Multiple times a race winner at Aberdare Park, a two stroke and Super Mono class specialist, Merthyr Tydfil’s Jay Bellers Smith is the next racer to take part in, Road Racing News ten questions challenge.
Jay’s answers to the popular series of questions, are as follows:
Q1: Favourite National Roads Meeting?
“Best National roads meeting has got to be Aberdare Park Road Races, as that’s the first real road race I ever took part in.
I just love the vibe of the place, it’s got a real sense about it and I’ve had a lot of success there over the 17 years I’ve been racing.
Beating Jason Griffiths, Ryan Farquhar, William and Robert Dunlop and narrowly missing out beating my hero Ian Lougher, when he was on the Manton Honda in the 2003 Welsh Open Final, is a real fond memory I have of that place.”
Q2: Favourite Racing Bike?
“My favourite racing bike has got to be the Smith Brothers GP1 Lung KTM 690 Super Mono, as it’s still got a lot of development left and it’s constantly evolving.
It’s done some giant killing already in it’s first full year of development, and it really impresses people when they realise its a single cylinder in a world of production multi machines.
Simon Harris Ex Derek Welch Spondon TZ250 Yamaha, is a very close second though!”
Q3: What’s the best part of competing on the roads?
“Best part of competing on the roads, has just got to be the craic! Everyone is so easy and approachable and it’s not super cut throat like racing on short circuits.”
Q4: TT, North West 200 or Ulster Grand Prix?
“As I’ve not competed (yet!) in the TT or the awesome Ulster GP, I’ve got to say the North West 200 even though I almost got paralysed at Blackhill at my first ever North West 200.
I still went back to lay some demons to rest in 2006 and raced there continually until 2009. If only they’d relax the Super Twin rules there to allow the Super Mono class in, I think I’d be happy to go back.
Mervyn Whyte and his team do an amazing job though, and they have to deal with a lot of s**t but they get the job done and it’s a meeting that always provides awesome racing!”
Q5: Most Respected Rival?
“Most respected rival has got to be Paul Gartland. The guys a real rider and to walk away from some of the bumps he’s had and come back, and still be fast and smooth and real safe to ride with, shows his calibre. Plus him and Jenny are a real good laugh in the paddock and are always up for a chat.”
Q6: Best roads moment thus far?
“Best roads moment is a tough one, I’d go for though getting on the podium following a Lightweight race with 2 other Welshmen at the Spring Cup at Scarborough in 2016.
Was competing aboard a bike I’ve never raced before that weekend. Plus the race was on the Tele!”
Q7: Is their one place or country in the world, where you would like to see a roads meeting held?
“Wales! So many great roads to choose from, but investment and the government is really killing the massive potential. A road race in Scotland would be pretty good too.”
Q8: Who’s your road racing hero?
“My road racing Hero is Ian Lougher. Guys done it all, won everything and still comes back for more. So smooth to watch, calculated.
Goes as fast as he needs to and doesn’t take any risks. That’s why he’s been around so long. A pleasure to race with too.”
Q9: Supersport or Superbike?
“I’ve only ever ridden one Superbike for a couple of demo laps. It was the Splitlath Aprilia RSV4 of the late great Mark Buckley. What a machine!
It had an ex factory Aprilia engine, they told me it had 220 BHP. It was like being on board the star ship enterprise when it hit warp speed!”
Q10: Pole position or fastest lap?
“Fastest lap. Because if you don’t finish you can always take some solace in thinking at least the times I was doing could have meant, I could of won!”
Words by Stevie Rial