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Getting his first win last year after a 12 year hiatus from the IHRA Pro Stock Series, “Tricky” Rickie Smith will make his return to run for the championship in 2007 at this weekend’s Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.
The 7-time IHRA World Champion is one of the most accomplished drag racers in the history of IHRA. Racing for the last few years in the NHRA, Smith decided last year to take a step back and return to his roots. Qualifying at his first race in almost 12 years, Smith let everyone know that there is a reason why they call him “Tricky” Rickie. Taking out his competitors one by one, including the first and second drivers in points, Smith went on to win at the Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md.
Working hard over the winter and testing numerous times throughout the year already, Smith has already ran the quickest time ever in a Pro Stock car. Running 6.309et at 222.80mph earlier this year in Valdosta, Ga., Smith is anxious for the season to get underway.
“I have always thought about coming back to the IHRA in a Pro Stock car, but never imagined the outcome of last year,” said Smith. “Evan Knoll has given me the backing I need to win another championship this year and I would love nothing more than to do so. We have tested long and hard over the last few months and are definitely ready for the season to kick off here in San Antonio.”
With Smith in the driver’s seat and Sonny Leonard horsepower under the hood, this Pro Stock Skull Gear Chevrolet will be one to look out for in 2007.
Qualifying begins on Friday with two sessions, followed by two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to IHRA.com for the latest news in IHRA Drag Racing.
Rickie Smith Returns to the IHRA
Getting his first win last year after a 12 year hiatus from the IHRA Pro Stock Series, “Tricky” Rickie Smith will make his return to run for the championship in 2007 at this weekend’s Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio, Texas.
The 7-time IHRA World Champion is one of the most accomplished drag racers in the history of IHRA. Racing for the last few years in the NHRA, Smith decided last year to take a step back and return to his roots. Qualifying at his first race in almost 12 years, Smith let everyone know that there is a reason why they call him “Tricky” Rickie. Taking out his competitors one by one, including the first and second drivers in points, Smith went on to win at the Torco Race Fuels President’s Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md.
Working hard over the winter and testing numerous times throughout the year already, Smith has already ran the quickest time ever in a Pro Stock car. Running 6.309et at 222.80mph earlier this year in Valdosta, Ga., Smith is anxious for the season to get underway.
“I have always thought about coming back to the IHRA in a Pro Stock car, but never imagined the outcome of last year,” said Smith. “Evan Knoll has given me the backing I need to win another championship this year and I would love nothing more than to do so. We have tested long and hard over the last few months and are definitely ready for the season to kick off here in San Antonio.”
With Smith in the driver’s seat and Sonny Leonard horsepower under the hood, this Pro Stock Skull Gear Chevrolet will be one to look out for in 2007.
Qualifying begins on Friday with two sessions, followed by two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to IHRA.com for the latest news in IHRA Drag Racing.
