Carl
Smith of Elyria, OH drives the #23 Modified at Lorain Speedway. He owns
the car, and his sponsors include Sarge's Paintball, Strutter Signs, The
Pitstop@Kountry Klub, and Nelson's Home Improvement. He has raced a
few times in this class, and also participated in drag racing. When
he was in the Pure Stock division he raced at Sandusky Speedway where he once
took 7th place, then at Mansfield he finished in second place.
His favorite drivers include Carl Nash, Joe Pugh, Andy Hoskinson, and former
Lorain Speedway Track Champion D. D. Hall. He has been going to the
races since he was 5 months old. He grew up watching D.D. Hall, Doug
Sanier, Pat Shullick, and Todd Gibson. Then in 1996 while working at
Wal-Mart's Tire and Lube Express, he met up with Joe Pugh. After a short
time and a great friendship, he went on to buying Bill Blackburn's race car.
Joe was a real inspiration to Carl and motivated him to get really
involved in racing. Carl Nash and Wayne Sweeney were also really helpful
along the way.
Carl hopes to someday win a track championship, but for now he is thrilled
to get out there every week for the kids and the fans. He wants the
kids to remember the "paintball car" when they tell their friends and family
about "what was cool" that night at the races. Carl loves the Lorain
Speedway because of the fans and the announcer, Kevin Clark. Carl says
"The fans got to know me by name...when they see me they ask me how I'm doing,
how the car is, or how good will I be in the feature...then they add their
own input about the car looking good or running fast or being loose. I
love the fact that Kevin always makes a point to let everyone know I am there
by saying something like...look, there's Carl Smith, driver of the 23 Modified...while
I walk through the grandstands on race night."
His favorite racing moment was the first time he took the car to the track.
He said everyone really complimented the car, said how great it looked,
and could not believe how great he made Carl Nash's old car look. It gave
him a great sense of pride and accomplishment.. He is hoping to have better
luck next year with some engine adjustments, and looks forward to racing so
close to home, listening to Kevin's announcing again, and the great feeling
he gets from just coming there each week.
Carl would like to thank his mom and Mike, Lisa, Carl Nash, and everyone
that helped and supported him with his dream of driving in the Modified Division.
