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CONCORD, N.C. (March 17, 2008) - Late model driver and race car
builder Jeff Smith, of Dallas, N.C., will be among the local favorites
when
the nation's top dirt-track racers invade The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor
Speedway Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, for the third annual Circle
K
Colossal 100.
Smith, the son of dirt late model legend Freddy Smith, has parlayed
his life-long involvement in the sport into a successful career both on
and
off the track. In addition to wheeling the No. 70 Starrette Trucking
entry
at numerous southern dirt tracks, Smith, 42, also owns and operates J&J
Race
Cars, a Gastonia, N.C., company that builds dirt late models and
distributes
racing parts.
"As far as mechanics are concerned, I learned that from my dad,"
Smith said. "Between him and my grandfather (Clarence "Grassy" Smith),
I can
pretty much work on anything from one end of the race car to the
other."
Growing up, the young Smith spent countless hours in the family
garage as his father prepared the familiar No. 00. But once Smith
joined his
father behind the wheel, the rigors of competing with different series
often
left the youngest without his father's guidance.
"The way it worked out, we followed different series over the
years," Smith explained. "I did my regional thing while he was doing
his
national stuff. As far as helping me with the driving aspect, I wish I
could
have had him around more. I know it would have shortened my learning
curve."
Despite his family's long involvement in dirt-track racing, Smith's
mother was hesitant to let her son continue the family tradition.
"It was 1984 before I raced," he said. "My mom put her foot down and
said I couldn't sit in a race car until I graduated from high school. I
raced while I was in college and I went to classes year around so I
could
finish faster."
Freddy Smith, known to fans as "The Southern Gentleman," has set the
standard for a new generation of dirt-track racers, including his son.
"Obviously, he's way ahead of me in number of wins," the younger
Smith said. "I've been able to gain on him here the last few years, but
he
has always been the one guy who was out front."
Even though he'll be battling the nation's best in the Circle K
Colossal 100, Smith is eagerly anticipating the World of Outlaws Late
Model
Series event.
"I really enjoy racing at The Dirt Track and the Colossal 100 is a
phenomenal event," said Smith, who has missed the 36-car starting field
in
the two previous editions of the marquee early season event.
"It's not that we've been that bad there," Smith noted. "We just
haven't had any luck. It's nothing that was the fault of poor
maintenance or
mistakes-it was just stupid luck. We need to get in the show, then we
can
worry about winning it. Our issues have happened in getting to the
feature,
but we'll be there this year with bells on-Good Lord willing, and the
creek
don't rise."
The Friday-night portion of the Circle K Colossal 100 features group
time trials and heat races. The top two finishers in each heat will
secure a
spot in the 100-lap finale and a draw will determine the starting
lineup.
Saturday night's program begins with a driver autograph session and
the on-track action includes at least four additional qualifying races
prior
to the main event. The race is part of the World of Outlaws Late Model
Series, but The Dirt Track's traditional format, including the
extremely
popular Delaware-style restarts, will be utilized.
If purchased in advance, reserved tickets for both Friday and
Saturday nights are just $39 for adults and $10 for children ages 12
and
under. Two-day pit passes are $60 in advance.
Tickets and pit passes for the April 18-19 Circle K Colossal 100 can
be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling
1-800-455-FANS.
The Fleetwood RV Camping Resort is located adjacent to The Dirt
Track and full-service camping spots can be reserved by calling (704)
455-4445.
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