RICKIE SMITH AND BAHRAIN 1 RACING TEAM UP FOR 2010.

Rickie Smith will have a new primary sponsor for 2010.

The veteran Pro Modified driver will carry the colors of The Kingdom of Bahrain in 2010, through the Bahrain 1 racing team.

“I’m extremely excited to be working with the country of Bahrain and Sheikh Abdulla,” said Smith.

Smith will race with Bahrain 1 sponsorship in the United States this season in a ramp up to the 2011 Qatar Racing Club season scheduled to begin in November.

This season promises to be a busy one as he will serve as crew chief for the Jegs Mail Order Pro Modified Camaro of Troy Coughlin on the NHRA Get Screened America tour. Smith will run as a teammate to Coughlin.

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SMITH IS BACK IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT

There’s very little that “Tricky” Rickie Smith hasn’t accomplished in his racing career, which has spanned 30-plus years.

Smith, who resides in King, N.C., won five IHRA Pro Stock world championships and two IHRA Super Modified titles from 1976-89.

In 2007, those accomplishments and many more led to him be named the No. 1 Mountain Motor Pro Stock Racer of All-Time by CompetitionPlus.com and he was voted one of the top four people inducted into the inaugural Bristol Motorsports Hall of Fame class of 2008.

In 2009,  Smith took on a new role with Qatar’s Al-Anabi racing team in the Pro Mod series. Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani is in charge of Al-Anabi Racing and with the Pro Mod team partnered with Mike Castellana's Awesome Motorsports.

“I was hired by Al-Anabi as a crew chief to be in charge of suspension, gear ratio and the clutch for Al-Anabi’s Pro Mod cars,” Smith said. “Shannon (Jenkins) was in charge of the engine side and stuff like that.”

Awesome/Al-Anabi’s Pro Mod Nitrous drivers include Jenkins, Castellana, K.A Balooshi nd Von Smith pilots a Pro Extreme entry for Awesome/Al-Anabi.

The drivers were having success, but Smith wasn’t happy with his situation with Awesome/Al-Anabi.

“I guess I wasn’t mad at anybody,” the 55-year-old Smith said. “I just wanted to drive and do things my way. I have been racing for over 30 years and that’s what I wanted to continue to do. I told the team (Al-Anabi) on Friday night (Sept. 11) at Rockingham that I wasn’t going to be with the team next year. When I told the team that, the Sheikh said he wanted to stop it now (in regards to Smith working for him). I wasn’t mad that they stopped it, I was just disappointed that I didn’t get to finish out the year. In NASCAR, a lot of people announce that they’re changing jobs or sponsors halfway through a season, but they finish out the year.”

 It didn’t take Smith long to land firmly back on his feet.

This past weekend, Smith was driving a Sonny Leonard-engine powered 1968 Camaro in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge presented by ProCare Rx in the NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMax Dragway.

Smith’s day ended early in eliminations when he smoked the clutch, but he still was plenty impressed with what transpired. Smith was running Leonard’s new 864 5.3 bore space nitrous wedge engine. In just his third pass in the car, Smith clocked a 5.95-second elapsed time at over 239 mph.

“I’m just overwhelmed with what we were able to do,” said Smith, who has been good friends with Leonard for years. “This is one bad ass motor.”

Smith also was thrilled to be back behind the wheel.

“That’s probably the most comfortable thing I do,” Smith said. “When you’ve done this for 35 to 36 years like I have, it’s not that big of deal to starting driving again. I just have to get back in my driver’s mode and change from my crew chief mode.”

Smith said he’s considering racing his Pro Mod machine in the IHRA’s President’s Cup Nationals Friday through Sunday at Maryland International Raceway at Budds Creek.

“I’ve been working my ass off and I’m just not sure if I’m going to go because I need to look at the motor,” Smith said.

If Smith doesn’t compete at Budds Creek, he is definitely going to race at the NHRA Virginia Nationals Oct. 9-11 in Richmond and he also will be in the LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals V Oct. 23-24 at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis.

“I don’t see us doing nothing, but going faster and faster,” Smith said.

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Rickie Smith and K.A. Balooshi Dominate Once Again, This Time in Bahrain

Last time out Rickie Smith and K.A. Balooshi took down the blower cars at the new drag racing track in Qatar.  Smith and Balooshi put a stop to the fast and furious blower cars at the beginning of February and saw no reason to let up this past weekend as the series ran in Bahrian.

