Citrus: Second-year Hobby driver on track to be first

Second-year Hobby driver on track to be first

By LOGAN NEILL

Tommy Smith respects what it takes to be a champion.

That is why the driver doesn't mind the endless hours of work he puts into his car every week. Nor does he mind the strain the sport puts on his personal life. After all, he says, anything worth doing is worth doing right.

That philosophy has been paying huge dividends for the man who seeks to be Citrus County Speedway's next Hobby Stock champ.

Eight weeks into the season, the 28-year-old from Floral City has earned three feature wins. With a 110-point lead, his impressive showing is being compared to that of his younger brother, Richie, the division's defending champion.

"I'm definitely on a mission," said Smith, who pilots the blue and white Stype Pest Control/Southern Pro Engines No. 21.

"Last year, we put everything we had into getting Richie a championship. This year, hopefully there's one in it for me."

The fiercest competition Smith has faced this season has come from his brother, who has three victories.

Scheduled to move to Late Models in a few weeks, Richie's stay in Hobby Stocks has been fruitful enough to put him second to his brother in the standings.

"He's a talented driver who goes out to win every week," Tommy said. "He runs me harder than anyone out there, and that's helped me get better every week."

But the situation has had its share of pitfalls. Last week,Tommy Smith lost a 40-lap feature near the end after colliding with his brother. Such incidents, though infrequent, underscore the rivalry the two often share.

"There've been times when we've left there not speaking to each other," Smith said. "We both realize we have to help each other out, but then again, when you're racing, it's every man for himself."

Smith, in his second year of racing, is among the most knowledgeable people in Hobby Stocks. After two years as crew chief for Chris Hooker, Smith left to support the rookie effort of his younger brother, and later prepared the car that led Richie to a 15-win season last year.

The elder Smith's rookie season was far from smooth. Though he managed to win four features, he often was penalized for rough driving.

"I've settled down a lot compared to last year," Smith said. "You don't win races when you're p----d off at people. It doesn't mean I'm not still aggressive. I'm just smarter about it."