Motocross: Cromwell youngster to join Mayhem

 

Possessing the rare combination of indisputable courage and impressive riding skills has earned Jacob Jones, of Cromwell, a place on ex-Crusty Demon Luke Smith's Moto Mayhem team.

The 13-year-old was blown away by the opportunity to perform in some of the team's riding demonstrations at about 30 shows booked around New Zealand this year at events and concerts.

"I'm stoked as. So happy," he said.

Smith, who toured internationally with the Crusty Demons for five years, discovered Jacob at the two Big Air Boot Camps he held at a purpose-built Alexandra compound earlier this year. His "no-fear buzz" impressed Smith as he watched the Cromwell College pupil successfully land enormous jumps from one of the ramps.

"There's not many people, especially in New Zealand, that will jump 75 foot [22.8m] on a dirt bike, especially on a little 85cc," Smith said.

Jacob's talent reminded him of Kiwi international and X Games medallist Levi Sherwood, whom he first mentored when the now 20-year-old was on the same capacity motorbike.

"If I can take him [Jacob] under my wing and teach him the stuff that I have learned the hard way, I plan on making this kid the next sensation to come out of New Zealand in the next few years," Smith said.

Jacob said he was grateful for the support of his family. His grandparents, Annie and Robbie Jones, of Cromwell, recently helped him purchase a Yamaha YZ85.

After starting out in motocross, he is relishing the freedom of freestyle riding that the new machine allows him.

"I find it really fun, just pushing myself to the limit."

As for throwing himself and his machine off ramps, the ability to turn off the panic button comes in handy, he said.

"The first time I hit it [nearly 23m jump], I was like 'whoa, what's going on?' Then you just think about it after you have done it," he said.

Jacob is at the Alexandra motocross facility - built by his uncle and South Island Moto Mayhem manager Regan Healey - every weekend, where he intends to repay Smith's faith in him by learning new tricks and improving his technique.

"I want to be a main rider for Moto Mayhem."

Smith said he was gratified the Alexandra boot camps had confirmed his belief there was some exceptional talent in the region and was encouraged to find a core group of riders had banded together to advance their skills.

"The South Island compound is the mecca for New Zealand freestyle at the moment."