Smith Posts Strong Outings with World of Outlaws in Pennsylvania
Story By: SHAWN MILLER / INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS Photos By: RACERSGUIDE.COM PHOTO STAFF
MECHANICSBURG, PA- May 25, 2016- Ryan Smith is happy with his results against the toughest sprint car drivers in the world this past week. However, circumstances thanks to Mother Nature left him asking “what if?”
The “Kunkletown Kid” battled with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series in a pair of events in his home state of Pennsylvania. He recorded a 13 th-place finish at the Gettysburg Clash at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown on Thursday in a non-stop 35-lap feature. Smith followed up with a ninth-place result against the Outlaws at Williams Grove Speedway on Friday.
But it was the rain that impacted what could have been a big night at Lincoln Speedway for Smith. The Gettysburg Clash was scheduled for Wednesday and Smith got off to a great start, setting quick time in his group qualifying. He then won his heat, putting him in the dash and providing a great opportunity at a prime starting spot in the feature. Then the skies opened and the World of Outlaws opted to start the night of racing anew on Thursday.
“It’s rare for me to have the stars align where I get a good pill draw, qualify well and win the heat against the Outlaws, but the clouds rolled in, covered up those stars and rained on my parade,” Smith joked. “It’s only about an hour and 15 minute ride home from Lincoln, but that night it was the longest drive I can remember.”
During the “do over” on Thursday Smith qualified 12th in his group and he finished fifth in a heat race. He then advanced from 19th to 13th in the main event.
“We passed cars in a caution-free race so that was encouraging,” he said. “We had the fourth fastest lap time of the race. But the starting spot is everything against the best in the country. It’s just so frustrating on what could have been. Last year at Lincoln against the Outlaws I had third quick time, third in the heat and third in the feature.”
Smith’s fortunes got off to a good start at Williams Grove Speedway on Friday. Despite going out last in his group for qualifying, he posted the sixth quickest time. Smith then finished third in a heat race.
“In the heat I slid the guy for second with two laps to go, which would have put us in the dash, but he got back by me,” he said. “We were really competitive.”
Smith said the track took rubber about halfway through the feature, making passing nearly impossible. He battled inside the top 10 throughout the main event before ending ninth.
“I race at Williams Grove probably more than any other track and haven’t won there yet,” he said. “It’s the toughest track to be in contention to win. But hey, to get a top 10 against the World of Outlaws is pretty darn good.”
Saturday’s program at Williams Grove Speedway fell victim to rain.
Next up, Smith is excited to take on the Outlaws on Tuesday at New Egypt Speedway in New Egypt, N.J.
“For some reason I always run well there,” he said. “I got my first win there. I just have a good feeling about this race.”
Smith will then compete on Friday at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Saturday through Monday at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pa., for the Bob Weikert Memorial.
QUICK RESULTS –
May 19 – Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa. – Qualifying: 12; Heat: 5 (6); Feature: 13 (19).
May 20 – Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Qualifying: 6; Heat: 3 (3); Feature: 9 (11).
SEASON STATS –
21 races, 0 wins, 3 top fives, 10 top 10s, 16 top 15s, 18 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Tuesday at New Egypt Speedway in New Egypt, N.J., with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series; Friday at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and Saturday through Monday at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pa., for the Bob Weikert Memorial
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.RyanSmithRacing.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanSmithRacing
Twitter Race Updates: https://twitter.com/DeniseS_SS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanSmith.TheKunkletownKid
Instagram: https://instagram.com/denises_ss
APPAREL –
Visit http://www.RyanSmithRacing.com to view the latest apparel options, which include t-shirts and hoodies.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Warko Group
The Warko Group is a family owned and operated company with roots dating back to 1956 and is based in Reading, Pa. The Warko Group has experience in all aspects of the of the construction industry including commercial, industrial, institutional, medical, educational, and multi-family housing. The Warko Group offers contractor services such as roofing, architectural sheet metal, heating-ventilation-air conditioning, ductwork, mechanical, process piping, plumbing, plant maintenance, and H.V.A.C. Service.
“My car owner, Rob Warko, owns the company and we couldn’t do any of this without his support and just as important, his enthusiasm for racing,” Smith said. “Rob and his family have been involved in racing for a long time and I’m incredibly honored he chose me to get into 410 sprint car racing with.”
Smith would also like to thank G.L.T. Electrical, CnB Chubby, Fighting Angels Foundation, S&S Speedways, Quality Roofing Supply, East Coast Helicopter Tours, Armbruster Racing Photos, Thunder on the Hill Racing Series, HP Engines, Pancho’s Racing Products, GME Steering and Vahlco Racing Wheels for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