Smith has been to the Bahrain International Circuit numerous times over the years and it showed last week.  Smith and Balooshi had to run against both of Popeye Racing’s dominate cars on raceday.  Beating their nitrous car first round with a 6.14 et and then their blower car second round (finals) with a 6.11 et.

“It’s a lot of fun over here,” said Smith.  “We came in not really knowing what to expect.  These blower cars have been killing the whole field over here, so we knew we had to have our Al Anabi Racing Nitrous car up to par in order to win again. I have got to thank Chad, Reuben and Jimmy.  They worked their butts off and without them this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Smith and Balooshi have proven to be the dominating force over the last month in Qatar and Bahrain.  This twosome will come together again at the Bahrain International Circuit the third weekend in March.

Until then you can catch Smith behind the wheel of his new Jerry Bickel Chevrolet Camaro; that he hasn’t even tested yet, at the ADRL Houston Race this weekend at the NHRA GatorNationals the next weekend

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Rickie Smith and K.A. Balooshi Take Out the Blower Cars in Qatar

Rickie Smith is no stranger to racing across “The Pond.”  In fact, Smith has been overseas more times than he can count.  His most recent trip was this past month as he spent the last three weeks in Qatar at Sheik Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Thani’s new drag racing track in Doha. 

“Sheik Khalid’s involvement in drag racing is just amazing,” said Smith.  “I am blessed to be apart of such a great organization.  His new track in Qatar is excellent and it is a fantastic track to race on.”

With the Pro Modified blower cars dominating in the last few races, Smith and his nitrous injected team knew they had their work cut out for them come raceday.

However with Smith’s expertise and K.A. Balooshi driving skills, the powerful twosome hammered down and did what they do best -WIN.  Not only did Smith and Balooshi finally end the blower cars streak; but their Al Anabi Racing team became the first Nitrous car to dip into the five-seconds zone (5.97 e.t.) as well.

“The blower cars have been killing everybody over here,” said Smith.  “We knew what we had to do and we just buckled down and did it.  I made some significant changes to our Al-Anabi Racing Pro Mod Nitrous 1968 Pontiac Firebird over the last few weeks and it seemed to help in a lot of different areas. Balooshi did a great driving job as well.  The next few races should be a lot of fun for this whole organization.”

Smith and Balooshi will be back in action in two weeks as the series moves to Bahrain.

-As Smith arrived back at his shop in North Carolina three weeks after leaving home, he noticed his Red Bull refrigerator had shorted out.  Smith got extremely lucky as there was no harm done at his race shop.

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Smith Fights Tires Shake to Make it to the Finals

 

“Tricky” Rickie Smith took his Al-Anabi Awesome Motorsports Pro Nitrous car and ran in the Battle of the Belts ADRL World Finals in Ennis, Texas this past weekend.  Smith showed his wily veteran skills rather well as he raced his way into the finals, before eventually losing to ADRL Battle of the Belts Champion Billy Harper in the final round.

 

Smith who has been racing in numerous series’ this year, took his 1963 Nitrous Injected Chevrolet Corvette over the last few days and battled against the world’s best Nitrous drivers.

 

Fighting tire shake over the last few weeks, Smith knew he may have to pedal his Pro Nitrous machine throughout the weekend if he wanted to go rounds.

 

Qualifying off points in the seventh position with his Al-Anabi Awesome Motorsports Nitrous Corvette, Smith knew he had to make up some ground during eliminations, and that he did. 

 

Coming from the bottom half of the ladder, Smith proved his worth once again as he drove his way around each of his competitors.  Having tire shake each round, Smith pedaled his car not once, but sometimes twice during the elimination rounds as he fought his way to win rounds and make it to the finals.

 

However, having to run the 2008 ADRL Champion in the final round proved to be too much as Smith had to lift and lost the round.

 

“We definitely had tire shake all day,” said Smith.  “I knew we probably would, so I told myself to just be ready for it.  I managed to pedal it during each elimination round and kept winning, so I guess I still got it (laughed Smith).  We have some issues to work out with this car, but I am satisfied with how things turned out overall and am looking forward to racing again soon.”

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“Tricky Rickie” Wins ADRL Race in Budds Creek

Rickie Smith has had many fond memories of the Budds Creek, Maryland track throughout the years.  From winning numerous match races to being named the No. 1 Mountain Motor of All-time there last year, however nothing may stand in his mind at that track like this past weekend did.   

