SMX Round 1 Recap: Building Toward Better Results
Round 1 of the SMX season is in the books, and while it wasn’t the dream start, it’s a foundation to build on. Finishing sixth in the first main event left plenty of room for improvement, but that’s racing—sometimes it’s about taking what the day gives you and moving forward with determination.
The track proved to be one of the toughest challenges of the weekend. Riders described it as sketchy, with ruts forming quickly and slick patches catching even the most experienced off guard. Every lap demanded focus and precision, and mistakes were punished instantly. For me, it wasn’t about pushing recklessly but finding consistency and making sure I got through the motos healthy.
And that’s exactly what happened—we came out of Round 1 in one piece, with valuable points on the board, and plenty of motivation to get back to work. The first moto result, while not where I want to be, showed flashes of speed. I know there’s more in the tank, and with adjustments to starts, line choices, and intensity, being up front is absolutely within reach.
The second moto brought its own set of hurdles. A less-than-ideal start made the climb forward more difficult, but I fought through the pack, picking off riders one by one. By the final laps, the pace was there, but I had given up too much ground early on to make a real charge toward the leaders. Still, the ride was a reminder that with sharper execution at the gate and in the opening corners, the results can turn around quickly.
The biggest takeaway from the weekend isn’t frustration—it’s hunger. I want to be better, and I know I can be better. This was just the first round of a long season, and every moto is an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and faster. The fitness is there, the bike setup is improving, and with continued effort, the podium is not out of reach.
Leaving Round 1, the mindset is clear: keep the body healthy, keep putting in the work, and bring more fight each weekend. The season is a marathon, not a sprint, and I’m determined to keep climbing until I’m where I know I belong—up front, battling for wins.