RICKIE SMITH GETS SECOND STRAIGHT WIN

Results compiled by Kay Burk, Photos by Richard Muir

Rickie Smith won his second straight race in the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Series, took over the points lead, and shared a special moment with his son and Pro Stock Motorcycle competitor, Matt Smith, at the seventh annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park on July 7.

Rickie Smith stayed red-hot in his nitrous-injected IDG Chevy Camaro, beating Mike Castellana and his nitrous-injected Al-Anabi Racing Camaro in the final with a time of 6.103 seconds at 240.77 mph. Castellana finished with a 6.159 at 238.60.
  
“It’s been a heck of a day and we worked pretty frantic the entire time,” said Smith. “I figured both of us may shake in the final and these cars are a handful, but once I got to around 1,000 feet I felt pretty good. When I didn’t see him, I wasn’t going to lift.”

Smith then shared the winner’s circle with his son, Matt, who won for the first time in 34 races in Pro Stock Motorcycle. It also marked the first time they have ever won an event together.

“I’m fortunate to have been blessed during my career,” Rickie said. “It’s hard to pull these wins off at the same time, and it’s just a major accomplishment to do this with my son.”