Third Generation Driver Curt Smith Jr. pulled into Darlington Dragway for the first time as a race car driver on Saturday October 14th. Throughout the years, the legendary Darlington Dragway has been a special place for the Smith Family. It was the site of Curtis and Earl's memorable final round duel to win the IHRA All Pro Auto Parts Winter Nationals.... one of three final round duels between father and son in IHRA national competition. Darlington Dragway was also the site of six of seventeen total national event wins in Curtis' career, including winning the prestigious IHRA Winter Nationals four times, earning the Hall of Fame second generation driver the nickname of "Mr. Winter Nationals." Curt Jr. grew up watching the success his dad and grandfather had at the "Track Too Tough To Tame."
During the CCRA (Carolina Class Racers Association) race #1 on Saturday, Curt Jr. won first round and after wet conditions all day, with the race already being shortened from 1/4 mile to 1/8 mile, the remainder of the race was rescheduled to be completed on Sunday morning before the second race was ran. All throughout eliminations on Sunday morning, Curt Jr. stringed together a series of great reaction times including a perfect .000 green light to propel him into his second final of the season and third of his career. In the final of race one, Curt Jr. won a double breakout to win his second Eagle Trophy of his career and in 2023.
After winning Race #1, Curt Jr. had to pick back up and start Race #2. Curt Jr. stringed together a series of round wins to find himself in his second final round of the day, third of the 2023 season, and his fourth career final round. His final round opponent's red light sealed the back-to-back wins for Curt Smith Jr., adding his third Eagle Trophy to his growing collection. With two races left to go in the 2023 CCRA season, Curt Jr. is sitting second in the points standings. What a memorable weekend for the Smith family at the Legendary Darlington Dragway that has been so kind to our family over the years.
