JAMES RIVER, NS (July 11, 2007) - NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Regan Smith will race in the July 21 IWK 250 at Riverside International Speedway. Smith's appearance was confirmed today for the event that is expected to be a highlight on the 2007 maritime stock car racing calendar.
Smith, who co-drives the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet with NASCAR veteran Mark Martin for Ginn Racing, will arrive in Nova Scotia next Friday July 20 in time to participate in the afternoon practice session for the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) sanctioned event. Smith will drive a car out of the Nova Construction stable, which also fields cars for Antigonish's Donald Chisholm and New Glasgow's George Koszkulics.
Smith is literally experiencing a dream season this year as shares the drivers seat with Martin, his racing idol, who has strong words of praise for his 23-year-old protege.
"Regan and I are on the same page," said Martin this past February. "He's eager and wants to learn. But at the same time, he knows that patience is vital in enjoying future success. I am really looking forward to being his Army teammate and helping launch his career. This is an exciting time for the both of us."
His visit to Nova Scotia for the IWK 250 will be on the heels of this coming Saturday's NASCAR Busch Series race at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. Between Nextel Cup rides, Smith
is competing on a limited schedule in NASCAR's Busch Series, sharing driving duties with Kraig Kinser.
Smith has been preparing for his rookie season in the NASCAR’s elite divisions since he was first strapped into a go-kart at the age of four in his hometown of Cato, N.Y., located 25 miles west of Syracuse.
Smith's rise to the Nextel Cup Series started to take shape well before he reached his teenage years by winning divisional, regional and state championships in a quarter-midget type car (a microd) in the Syracuse area and throughout New York State.
As a 12-year-old in 1995 Smith competed in the World Karting Association and once again enjoyed success by winning poles, races and championships in a variety of divisions.
He won the WKA Grand National championship in 1996 and the WKA Manufacturer Cup in 1997. He also captured the Canadian Grand National karting championship in 1998.
He later raced in the Allison Legacy Series and the USAR Hooters ProCup Series where he set a record four poles in the 2001 season.
Smith won the 2001 Allison Legacy Series championship along with taking Rookie of the Year honours in the same year.
From 2003-2005, he drove in a number of Craftsman Truck and Busch Series races before being selected to drive a full-time Busch schedule in 2006 for Team Rensi Motorsports.
The IWK 250 Presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body and DuPont Refinish is set for July 21 at Riverside International Speedway. The event is essentially a one-day show with qualifying and feature races for the pro stocks, sportsman and Atlantic Open Wheel competitors on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.. There will be a practice session at the track Friday afternoon and promotional events in the Antigonish area Friday evening.
Details are being finalized that should see a second NASCAR star compete in the IWK 250; watch for an announcement in the coming days.
Advance tickets for the IWK 250 are now available by contacting the track box office. A limited number of reserved seats remain as well as general admission seating. Credit card orders are welcome. Call 902.863.2410 or email the ticket order form available at this link - click here.
Riverside Speedway, 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, is located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, at exit 30 off Trans Canada Highway 104. Opened in 1969, the facility was totally rebuilt in 2006 to become a premiere motorsports site, comparable to the best short tracks in Canada and the U.S. The 2007 schedule sees three CARQUEST Pro Stock Tour events (June 9, August 4 and August 11), the Atlantic Dodge Dealers 300 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event (September 15) and the IWK 250. For more information about Riverside Speedway, please visit www.riversidespeedway.ca or call 902.863.2410.
From Paul McLean (Riverside Speedway) // Distributed by Joan Roue
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