Smith qualified in two classes at the ADRL event, the Extreme Pro Stock class as well as the Pro Nitrous class.  His Al Anabi Awesome Motorsports Pro Mod Nitrous car was the one that went the farthest, and in dominating style at that.  Qualifying his Nitrous car in the third position as he headed into eliminations on Saturday night, Smith looked to be one to vie for the win. 
 

Running numerous three second passes over the two day event, Smith showed his unbelievable talent well as he not only outran the field, but left on them as well.  Smith showed no signs of slowing down throughout the day as he made his way into the finals late Saturday night.   

Taking out Andy Jensen, Thomas Myers and Shannon Jenkins during the process, Smith only had one more driver to beat in order to win the event.  That driver was Charles Carpenter, who also had been running well all day.  The wily veteran not only left on Carpenter, but outran him as well.  This would mark Smith’s first ever ADRL win.  

“This win is awesome,” said Smith.  “This is my first race with Al Anabi Awesome Motorsports and it turned out very well.  They are a great group of guys and I think this team has a ton of potential for the future and I thank them for including me.  I also have to thank Larry Tutterow, Monte Bailey and Billy Torrence for sticking with me.  This one is for them as well.” 

“To win over here in the ADRL Series is great too,” said Smith.  “Kenny (Knowling) has got this series headed in the right direction and it is amazing what he has accomplished with this series.  I have a great time racing over here and to get a win in this series is pretty darn cool.” 
 

Smith continues to literally race his way around the world.  From Budds Creek to Bahrain, Smith’s next adventure will be this weekend in Martin, Michigan as he puts Mike Castellana behind the wheel of this same Pro Mod car in order to help have a better shot at winning the Championship in the IHRA.

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Smith Looking Strong at Mooresville

Being gone from U.S. competition for quite some time, Rickie Smith once again made his dominating presence known at the Mooresville Dragstrip this past weekend.

Smith, who has not only been racing in Bahrain the last few months, but winning each race as well, has returned to racing action within the states. Kicking things off at Mooresville this past Saturday, Smith showed his strength in the Quick 8 Pro Modified Association as he has done ever so often in the past.

Smith captured the No. 1 qualifying position on Saturday afternoon with a 4.03 et at over 180 mph. The race veteran showed the field and the fans that he had not missed a beat in the Quick 8 Series and looked as if he was back to his same old winning ways, that was until the rain came.

With mother nature setting in and making it a long, wet night for the everyone at the 1/8 mile track, Smith along with many others would become frustrated and eventually force themselves to make a pass. As Smith ran first round the rain would start to come down a bit harder and the wiley driver then took the tree and won the round right before the officials would call the race.

Smith will race again this weekend as he hopes for better weather at “The Farm.”
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Former champ 'Tricky Rickie' Smith to return to JEGS series

IHRA Seven-time World Champion, Skull Gear Pro Stock driver, Rickie Smith was very hopeful of his 2007 IHRA return season behind the wheel of his new Chevrolet Cobalt, however his season hasn’t gone all to plan.

Qualifying in the middle of the field and winning rounds here and there throughout the year, Smith has not lived up to his own expectations, which I have to say are higher than most.

“We ran well last year,” said Smith.  “And we tested well all through the winter too.  I am not sure if something is wrong in the car or in the motor, but you can bet I am going to figure it out.  I can normally figure out anything and everything that is wrong with a racecar, but this one has just stumped me.”

This week Smith will be taking his motor along with John Montecalvo’s motor up to Sonny Leonard’s Engine shop to dyno them both and see what the difference may be.  Not thinking it is a motor issue, but knowing that whatever the outcome is that things will be fully determined by the end of the week.

“We are going to compare motors,” said Smith.  “If the motors run around the same then I will know something is wrong with my car.  I have already ordered a new water pump and many other things as well, in order to be ready in case it is not a horsepower problem.  I have also set it up to have another car in the next few weeks if this one is the problem.”

Smith will be testing later on in the week after going to Leonard’s shop in Virginia.  But you can bet that you can’t keep a good man down long, and if anyone is a testament to that statement, it is Rickie Smith.

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Rickie Smith is Up for the Challenge

Rickie Smith and his Skull Gear Pro Stock Chevy Cobalt are anxious to get to the Torco race Fuels Northern Nationals at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park at US 131, south of Grand Rapids, MI this weekend.

After testing in Michigan over the last few days, Smith and crew are looking forward to racing for their first time at the Michigan track. Running well during the week off, Smith is more than ready to get things underway.

“We haven’t run as well as we would have liked to so far this year,” said Smith. “But, we are gradually making progress each week. We learned some new things this past week at the test session, so hopefully we can run well up here. I got a few familiar Pro Stock guys helping me out this weekend and I am hoping to get some insight on some things that I might be overlooking.”

