ShakeDown

The Shakedown 1969 Chevrolet Camaro is one of the most recognizable and storied cars in the history of Curtis Smith Racing. Built and created in the 1970s by Earl Smith, the car and its identity were inspired by the song “Shakedown Cruise” by Jay Ferguson. What started as a name soon became a legendary brand, one that would leave its mark across both IHRA and NHRA Stock Eliminator competition.

Through the years, the Shakedown name became synonymous with success. Earl Smith drove the Shakedown Camaro to multiple IHRA national event victories, helping establish it as a feared and respected presence in Stock Eliminator. Curtis Smith added to its legacy with one of the car’s most memorable moments, driving the Shakedown branding to victory at the 1984 NHRA Summernationals, which was considered the second biggest race in the country at the time.

The original Shakedown Camaro was campaigned by an impressive list of drivers over the years, including Earl Smith, Curtis Smith, Tim Lucas, Corbitt Marshburn, Junior Riner, and Kenny Koonce Sr., among others. Among its many highlights, Corbitt Marshburn wheeled the car to a runner-up finish at the NHRA Southern Nationals at Atlanta Dragway in the 1990s, adding yet another chapter to the car’s rich history.

Although the original car was eventually lost in a devastating shop fire, the Shakedown legacy did not end there. Curt Smith Jr. revived the iconic branding and carried it into a new generation, bringing the name back to victory lane with three Carolina Class Racers Association (CCRA) wins and a second-place points finish in 2023. Today, the Shakedown name remains more than just a race car identity — it is a symbol of the Smith family’s tradition, resilience, and winning legacy in drag racing.