Jackson Leigh-Smith - Bio
Jackson Leigh-Smith
Nationality: Australian
Born: 7th January 1992
Weight: 57 kg
Height: 172 cm
Family: Noel (Dad) Mary (Mum) Samantha & Kellie (sisters) Ben & Blake (brothers)
Jackson started riding motorcycles on a 50cc Yamaha at age 4 under the tuition of Bernie Hatton from Top Rider Rider Motorcycle Training on the Gold Coast.
In 1997 aged 5, joined the Mike Hatcher Junior Motorcycle Club and started racing dirt track progressing through the classes up to 250cc 4/.
2002 Jackson had his first experience on the tar riding a Yamaha GP50 at Darlington Park Raceway.
In 2005 he progressed to a Moriwaki 80. In 2005 while competing in a dirt track event, Jackson received serious injuries which put him out of the sport for almost a year.
Turning 15 in 2007 Jackson progressed to a 125 GP. (Riders have to be 15 years old to ride 125GP in Australia).
In early 2007, Jackson crossed the Tasman and raced in New Zealand finishing 2nd in the New Zealand 125cc championship, in preparation for his Australian debut.
In his first year on a 125GP Jackson finished 3rd overall in the Australian Championships. This result gained him a wildcard in the Australian round of the 125cc MotoGP at Phillip Island.
In 2008 Jackson is fortunate to ride in Europe under the guidance of Johan Luyten and resides in Belgium. Jackson will compete in the IDM and as many meetings and tracks as possible.