Not having much luck in Canada over the last few weeks, Smith is determined that racing in the states will change all that. With two races in a row coming up on the IHRA schedule, Smith is up for the challenge.

Qualifying will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 3rd.
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Rickie Smith Is Back In Canada

Rickie Smith and Skull Gear Chevrolet Cobalt will be making his way back to Canada yet again as the MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol roll into Grand Bend, Ontario Canada this weekend.

Last time out in Edmonton, Canada Smith qualified in the tenth position and advanced to the second round before spark plug failure resulted in a round two loss. Even though he has never raced at this track before, Smith is confident and ready to run at Grand Bend.

“We tested this past week at Rockingham,” said Smith. “We changed a few things and ran whether well; hopefully it will pay off this weekend. We’ve got our work cut out for us to reach the top guys right now, but anything is possible when you qualify.”

Qualifying kicks off on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and eliminations on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

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Rickie Smith Inducted as one of the Inaugural Legends of Thunder Valley

Sunday afternoon before the final round at Bristol Motor Speedway the four legends were honored as the inaugural class of the Legends of Thunder Valley.

The four were as follows: the NHRA founder Wally Parks; Larry Carrier, who built Bristol Dragway; "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, named the best driver in the history of NHRA; and your very own Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels sponsored driver, Rickie Smith, who has more Bristol wins than any other driver.

No racecar driver has experienced the type of success that Pro Stock/Pro Mod racer Smith did at Bristol in the 1980s and 1990s while running in many IHRA-sanctioned events. Smith's first Bristol win was at the 1980 Summer Nationals, after that he won eight more times, including his last win in the Pro Modified class.

All were honored as banners hung from the back of the grandstands and their names were permanently affixed to the top of the suites that sit atop the grandstands.

“This is by far the greatest accomplishment ever in my career,” said Smith. “I have raced a lot of cars and have won many races and many championships, but this is the first time I have ever actually been honored for my accomplishments. To be associated with the caliber of people that I was honored with is unreal. I mean, Larry Carrier, without him Bristol would have never happened. Wally Parks, without him there would be no NHRA and Don Garlits, the man who started it all. The greatest driver there is. I am very thankful to be among these great men”

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Rickie Smith Falls to a Spark Plug In Round Two

Rickie Smith and his Skull Gear Chevrolet Cobalt had a pretty good weekend at this past weekend’s IHRA Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series in Edmonton, Alberta.

In his first attempt ever to race at the Canada drag strip, Smith was a little hesitant going to the track. While Smith has raced all over the country through the years, he had yet to have any data from the Edmonton drag strip.

“I really didn’t know what to expect coming into here this weekend,” said Smith. “I have never been to this track and it’s pretty difficult to guess at a setup on this car. We managed to get by and at least we have more now than what we came with.”

Making good passes all weekend during the qualifying sessions, Smith managed to gain knowledge from the track. Qualifying in the tenth position with a 6.483 ET at 215.07 mph, Smith would have to take on the No. 3 qualifier Steve Spiess first round.

Cutting a great light (.037) to Spiess’s (.080), Smith would hang on for the win light as Spiess would shut off due to severe tire shaking. Running a decent 6.510 ET at 213.74 mph, Smith knew he would have to have more against Frank Gugliotta in the second round.

Cutting another great light (.026) to Gugliotta’s (.055), Smith’s car however would stop dead in its tracks as he could only watch as Gugliotta got by him for the win.

“I thought we finally things going our way again,” said Smith. “I have been cutting real good lights around home and this weekend I was on it again. This time, however the car just wasn’t there with me. We found some bad spark plugs after second round when we came back to the pits, so that ended our day real quick.”

Smith will be back at it again in a few weeks at the fifth race of the season on the 11 race IHRA tour. The IHRA’s Eighth Annual MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol is scheduled for July 20-22 at the Grand Bend Motorplex.

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Rickie Smith Hoping He Can Carry Momentum from Pro Mod to Pro Stock

Racing for his first time ever in Canada, Rickie Smith is looking forward to the change of atmosphere. Arriving early Thursday afternoon in Edmonton, Smith is hopefully catching some shut eye on the flight.

After racing his Skull Gear Pro Mod 1963 Nitrous Injected Chevy Corvette to a runner-up finish in the Quick 16 field at Farmington Dragway in North Carolina the last two nights, Smith is in much need for some R & R. Getting about three hours of sleep Thursday morning before jumping on his flight, Smith is hoping to carry his Pro Mod success over to his Pro Stock car.

