Jonathan Smith (NASCAR Driver)
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Smith is a racecar driver from Beacon Falls, Connecticut
. He started racing at the age of five on dirtbikes, by the age of 12 he was racing BMX bicycles, where he was crowned State Champion in his first year. Smith began racing go-karts at the age of 14 where he competed in the Nite Series at Poughkeepsie Speedway in New York
proving himself in his first year by finishing in second place in both series' championships. In his second year of competition, Smith moved to Stock Light division, Poughkeepsie Speedway's most competitive go-karting class, where he took home the championship. In 2001, Smith decided to take a break from racing to focus on high school. When he returned to racing the spring of 2006, he entered into automobile racing in the Dodge Weekly Series driving a late-model in the NASCAR
sanctioned division. In his rookie season, with the help of Ryan Posocco Racing, Smith’s team ran at Stafford Motor Speedway
in Stafford Springs, Connecticut and finished in the top third of the championship race, and as the runner up in the Rookie of the Year competition. Smith's talent did not go unnoticed, and he was selected to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program where he was placed with veteran Barney McRae and Motion Racing in 2007. During this season Smith drove in the NASCAR Busch East Grand National Series, NASCAR’s top developmental racing series. Smith finished the year 16th in the point standings, scoring a top 5 finish in only his second series race. In 2008, Smith joined Troy Williams Racing with Sean Watts to pilot their #21 Aqua Pure Health/Raintree Vacations Dodge in the newly named Camping World Series East (formerly Busch East, currently K&N Pro Series). He also drove in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program for a second season that year. In the 2009 season, Smith was brought on by two time series champion Mike Olson and Fadden Racing. Seeing great potential and natural talent in Smith, Olson looks forward to their 2010 season and beyond.
Beacon Falls, Connecticut
Beacon Falls is a town in New Haven County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 5,246 at the 2000 census. The population increased to 6,049 at the 2010 census. Beacon Falls is also home to the national-known Meteorologist Jim Cantore. Settlers from Derby, Connecticut settled Beacon...
. He started racing at the age of five on dirtbikes, by the age of 12 he was racing BMX bicycles, where he was crowned State Champion in his first year. Smith began racing go-karts at the age of 14 where he competed in the Nite Series at Poughkeepsie Speedway in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
proving himself in his first year by finishing in second place in both series' championships. In his second year of competition, Smith moved to Stock Light division, Poughkeepsie Speedway's most competitive go-karting class, where he took home the championship. In 2001, Smith decided to take a break from racing to focus on high school. When he returned to racing the spring of 2006, he entered into automobile racing in the Dodge Weekly Series driving a late-model in the NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
sanctioned division. In his rookie season, with the help of Ryan Posocco Racing, Smith’s team ran at Stafford Motor Speedway
Stafford Motor Speedway
Stafford Motor Speedway is a semi-banked 1/2 mile paved oval located in Stafford Springs, Connecticut. It is part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. It hosts four events on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 2010....
in Stafford Springs, Connecticut and finished in the top third of the championship race, and as the runner up in the Rookie of the Year competition. Smith's talent did not go unnoticed, and he was selected to participate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program where he was placed with veteran Barney McRae and Motion Racing in 2007. During this season Smith drove in the NASCAR Busch East Grand National Series, NASCAR’s top developmental racing series. Smith finished the year 16th in the point standings, scoring a top 5 finish in only his second series race. In 2008, Smith joined Troy Williams Racing with Sean Watts to pilot their #21 Aqua Pure Health/Raintree Vacations Dodge in the newly named Camping World Series East (formerly Busch East, currently K&N Pro Series). He also drove in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program for a second season that year. In the 2009 season, Smith was brought on by two time series champion Mike Olson and Fadden Racing. Seeing great potential and natural talent in Smith, Olson looks forward to their 2010 season and beyond.
External links
- http://www.jonathansmithracing.com
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonathan-Smith-Racing/267324999784
- http://faddenracing.com