Team History

The story of the Smith family in drag racing is a legacy built on passion, skill, and generations of determination.

It all began with Earl Smith, a man who loved Chevrolets and the thrill of the strip. From the first passes in his 1957 Bel Air to setting IHRA and NHRA records in the 1970s, Earl established a reputation for precision, consistency, and respect for the sport. Along the way, he built not just cars, but a team—working closely with lifelong friends like Bobby Warren and later, Junior Lundy, to form Smith & Lundy Drag Racing, one of the most successful Chevrolet 409 teams in the Carolinas. Together, they campaigned multiple cars, experimented with setups, and shared the thrill of national competition, proving that racing was as much about teamwork as it was about talent.

From Earl grew the second generation: Curtis Smith. Curtis took the family tradition to new heights, dominating Stock Eliminator with multiple national event wins, record-setting streaks, and championships. He became the all-time winningest IHRA Stock Eliminator driver, earning respect at legendary tracks like Rockingham, Darlington, and Bristol. With each victory, Curtis carried forward the lessons, discipline, and work ethic passed down from his father, while also creating his own identity as a fierce competitor and Hall of Fame inductee.

In the 2010s, the torch passed to the third generation with Curt Smith Jr.. From his debut to his first career win and dominant performances at Darlington and Coastal Plains, Curt Jr. has continued the family tradition with determination and skill. Honoring his grandfather with “Shakedown 2” and carving his own path in CCRA competition, he keeps the Smith name alive on the strip while building a new chapter for the family legacy.

Across three generations, the Smith family has shown that drag racing is more than a sport—it’s a way of life. From garage tinkering and weekend races to national championships and Hall of Fame inductions, their story is one of family, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Smith name is now synonymous with both Chevrolet performance and generational racing success, proving that passion, when shared, can last a lifetime.