“Don (Plemmons) put on a great show this past week at Farmington,” said Smith. “We had about 20 or so Nitrous cars show up for the 16 car field. We ended up qualifying No.2 and set low elapse time every round of eliminations. The tree came on a little quicker than usual in the finals and I was just late. We had a good week though in the Pro Mod, so now maybe we can bring that momentum to the Pro Stock car this weekend in Edmonton.”

The seven-time IHRA World Champion is looking to gain ground in Canada. Struggling somewhat the last few races in his Pro Stock car, Smith is determined that it’s now or never to start moving up. Smith, who is currently seventh in the IHRA Pro Stock points standings is hoping to go some rounds at the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton, Canada this weekend.

“I am looking forward to racing in Canada,” said Smith. “The change of atmosphere is good for this sport. We have been testing good in the Pro Stock car, so now we just have to make it work at the races. Hopefully this weekend we can get it done for Evan Knoll and Torco.”

Evan Knoll, founder of Knoll Gas-Torco Racing Fuels and a major sponsor of motorsports, has dedicated himself to bringing high quality racing fuel to every aspect of motorsports. When Evan is not spending time with his daughters you will find him following one of his many-sponsored race teams. Evan is a loyal family man and an avid drag racing fan.

The company also offers commercial and racing oils and lubes; SKULL Shine, a complete line of car care products; SKULL Gear, a complete line of apparel, traction compound, and racing-related accessories. For more information on Torco Racing Fuels, SKULL Shine Car Care Products and SKULL Gear apparel, please visit: www.torcoracefuels.com or www.torco.com.

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Rickie Smith Will Be Pulling Double Duty In Tulsa

Rickie Smith is looking to sweep both classes this weekend at the rescheduled Skull Shine Sooner Nationals. Qualifying in both the Pro Stock class and the Pro Mod class, Smith will attempt to win from the No. 10 position in both classes.

Before the rain came a few weeks ago in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Smith had managed to run both his racecars down the track and capture solid starting positions.

“I normally just focus on my Pro Stock car over here in the IHRA,” said Smith. “But a few days before the race I had to pick up a new car at (Jerry) Bickel’s in St. Louis, so I just brought it out here with me. After watching the Pro Mod’s run at various tracks all year, I decided I would test the waters and see what it could do.”

“We only ran one pass in the Pro Mod, because it is difficult to run both at the same race,” said Smith. “We managed to get in the field, so I decided to concentrate on the Pro Stock car. We have been struggling recently with the Pro Stock car, however I found a few things over the break and I can’t wait to get back to the track and race.”

Qualifying in the 10th position in both cars will make for a busy race day for Smith on Saturday. Smith will face off against Mike Janis in his first round of Pro Mod and he will face off against Brian Gahm in his first round of Pro Stock.

Time trials will begin at noon CST on Saturday with eliminations kicking off at 4:30 p.m. CST that afternoon.

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Rickie Smith is Ready to Get Back at It in Tulsa

Rickie Smith, driver of the Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels IHRA Pro Stock Chevrolet is ready to get back at it this weekend at the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals in Tulsa, Okla.

Smith has tested his Mountain Motor car a time or two since the last race and is on a mission to win this weekend.

“We have found a thing or two in the last few weeks that has helped us a lot,” said Smith. “I have been racing my Pro Mod car around home and have won some races. Hopefully we will bring some of that with us to Tulsa.”

Last time out Smith qualified well, but lost first round on his signature trademark, a holeshot. This weekend he is determined to do much better.

Standing seventh in the IHRA Pro Stock points but only a mere 17 points out of the top-five, Smith is ready to gain ground this weekend.

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Rickie Smith Wins Three in a Row

Rickie Smith went into Saturday night’s Quick 8 race at Roxboro Dragway with the point’s lead. Winning the first two races of the series, Smith was determined to keep his streak alive.

Going into qualifying Smith struggled to run the big numbers. Getting down the track wasn’t a problem. The problem was getting down as fast and as straight as he wanted to. Smith would end up in the third position going in to that night’s eliminations.

In the first round Smith had to line up against Steve Vick. Running an ugly, but victorious 4.22 ET, Smith would advance to the next round.

Between rounds in the pits, Smith would eventually find his problem and would run a 4.07 ET in the semi’s against the No. 1 qualifier Buzz Varner to take the win.

