Smith was a legend in freestyle motocross, known to many as Smitty 333; Smith spent some time here in Hernando County and became well known in the area.
Smith was born in Nova Scotia, resided in Brooksville in 2012 then moved to Las Vegas with his wife, a couple of years ago. He tirelessly worked on obtaining a unique style as well as defining his skill in freestyle motocross.
Sadly on September 9, Smith passed away doing what he loved the most, on the outskirts of Temecula, California. He unfortunately he went into full cardiac arrest after a dirtbike crash. Responders were unable to stabilize him.
Many fans, followers and friends shared memories and moments on social media of how dedicated Smith was to entertaining, teaching and building the esteem of several FMX riders.
Carl Richey who is also an avid FMX rider learned a hard lesson on freestyle jump, landing wrong caused him to break his collarbone during a first attempt ramp jump at Hard Rock in Ocala. Richey met up with Derrick David (owner of Axis Powersports at Croom) who in turned recommended Smith for training.
Smith invited Richey out to Area 51, a well-known motocross spot in Brooksville and worked with him continuously.
Richey and Smith built a strong friendship, with the connection they had together.
“Paul was really about safety. If there was one little thing wrong with my bike, he wouldn’t let me ride it,” Richey said. “The most exciting moment was the first show he gave me at Pusheta Creek MX Park in Wapakoneta, Ohio, after that I just travelled around with him all over the country.”
Smith also was connected to Derick David; owner of Axis Powersports located in Brooksville, David met Smith through some mutual friends and during the years of 2012 and 2013, Smith helped out during the Kids’ Day at Croom.
“He was super, super driven. He was a great guy,” David said. “He had vision and dream in which direction he wanted to go. He always helped young kids and showed people how awesome riding motorcycles can be.”
David also said at Smith’s age, 49, still riding professional freestyle motocross is a such a feat.. “Just driven to do things a very particular way, it’s flabbergasting still to think that he passed because he was so particular. If the wind was the (wrong) way, if the dirt was slightly crooked…Everything had to be perfect.”
Derrick and Richey were thankful for their riding experiences with Smith and the drive and dedication he had for the sport.
Smith was an FMX pro rider with IDOFMX (International Department of Freestyle Motocross). He was part of one of the best freestyle motocross teams in the world, based out of Las Vegas NV. FMX shows have high impact freestyle ramp jumps that consist of Rock Solids, Backflips and much more. Riders would reach up to 30 feet in the air and jumping 75 feet from takeoff.
Smith was a huge part of the Metal Mulisha Fitz Army family. They wrote the following, “Ride In Peace Paul and know that you will always be remembered as an amazing individual…”
View his amazing talent https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUXiL7_S8Ko and Read more about Paul Smith at www.facebook.com/idofmx.