Getting to know.. Falcon Smith

Troutman, NC

Where are you from? Background? 

I am 26 years old from Oak Hill, OH.  I graduated from Oak High School in 2002.  I went to the University of Northwestern Ohio to gain further racing knowledge.  I graduated from the Motorsports Program in 2006 with a Degree in Applied Science in Motorsports Technology.  After school, I worked for a World of Outlaws Sprint Car team for the summer.  After the season, I moved to NC to be closer to NASCAR country and get a job in the racing industry.  When they started racing on dirt again in this area I knocked the cob webs off the car and brought it down from Ohio.  I don't have a garage or anything down here yet, so I have worked out of my trailer in the backyard the last couple of years. 

I started racing go-karts at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds Speedway (OH) in 1993.  I recorded my first feature win that summer. I started racing Legends cars in 1998. 

How did you get started in racing?

My Mom and Dad took me to my first race at the Southern Ohio Raceway when I was only a few weeks old.  As I got older, I liked being around the track and cars more and more.  I knew when I was really young that I wanted to race.  My Dad bought me a go-kart just to practice with in the yard.  We built a small dirt track in the back yard to practice on until I was old enough to get a racing kart.  Dad had water jugs set up in the track to help me learn how to hold a line.  We even practiced interviews.  I have been around racing as long as I can remember.  I remember the drivers that took the time to talk to me when I was a little kid.  That's why I always try to make time and do things for the kids and the fans at the race track.  I can't thank my parents enough for getting me involved in racing.     

What kind of work do you do?

Mechanic and Spotter for the JR Motorsports Late model team

Accomplishments

KARTS

-23 Go-Kart Feature wins

-1994 Meigs County Raceway (OH) Track Champion

- 1995 Meigs County Raceway (OH) and Wheelersburg Raceway (OH) Track Champion

-1996 Wheelersburg Raceway (OH) Track Champion

Legends

-59 Career Legends Feature Wins

-9 Time Ohio State Dirt Champion

-2000 and 2001 East Kentucky Raceway Park (KY) Track Champion

-2002 Gibbsville Cheese Wisconsin Challenge Champion, 5th Place finish at Legends Dirt nationals

-2003 Carolina Dirt Challenge Champion

-2004 4th Place Finish at Legends Dirt Nationals, 3rd Place Raceciever National Touring Series Points

-2005 UMP Summer Nationals Winner at Lawrenceburg Speedway (IN)

-2007 Millbridge Speedway (NC) Track Champion

-2009 East Lincoln Speedway Track Champion, 2nd Place Carolina Speedway Points

Favorite off season thing to do?

Catch up with family and friends and get ready for the next season.

Favorite food?

Skyline Chili and White Castle even though I have to go back to Ohio to get it.

Favorite sports team?

Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State Buckeyes, and since I moved down here, the Appalachian State Mountaineers 

Favorite music?

Anything from rock to bluegrass.

Favorite race driver?

Richard Petty

Future racing plans?

Trying to put something together to move up for 2010, but if not I'll be back in a Legends Car again.  I won't be going anywhere any time soon.  I'll always be involved in racing in one way or another.