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Rickie Smith not only picked up a brand new Jerry Bickel built Chevrolet Cobalt this week, but he took it to his first race of the 2008 season at Memphis Motorsports Park and ran the tables.
Smith debut his new car at the Mid-South Street Shootout this past weekend at the ¼ mile drag strip in Memphis, Tenn. Never racing in the Outlaw Pro Street division before, Smith really didn’t know what to expect at first, especially with a new car. But after a test-n-tune on Friday, Smith proved he had what it took as he topped the charts on his first pass in the car, running a 6.33 e.t. at over 220 mph.
During qualifying on Saturday at the track, Smith once again showcased his talent well as he took the No. 1 spot going into raceday on Sunday, and on Sunday he never let up a bit. Running incredible times and cutting good lights all day, Smith kept picking off rounds and before he knew it he was in the finals.
At his first race of the year and his first race in his new Cobalt, the veteran Smith drove away from his competitor in the finals for the win and a $10,000purse.
“Man, that was fun” said Smith. “I can’t believe how awesome this new car is. I mean , we literally picked it up at Bickel’s shop and drove straight to the track. On the first pass right out of the trailer we went 6.33. I’ve never been to one of these Outlaw races, but I’ll have to say I will definitely be back to run in one again soon.”
With no major sponsor on his Pro Stock car, Smith will be forced to sit out the 2008 IHRA season this year. Instead Smith will shift his focus to his Pro Modified car in the ADRL Series.
Smith now heads to Houston, Texas as he will race in his first Pro Modified race of the year at the ADRL season-opener Drag Illustrated Dragpalooza IV.
Smith Wins in a New Car at His First Race of the Season
Rickie Smith not only picked up a brand new Jerry Bickel built Chevrolet Cobalt this week, but he took it to his first race of the 2008 season at Memphis Motorsports Park and ran the tables.
Smith debut his new car at the Mid-South Street Shootout this past weekend at the ¼ mile drag strip in Memphis, Tenn. Never racing in the Outlaw Pro Street division before, Smith really didn’t know what to expect at first, especially with a new car. But after a test-n-tune on Friday, Smith proved he had what it took as he topped the charts on his first pass in the car, running a 6.33 e.t. at over 220 mph.
During qualifying on Saturday at the track, Smith once again showcased his talent well as he took the No. 1 spot going into raceday on Sunday, and on Sunday he never let up a bit. Running incredible times and cutting good lights all day, Smith kept picking off rounds and before he knew it he was in the finals.
At his first race of the year and his first race in his new Cobalt, the veteran Smith drove away from his competitor in the finals for the win and a $10,000purse.
“Man, that was fun” said Smith. “I can’t believe how awesome this new car is. I mean , we literally picked it up at Bickel’s shop and drove straight to the track. On the first pass right out of the trailer we went 6.33. I’ve never been to one of these Outlaw races, but I’ll have to say I will definitely be back to run in one again soon.”
With no major sponsor on his Pro Stock car, Smith will be forced to sit out the 2008 IHRA season this year. Instead Smith will shift his focus to his Pro Modified car in the ADRL Series.
Smith now heads to Houston, Texas as he will race in his first Pro Modified race of the year at the ADRL season-opener Drag Illustrated Dragpalooza IV.