In the finals Smith had to square off against Rod Houck. Running his quickest elapse time of the night, Smith would take his third straight win in the series with a 4.07 ET.

“The car just would not hook up and go straight earlier today,” said Smith. “We came back and went through the car. We ended up finding out that a suspension part had cracked and after we fixed that we were back to normal.”

Smith expanded his points lead and has swept all three races so far in the Quick 8 Racers Association Series.

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Rickie Smith Reaches Another Final Round

Rickie Smith reaches another final, this time however in his Skull Gear Pro Stock car. Racing with many other IHRA Pro Stock competitors, Smith tried his hand at the Mountain Motor Nationals title at Maryland International Raceway Park in Budds Creek, MD this past Wednesday night.

With ten IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock racecars in attendance trying to make the eight car shootout field, Smith knew he would have to make a great pass in order to get into the field. Qualifying in the third position with a 6.430 ET at 220.08 mph, Smith became the only car to run faster than 220 mph.

Facing off against Doug Kirk first round and getting the win with a 6.408 ET at 220.04 mph, Smith would once again show off his Sonny Leonard Mountain Motor Pro Stock power running the only 220 mph pass of the round.

The next round he had to face off against the IHRA Pro Stock points leader, John Montecalvo. Cutting a great light and running a great 6.407 ET at 219.22 mph, Smith would advance to the finals on a holeshot, beating Montecalvo’s quicker 6.397 ET at 218.44 mph.

It came down to two of IHRA’s best in the finals, Smith and Robert Patrick. Even though Smith made another great 6.40 run, Patrick would run a tad quicker to take the win light at the Mountain Motor Nationals Shootout.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have run as great as we did up here,” said Smith. “Making it to the finals in any category in any series is an incredible stat. We ran great today and can’t wait for the next IHRA race.”

Smith drove all morning on Wednesday from North Carolina to Maryland in order to make the race and drove all night back to North Carolina in order to catch a flight out to his youngest daughter’s college graduation in Oklahoma.

Catch Smith next out in his IHRA Pro Stock car at Tulsa, OK, May 25-27.

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Smith Shows His Talent Once Again in Pro Mod

Rickie Smith and his Skull Gear Nitrous Injected Chevy Corvette went to Valdosta, Ga. this past weekend to race in the American Drag Racing League on Saturday night at the Georgia Drags. Smith would have his hands full racing not only in the Pro Nitrous category, but running Terry Leggett’s blower car in the Pro Extreme category as well.

Attempting to qualify in both categories, Smith remained calm and collective throughout the process. Running both cars on Friday and Saturday morning, Smith continued his dominance in the nitrous category while still learning on the blower side.

Running Leggett’s blower car in only his second race ever, Smith qualified the purple machine in the sixth position with a 3.982 elapse time (ET). As well as qualifying his own nitrous car in the other category in the eighth position with a 4.079 ET.

“I definitely had my hands full this weekend, but the busier I am the better I seem to run, so none the less I was pleased when we qualified in both fields,” said Smith. “I ran Terry’s (Leggett) blower car before in Bradenton (Fla.) and we were runner-up the first time I ever drove it, so I am looking forward to racing it again. We went testing last week with it, but there is still so much work yet to be done.”

Going into Saturday night’s race under the lights, Smith had Joe Baker first round in the Pro Extreme category. Running a 3.991 ET, Smith would end up falling to Baker in the opening round, which would eventually go onto to win the race that night.

The Pro Nitrous category treated Smith far better. Running Greg Godwin first round and taking him out with a 4.090 ET, Smith was looking to stay alive in his Skull Gear Chevy. Facing off against Thomas Myers second round, Smith posted an incredible 4.066 ET to take the win into the semis.

In the semis, Smith would have to face Dennis Radford. Smith would once again dominate the track running a stellar 4.072 ET. Going into the finals, Smith would have to run Johnny Pilcher, the two had been the quickest cars all night. Smith would run a weekends best elapse time of 4.045 in the finals, however would lose to Pilcher who ran a quicker 4.029 ET.

“All in all it turned out to be a great weekend,” said Smith. “We would have liked to get the win, but we ran well in both categories. We will test some more during the next few weeks and be ready for them next time.”

Smith will next race his Pro Mod car at Roxboro Dragway in the Quick 8 Association on Saturday, May 19th.

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Rickie Smith Sets a New Track Record at Coastal Plains

Racing at Coastal Plains Raceway in Jacksonville, N.C. this past Saturday night, Smith was looking to run the tables once again at the second race of the year in the Quick 8 Pro Modified Association. Winning the first race of the season at Farmington Dragway a few weeks ago, Smith and his Skull Gear Nitrous injected Chevrolet Corvette was looking to extend his points lead even more.

