Cameron Smith is the only African American racer

in American Flat Track Racing.

But color doesn’t matter in the rough and tumble of a dirt race.

Are you fast or not?

Cameron Smith in the zone with Dave Evans. [Jodi Johnson]

The Smith family calls Coatesville, Pennsylvania home,

where the several local tracks mean motorcycle racing is popular.

His mother and father started him on two wheels at age five.

Just like any other sport, or music – start ’em early.

Cameron competed against some of the same riders he’s racing today.

His father is one of the nicest people you will meet at the track.

It would not be a race without the Smith family.

He was allowed to race all the way through high school

as long as he maintained his grades.

Racing has been a constant in his life thanks to his family.

Cameron is grateful for their love and support.

He feels the same sense of excitement while racing he did as a child.

Cameron Smith sliding his 2015 Honda racer to victory against the best in the sport. [Jodi Johnson]
Cam had his first big win in a professional race last year.

All the hard work, blood, sweat and tears paid off that day.

His family was over the moon when he pulled into the pits.

As he prepared to take his Victory Lap with the checkered flag,

he offered his mom a ride,

but she wanted her son to enjoy his moment in the spotlight.

Cam had even won the sprint before the main event, the “Dash for Cash”.

That’s a day to cherish the rest of his life.

Smith with Dave Evans and Olive, the author’s daughter. [Michael Lawless]
It’s a long road from that first motorcycle race at age five.

Race day can be hectic, exciting and dangerous.

But the everyday life of a racer requires discipline.

Racers are athletes in top physical condition.

Cam is on a strict diet, works out daily, has a personal trainer.

A monotonous travel schedule leaves little free time.

He is totally committed to the dream of being champion.

Cameron Smith out front in the Singles class. [Michael Lawless]
It’s not all sunshine and victories though.

A racer can struggle with his/her machine,

pushing the bike to do what s/he wants, to be manageable at speed.

But flat track racing can be very unforgiving.

Things happen even with proper preparation and all the right moves.

Smith with his crew. [Jodi Johson]
Last April, Cameron looked forward to racing

in warm Georgia weather after the long winter.

The cold damp weather was a surprise after driving from Philly.

When the lights turned green, the pack charged into the first corner,

and one of the front runners spun out.

Cam was on him with nowhere to go and riders flanking either side.

Colliding with the downed machine,

he was thrown over the handlebars and slammed to the ground.

Cam was fortunate not to have broken any bones but the impact of

banging his head on the hard clay track

meant racing was over for that day.

Thank God for a good helmet.

Cameron Smith #44 with his Honda CRF450. [Jodi Johnson]
When a rider does not complete a race, there’s no prize money.

Racing is a stretch for Cameron and his family.

It would be great to have two of the latest machines in his pits,

but Cameron does what he can with a 2015 Honda CRF450.

He never loses sight of that dream.

Cam hopes to ride the growing popularity of flat track

while finding new sponsors and keeping good people around him.

Back at ya Cameron! [Jodi Johnson]
We discuss creating an event in Philadelphiato promote the sport of flat track racing with locals,

the street kids and 12 O’Clock boys.

Get them off the street and into racing.

Some of those kids are remarkable riders.

Chasing the dream of becoming the National Champion. [Jodi Johnson]
Smith started 2020 off rightwith a win, beating champions Corey Texter and Dan Bromley.

You can help Cameron Smith in his National Championship bid

by watching him at American Flat Track or on NBCSN.

Follow him on Facebook and on Instagram.

 

Michael Lawless [@electric_horseman], our ‘Poet of Packed Earth’, is the Flat Track Editor for TheVintagent.com, and has his own blog: Electric Horseman
People Racing