Mac Tools U.S. Nationals
Clermont, IN
(August 31-September 5)
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 Driver Profile |
Matt Smith
MSR/Viper Motorcycles Buell Pro-Stock Bike |
Indianapolis, Monday: In the second final round of his career, Matt Smith rode his Red Line Oil G Squared S&S-powered Buell to a win over Steve Johnson at the 51 annual NHRA Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.
En route to the final round Smith turned back Chris Rivas, Chip Ellis and Matt Guidera.
Guidera’s red light in the semifinal round sent Smith into the final round against Steve Johnson. Smith had lane choice by virtue of his 7.178 second run against Guidera.
Johnson got out first at the green and it took every inch of the IRP track for Smith to run him down but the power of his S&S engine did the job. Smith’s margin of victory was one ten thousandth of a second.
“I hesitated at the light because I didn’t want to red light,” said Smith. “Fortunately, I didn’t throw away the win. Since George (Bryce) teaches us to focus on a spot at the end of the track, I didn’t know where Steve (Johnson) was. I hear it was close at the finish line.”
Smith, 32, from King, N.C., is the son of veteran Pro Stock (car) driver Rickie Smith. He began racing Pro Stock Motorcycle in 1996. His first final round came at
“Friday was the first time I even sat on this Buell,” said Smith. “I knew immediately after that first pass that I had a bike that could win it all. I appreciate the opportunity that George Bryce and George Smith of G Squared gave me this weekend. To win the U.S. Nationals is awesome and a one of the kind experience. I know I’ll never forget it.
“I want to also thank Mac Tools and Mike Ashley’s Gotham City Racing for their support.”
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