Going into the first of three qualifying sessions on Saturday afternoon before the race kicked off that night, Smith was raring to go and aiming for the top spot. Running at the top of the charts during each qualifying pass, Smith would go on to claim the No. 1 position with a 4.05et going into Saturday night eliminations.

Running incredible numbers throughout the evening at the 1/8th mile track, Smith managed to cut great lights and advance his way to the finals.

In the finals, Smith would square off against Buzz Varner. With Varner having motor problems, Smith would go on to claim his second win of the year in the series, while setting a new track record during the process. Recording a time of 4.023et at 180.72mph, Smith would go on to break the previous track record.

“My car was acting a little funny during eliminations, but we changed a few things and it went back to flying,” said Smith. “We knew the conditions were good enough to run a big number, so we were going to go for it. Don Plemmon’s Quick 8 Series has had two races and we have won them both, I couldn’t be any happier with the car than I am right now.”

Smith once again extends his points lead in the series. You can catch Smith running again this weekend in Valdosta, Ga. in the ADRL series, May 4-5.

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Smith Suffers First Round Loss in Rockingham

Rickie Smith’s Skull Gear IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock car did not give him the results he was looking for this past weekend at Rockingham Dragway. Starting off in the eighth position for raceday on Sunday, Smith was not happy with the way his car was running thus far.

“We ran a pretty decent pass Friday night, but we just haven’t been able to improve on it. We ran three 6.36 passes this weekend during qualifying and only varied by one to two thousandths of a second each time. We have a heck of a bracket car, but we need to be a little faster to be competitive in IHRA Pro Stock,” said Smith.

Going into round one he would face off against Anthony Paone, however after an uncharacteristically late light Smith would lose on a holeshot.

“I don’t know what happened. I mean, I was just late, dead late. There is no excuse for it. Normally I am the one getting the holeshots. Oh well, sometimes it just smacks you in the face and I won’t let it happen again. This team is far too good to let things like this get us down. We will just work harder and get ‘em next time out,” said Smith.

Smith will head out next to Tulsa, OK for the IHRA Skull Shine Sooner Nationals, May 25-27.

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Smith Is Ready To Race In Front Of Hometown Crowd

The seven-time IHRA World Champ Rickie Smith has returned to his roots this year, and is back racing full time in IHRA Pro Stock. For the first time in 14 years, Smith will compete the entire season and will run for the IHRA Pro Stock World Championship.

Winning five Pro Stock titles from 1982 through 1989, and claiming his 31st IHRA Pro Stock win last year at his first race back in IHRA competition in over 13 years, Smith is more than ready to race at his “home” track this weekend.

He is fourth in the point standings thus far this season and hopes to strengthen his status at Rockingham. Winning at Rockingham Dragway six times over the years, Smith wants nothing more than to win in front of his family and friends.

“We have a lot of fans that go to Rockingham and pull for us, and I really want to put on a good show for them this weekend. I have a lot of memories at this track and can’t wait to get things underway,” said Smith.

Qualifying eighth his last time out at the first IHRA race of the year, Smith went on to win first round before eventually falling out second round due to his car making a hard right turn forcing Smith to shut off.

“We had a pretty good racecar in San Antonio, but the car veered hard right and I had no choice but to back off. We have been testing a lot since then and found a few things. We are as ready as we will ever be for this weekend’s race, so hopefully we can bring it home for all my family and friends,” said Smith.

Qualifying action kicks off Friday night at 6:30 p.m. and will continue into Saturday at noon and 6:30 p.m. Final eliminations for the IHRA Spring Nationals will start up on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

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ADRL Race in Montgomery, Alabama Gets Rained Out!!!

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Smith Is Ready To Race In Montgomery

Coming off a recent hot streak in his Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels Pro Mod, Rickie Smith is hoping to keep his streak alive in Alabama. With the second race of the season in the ADRL Series coming to Montgomery, Alabama this weekend, Smith wants to prove his is a force to be reckoned with in the nitrous category.

Not having the outcome he wanted at the first ADRL race of the season in Houston, TX, Smith has tested his 1963 Nitrous-Injected Chevy Corvette several times since then.

“At the last ADRL race this car wanted to dart to the left each time it ran. I tried numerous things to fix it that weekend, but there is only so much you can do when you are trying to qualify and win an event. We have run a number of laps on her since Houston and she’s back to her old self now. She is ready to rock and roll,” said Smith.

