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Jason Curd
GAFFNEY, S.C. (June 16) - The 'Stars and Cars' of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will visit Cherokee Speedway for the running of the 10th Annual Grassy Smith Memorial. Set for Friday June 20th, this one-day show will feature a $7000 to win 40 lap shootout on the 3/8th mile track. The event has drawn the attention of the nation's top drivers since the inaugural running of the Grassy Smith Memorial in 1999. This event marks the 20th of 44 races scheduled for Lucas Oil late model Dirt Series.
The late Clarence "Grassy" Smith is known throughout the racing world for his contributions to motorsports. Smith's name became popular in the Southern racing circuit by building race engines for Nascar pioneer Holman Moody. His stable boasted drivers such as Ned Jarrett, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, Fireball Roberts and Curtis Turner. Grassy earned his reputation by being a top engine builder and a great friend to many.
Carrying on his father's legacy Grassy's son Freddy quickly gained interest in the sport, dirt racing would never be the same. This father and son duo gained momentum sending them into racing history. Freddy has become known as the "Southern Gentleman". He is a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame with 785 feature wins. He's the only 5 time winner of the Dirt Track World Championship and is a 2 time winner of the Eldora Dream. When asked about his father, Freddy candidly replied, that it was "Grassy who was the real Southern Gentleman" and that "Grassy never met a stranger and would always offer his advice and a helping hand. He was a great man."
The Smith family legend continues with Freddy's son Jeff Smith. Smith operates his own racing team and is the owner of J & J racecars in Gastonia NC. "I remember my grandfather for always making racing a family event. He made everyone laugh with his one liners and was willing to help anyone at the track - even those he didn't know." Guys like Duvall, Ivey, Weeks, Gibbons and others knew him when they were coming up through the ranks. The younger generation may not have known him, but his memory lives on through this race." When asked about the event Friday June 20th, Smith tells us "I think it's great that the Lucas Oil series is sanctioning this race at Cherokee - Its national exposure right here in our backyard".
Track owner Lennie Buff stated he will begin working and watering the track early in the week continuing up until race night. "We are honored to host the Grassy Smith Memorial at Cherokee this year. The Lucas Series will bring in the best drivers out there. They will have to work hard to beat our local boys. It's going to be a great night of racing," Buff said. City Chevrolet has added a $500 bonus to the fastest Grassy Smith Memorial Qualifier. "We know fans will be traveling and we are going to do our best to get them home early. Our plans are to have the Lucas Oil race completed by 10:30." Buff added.
It is only fitting that Freddy Smith has won 4 of these races that carry his father's name. The only other drivers to defeat Smith in the annual event are 2 time National Champion Rick Eckert, and local stars Dennis "Rambo" Franklin and Chris 'Smokey' Madden. Race teams will travel from all over the country to race this prestigious event. Drivers like 2007 World 100 and Blue/Grey 100 champion Jimmy Owens, 4 time National Champion Earl Pearson Jr., Lucas Oil series point leader and 2007 Eldora Dream winner Steve Casebolt, World 100 winner Dan Schlieper, series regulars Scott James, Bart Hartman, Wayne Chinn, Justin Rattliff, Billy Drake, and Terry Casey already have this race on their schedules. Rambo Franklin, Chris Madden, and Freddy Smith will be on hand with hopes of adding another Grassy Smith Memorial Trophy to their collections.
Support divisions will include the fan favorite Limited Sportsman, Street Stock 4's, Renegades, and Young Guns. Gates will open at 5pm and Racing will begin promptly at 7:30. For more information please visit www.lucasdirt.com & www.cherokee-speedway.com. Track phone (864)489-1969
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