It has been a while since we last ran into Les Smith. Last week we caught up with Les on Facebook to see what the South Carolinian was up to, his plans for 2010, and how getting ready for Supercross is coming along.

PanicREV: Give us the scoop on Les Smith.
Les Smith: I'm Les Smith, I'm 19 years old and I'm from York, South Carolina. I spent my last year amateur racing for Team Green Kawasaki, and as of now I am still riding a Kawasaki's. I have been racing since I was 6 years old.

PRev: You had a very successful amateur career, but also had to battle back from injury this last year. Please tell us a little bit about that.
LS: Yeah, right when my amateur career hit its peak, I tore my ACL and had to have replacement surgery. It was a pretty big setback and took a lot of time to heal, but in the end I feel that it only made me stronger, and made me want it that much more. I try to find something good in everything that I can!

PRev: How has your faith in the Lord helped you get through those highs and lows?
LS: I honestly couldn't make it without the Lord. Last year I had the best of both, I had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows battling several injuries. Faith in the Lord is what brought me through both. It's really tough sometimes and you wonder why things happen, but God has a plan and no matter how hard it gets I trust in that.

PRev: After Loretta Lynn's this year you raced a number of Nationals. How do you feel those went?
LS: Yeah, after leaving Loretta's I went to my first three outdoor Nationals. It's AMAZING how much different that is. It's almost like starting all over again with racing! I was pretty happy with my results, I learned a lot and got better and better each week. I love the long motos, conditioning has always been my strongest point!

PRev: What are your plans for the 2010 season?
LS: We still have a few things in the works as of now. Everything is really tough out there right now and I am just thankful to have a few things in the works! I hope to know something pretty soon!

PRev: Have you been getting ready for Supercross? How has that adjustment been?
LS: Yes, I have been riding %100 Supercross. The adjustment has been awesome. I really like Supercross and think I will do better indoors than I did outdoors. I feel really confident on the technical tracks and can't wait to get out there and do battle!

PRev: I know in the past you have trained with RC. Have you been able to get ready for Supercross at his place this fall?
LS: I haven't been down there yet, still trying to get a deal done for 2010 and then hopefully head down there and ride with Ryan and Ivan so they can help me prepare!

PRev: Let's mix up the questions a bit. What is something most people don't know about you?
LS: The worst way to torture me is by tickling me. I can't stand it! On a serious note most people don't know that I have a really tight group of family and really close friends and they are all over at my house almost every evening. I wouldn't be able to survive without every one of them.

PRev: What is your proudest moment?
LS: My proudest moment would have to be in 2007 when I battled through a torn ACL at Loretta's to bring home two titles. That was definitely the happiest I haveeven been!

PRev: Is there anything else you would like to add?
LS: Right now times are really hard and I need to thank my parents, my mechanic,and Laurin for always being behind me and believing in me!

PRev: Thanks for taking the time Les.
LS: Thank you for keeping me in mind!

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