Coming off a No. 1 qualifying position and a win at the season-opener of the Quick 8 Pro Mod Series in North Carolina last Saturday night, and a match race win on that Sunday as well, Smith is more than ready to get things underway at the ADRL Shelor.com Spring Drags at Montgomery Motorsports Park this weekend.

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Rickie Smith Runs the Tables in Pro Mod

The Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels Pro Mod driven by Rickie Smith dominated the racetracks around home this past weekend. With the season-opener of the Quick 8 Pro Mod Series getting underway on Saturday afternoon at Farmington Dragway in Mocksville, North Carolina, Smith showed his strength in the series.

Qualifying No. 1 on a very cold and windy afternoon with a 4.06et at the 1/8 mile track, Smith was looking good going into eliminations that night. The colder it got however the harder it was to make it down the track. Running incredible numbers during the eliminations Saturday night, Smith was one of the only ones that managed to get from A to B in style. Advancing to the finals, Smith knew that the track would be his biggest competitor.

“The track temperature has dropped down to 47 degrees for the final round, so getting the car down the track is going to be the key to winning this race,” said Smith.

Smith nailed the tree and went straight down the groove, unlike his opponent. Smith pulled off the win in the first Quick 8 Pro Mod race of the season.

He also had a match race on Easter Sunday at Roxboro Dragway in Timberlake, North Carolina in front of an enormous crowd. Managing to win two out of the three races at the drag strip, Smith went on to win the match race as well.

“We finally got this car running pretty consistently. I am very pleased with how we ran this past weekend and hopefully we can take this hot streak to Alabama this weekend,” said Smith.

Smith will race this weekend at the second race of the year in the ADRL Series in Montgomery, Al.

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Electrical Problems Put Smith on the Trailer Earlier Than Expected

Rickie Smith and his Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels Chevrolet didn’t have the weekend they had expected. After a wacky weekend of 1/8th mile racing at the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway, Smith ended up in the eighth qualifying position going into Sunday. Changing motors late Saturday night in hopes of running quicker on raceday, Smith and his team still didn’t get the outcome they wanted.

“We have been testing the last few months and putting up incredible numbers, than we show up at the first race and it just all went down hill. I don’t get it. We have changed everything, but the car itself. We worked hard into the night every evening and I think we have figured out the problem. We will assess things next week and hopefully be back running strong at Rockingham,” said Smith.

Smith went into round one on Sunday against Cary Goforth, running a time of 4.177et at 171.79mph to get the win. Unfortunately things wouldn’t go so well in round two when facing off against John Montecalvo. Smith left on Montecalvo by more than four hundredths; however he would soon have to abort the run due to severe tire shake forcing him to go towards the center line.

“We had some bad luck this weekend, but trust me we will bounce back stronger than ever. We have got one bad hotrod and when I get the kinks worked out of it everyone will see it,” said Smith.

Smith is sitting fourth in the IHRA Championship points and will race near his hometown next time out. The next race is slated for Rockingham Dragway in Rockingham, NC April 20-22.

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Rickie Smith Returns to the IHRA

Getting his first win last year after a 12 year hiatus from the IHRA Pro Stock Series, “Tricky” Rickie Smith will make his return to run for the championship in 2007 at this weekend’s Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.

The 7-time IHRA World Champion is one of the most accomplished drag racers in the history of IHRA. Racing for the last few years in the NHRA, Smith decided last year to take a step back and return to his roots. Qualifying at his first race in almost 12 years, Smith let everyone know that there is a reason why they call him “Tricky” Rickie. Taking out his competitors one by one, including the first and second drivers in points, Smith went on to win at the Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md.

Working hard over the winter and testing numerous times throughout the year already, Smith has already ran the quickest time ever in a Pro Stock car. Running 6.309et at 222.80mph earlier this year in Valdosta, Ga., Smith is anxious for the season to get underway.

“I have always thought about coming back to the IHRA in a Pro Stock car, but never imagined the outcome of last year,” said Smith. “Evan Knoll has given me the backing I need to win another championship this year and I would love nothing more than to do so. We have tested long and hard over the last few months and are definitely ready for the season to kick off here in San Antonio.”

With Smith in the driver’s seat and Sonny Leonard horsepower under the hood, this Pro Stock Skull Gear Chevrolet will be one to look out for in 2007.

Qualifying begins on Friday with two sessions, followed by two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to IHRA.com for the latest news in IHRA Drag Racing.