Jacob Smith takes the Condo 750
Yamaha WR450F mounted Jacob Smith has taken the overall motorcycle win at the conclusion of two full days of gruelling competition in Australia's tough Condo 750 endurance race.
11 April 2007.
Yamaha WR450F mounted Jacob Smith has taken the overall motorcycle win at the conclusion of two full days of gruelling competition in Australia's tough Condo 750 endurance race.
The iconic event, Australia's only navigational cross-country bike race – attracted riders from across the nation, competing in a timed multi-terrain sprint through the Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes shires of NSW. Private and public roads and tracks were utilised for the event ensuring a wide array of challenges for entrants.
Mounted aboard the powerful Yamaha WR450F, Jacob was on the pace instantly,showing good endurance skills and extracting everything he could from the class-leading machine. At just 18 years of age, it was the local rider's first long-distance navigational race, and in stark contrast to his regular supercross and motocross meets.
He finished first on Saturday, upstaging other manufacturers' factory efforts, and building a massive time buffer to set him in good stead for Sunday's racing. The typically-dominant WR450F was up to the task, tackling hundreds of competitive kilometres of very rough farm and bush tracks, tight scrub sections and numerous creek crossings and steep climbs.
Jacob comfortably completed the final timed section to claim the win by 17 seconds ahead of second place. "It was a great weekend to be a part of and a real thrill to win in my first attempt," said Smith. "I was approached to ride by Sam (Sam Laws Motorcycles) just over a week ago and eagerly took up the offer, my brother Todd was also riding the WR450F so I thought it would be a good opportunity." "The terrain was really rough and there were a lot of natural obstacles to overcome."
Jacob’s brother Todd was also entered in the weekend event aboard a WR450F, but his strong initial progress was hampered after colliding with an obstacle and breaking his collarbone.He pushed on through the pain to finish the first day in an amazing third place, and was extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the running at the half-way mark.
The brothers' Condo 750 campaign was made possible by Sam Laws, Dealer Principal of the Orange-based Sam Laws Motorcycles.
Sam Laws Motorcycles would like to thank the following sponsors: Yamaha, Motorex, Scott riding gear and goggles, One Industries,Incite Graphics, Pro Moto Suspension, Jim Sherritt Racing Engines and G & S Fabrications
