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Matt Smith ended the 2007 season in dramatic fashion at Pomona, Calif. where he won his first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship. This year, Smith has all hopes of keeping that dream alive.
Heading into Gainesville this weekend, Smith has literally worked non-stop for the last few months in trying to prepare for his first race as the Champion. Some days not even coming in from the race shop till 2am. He has tested the last few days in Valdosta, Ga. and thinks he is more than ready to get things underway on Friday afternoon at the Gatornationals.
“I am very excited about this season,” said Smith. “We have worked real hard to get things up to par throughout the last few months and we feel like we are ready to defend this title. I’ve had my ups and downs in the off-season, but I’m ready now. I am ready to get back to racing and focus on winning. I think that this season is going to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.”
Smith was runner-up at last year’s season opener in Gainesville, Fl. The North Carolina native has never won a race at Gainesville, but hopes to change all that after this weekend.
“Our first goal this weekend is to qualify well,” said Smith. “Then we will focus on racing. Last year I learned how to not worry about who was in the other lane and just race myself. It seemed to work out pretty well, so that will once again be my stance come raceday this year.”
The ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals professional classes will kick off Friday afternoon with Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying beginning at 12noon EST.
The Champ Heads to Gainesville with High Hopes
Matt Smith ended the 2007 season in dramatic fashion at Pomona, Calif. where he won his first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship. This year, Smith has all hopes of keeping that dream alive.
Heading into Gainesville this weekend, Smith has literally worked non-stop for the last few months in trying to prepare for his first race as the Champion. Some days not even coming in from the race shop till 2am. He has tested the last few days in Valdosta, Ga. and thinks he is more than ready to get things underway on Friday afternoon at the Gatornationals.
“I am very excited about this season,” said Smith. “We have worked real hard to get things up to par throughout the last few months and we feel like we are ready to defend this title. I’ve had my ups and downs in the off-season, but I’m ready now. I am ready to get back to racing and focus on winning. I think that this season is going to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.”
Smith was runner-up at last year’s season opener in Gainesville, Fl. The North Carolina native has never won a race at Gainesville, but hopes to change all that after this weekend.
“Our first goal this weekend is to qualify well,” said Smith. “Then we will focus on racing. Last year I learned how to not worry about who was in the other lane and just race myself. It seemed to work out pretty well, so that will once again be my stance come raceday this year.”
The ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals professional classes will kick off Friday afternoon with Pro Stock Motorcycle qualifying beginning at 12noon EST.
