This past weekend at Darana Motorsports Park in Dunn, NC — the site of the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series finale — legendary racer Curtis Smith nearly added to his already storied career. As the all-time winningest IHRA Stock Eliminator driver, Smith has long stood atop the record books with 17 national event victories to his name. Wikipedia+2curtissmithracing.com+2

A Legacy of Excellence

• Curtis Smith’s career spans decades. He began racing nationally in the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his father, Earl Smith, co-founder of what is now Curtis Smith Racing. Wikipedia+1
  
  

• Over the years, Curtis compiled 17 IHRA/NHRA national event wins and 31 class victories — a testament to his consistency, skill, and deep understanding of car setup and preparation. Wikipedia+1
  
  

• In 1996, he captured the IHRA Stock Eliminator World Championship, cementing his status in drag racing history. Wikipedia+1
  
  

Dunn, NC — So Close to #18

The 2025 IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series finale at Darana Motorsports Park brought with it a stacked field of nitro-powered racers and a high-energy atmosphere. motorsports.media+2SPEED SPORT+2

While the spotlight often turned to Top Fuel, Funny Car, and other pro classes — and the season ended with wins by the likes of Del Worsham (Funny Car) and Kyle Satenstein (Top Fuel) — the weekend also reminded fans of the deep heritage and enduring competitiveness of the grassroots and sportsman racers, including icons like Curtis Smith. Drag Racing Action Online+2Competition Plus+2

Though he did not take the win, Curtis Smith came very close to capturing his 18th national event trophy — a milestone that would have extended his all-time record even further.