials Championships in 1953 and 1954 — the latter title coming aboard a BSA.
Soon after his second trials championship, 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 motocross 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 Motocross 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 filled the role of executive director of AHRMA, where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. He also served the North Central region from 2001 until 2008 on the AMA Board of Directors.
Smith was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.
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Inspirational mx rider, followed him for many years, true Yorkshire man,
Now racing in heaven RIP
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I attended one of Jeff's Motocross sessions in Brainerd, MN. when he was circling the U.S. for Can-Am. I will never forget his assertion that we shouldn't try to "Beat" the other riders. We should Master the course. He believed that riding the course that we happened to be riding on was the secret to winning the Race! He was right and I applied that wisdom to Racing and to Life in general. He also raced in a Motocross in Cambridge, MN. that weekend. He had a quarter turn throttle on his bike, yet he was the smoothest rider on the track that day. I was riding the Open class, so I had to opportunity to watch him race the 250 class on his Can-Am. While "our" local riders were thrashing around the course in an effort to crank the throttle FULL ON- Jeff was adding power thru the rear wheel without all the flailing going on with the other guys. He came into the corners at a higher speed and exited out carrying much of that speed, riding smoothly away from everyone....In his 50's!
I'd read his book on Motocross Racing, where he shared about how riding Observed Trials taught him MUCH about "Surface consciousness" and how to apply the throttle for maximum efficiency. It was a great "Life Lesson" that I've applied in many situations over the years. "Mastering the Course" without worrying about the "other guys" will most often make you the "Winner" in most pursuits.
I'm confident that Jeff impacted the riding skills of a ton of aspiring MX'rs over the years, as he "spread the Wisdom" on how to Ride Smooth AND FAST!
Thanks for the knowledge AND the Memories, Jeff!