{"id":22136,"date":"2018-10-05T05:08:53","date_gmt":"2018-10-05T10:08:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/racedaysa.com\/?p=22136"},"modified":"2018-10-05T05:16:07","modified_gmt":"2018-10-05T10:16:07","slug":"two-time-pro-stock-motorcycle-champ-matt-smith-staying-on-title-track-heading-to-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/2018\/10\/05\/two-time-pro-stock-motorcycle-champ-matt-smith-staying-on-title-track-heading-to-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Matt Smith staying on title track heading to AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA<\/em><\/p>\n

ENNIS, Texas \u2013 Matt Smith<\/strong> already has a blueprint for success to win a NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series<\/a> title, and things are going according to plan for the two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle<\/strong> world champion heading into this weekend\u2019s AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals<\/strong> at Texas Motorplex<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Matt Smith. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Smith has advanced to the final round of the first two playoff races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championships, winning in St. Louis and grabbing the points lead on his Elite Motorsports DENSO Auto Parts EBR. It\u2019s a strong start as Smith seeks a third championship in a talent-heavy class, but there is still plenty of work to do, at least according to what the veteran believes will be necessary to clinch another world title.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really think if somebody can win three races in the Countdown they\u2019ll probably win the championship unless something crazy happens in the other races,\u201d said Smith, who has 20 career victories. \u201cRight now, we\u2019re on par with what we did in 2013 and if we can keep going to final rounds and I keep doing my job, we\u2019ll be fine. All in all, we\u2019ve gone to two finals. In 2013, I went to (four) finals of the six races we ran and won the championship.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Matt Smith. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car), Jason Line (Pro Stock), and Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were last year\u2019s winners of the event that will be televised on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and FOX Sports 2 (FS2), including live final eliminations coverage on FS2 starting at 12:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday. It marks the halfway point of the six-race Countdown to the Championship and is also the 13th of 16 races during the Pro Stock Motorcycle season.<\/p>\n

Ever since debuting the bike Smith affectionately calls the \u201cRed Rocket,\u201d he has been on an impressive tear. It debuted in Brainerd at the penultimate race of the regular season, starting a string of three straight No. 1 qualifiers. That included the playoff opener in Reading, where Smith advanced to the final round to jump to third in points. A final-round win against LE Tonglet in St. Louis gave Smith the points lead, one he hopes to hang onto for the next four races.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Matt Smith. NHRA photo<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWhen we left Gainesville (to open 2018) we were 17th in points and our goal was just try to get to the top 10 if we could,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWhen this thing debuted in Brainerd, she is hateful. It helps to find a little power, and we found power, too, and we should be good the rest of the year. That\u2019s my goal right now, just keep going to finals, keep putting together round wins and collecting points.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith, who has two wins and three final-round appearances in 2018, currently holds a slim 21-point lead on Tonglet and 41-point advantage on defending world champ and event winner Eddie Krawiec, meaning there is still plenty to be decided over the next four races. A first career victory in Dallas would keep Smith\u2019s momentum going, but he\u2019ll also have to deal with the likes of Hector Arana Jr. and Andrew Hines, who are both less than 65 points behind Smith.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told people after Indy we\u2019re going into the Countdown strong,\u201d Smith said. \u201cThey knew we\u2019re here and I made the comment then that we can win three of the six races in the Countdown and run for this championship. We\u2019ve dug down and worked on these motors. We\u2019re going to do our best, try to stay focused and try to do our job. As long as we don\u2019t have any parts failures, we\u2019ll be good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence will look for his third straight win to start the Countdown to the Championship against the likes of Brittany Force, Clay Millican, and Tony Schumacher.<\/p>\n

Defending Funny Car world champ Hight looks for a repeat win in Dallas to keep his points lead over J.R. Todd, who won the playoff opener, Ron Capps, and Courtney Force.<\/p>\n

Defending Pro Stock winner Jason Line is still after his first win of 2018, something he\u2019ll go for against points leader Tanner Gray, playoff opener winner Vincent Nobile, and Greg Anderson.<\/p>\n

The AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals will also feature thrilling competition in E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, which makes its 10th of 12 stops in 2018, as well as the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which showcases the future stars of the sport. After Nitro qualifying, fans can also watch the spectacular Lone Star Lightning Jet Dragster & the El Arabe Jet Car. Jet cars are thrust driven vehicles propelled by jet engines with exciting pre-run flame shows.<\/p>\n

Those in attendance will also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with some of the biggest names in drag racing during the NHRA Legends Tour. This includes meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and a variety of other activities. Legends scheduled to attend the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals include Shirley Muldowney, Richard Tharp and Billy Meyer.<\/p>\n

As always, fans can interact with their favorite drivers as they\u2019re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.<\/p>\n

Fans also will want to visit NHRA\u2019s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.<\/p>\n

Mello Yello Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 2:15 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 1:15 and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.<\/p>\n

To purchase general-admission or reserved seats, call 800-668-6775. Tickets also are available online at www.texasmotorplex.com<\/a>. Kids 12 and under are free in general admission areas with a paid adult. To honor the Salute to First Responders, military and first responders save 20 percent on general admission tickets at the gate. For more info about the NHRA visit www.NHRA.com.  <\/a>;<\/p>\n

AAA TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHAT:<\/strong> 33rd annual AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, the 21st of 24 events in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series and the fourth of six races in the NHRA Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Drivers in four categories \u2013 Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle \u2013 earn points leading to 2018 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series world championships.<\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/strong> Texas Motorplex, Ennis, Texas. The track is located at 7500 W. Highway 287.<\/p>\n

COURSE:<\/strong>   Championship drag strip; Track elevation is 500 feet above sea level; Track direction is southwest to northeast.<\/p>\n

WHEN:<\/strong> Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 4-7<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE:<\/strong>      
\nTHURSDAY, Oct. 4 \u2013 LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying<\/p>\n

FRIDAY, Oct. 5 \u2013 LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 2:15 and 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SATURDAY, Oct. 6 \u2013 LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES qualifying at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

SUNDAY, Oct. 7 \u2013 Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m. 
\nMELLO YELLO SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.<\/p>\n

TELEVISION:<\/strong> 
\nFriday, Oct. 5, FS1 will televise one hour of qualifying coverage at 10:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 6, FS1 will televise one and a half hours of qualifying coverage at 5:30 p.m. (ET).
\nSunday, Oct. 7, FS1 will televise five hours of live finals coverage starting at noon (ET).<\/p>\n

2017 EVENT WINNERS:<\/strong>   
\nBrittany Force, Top Fuel; Robert Hight, Funny Car; Jason Line, Pro Stock; Eddie Krawiec, Pro Stock Motorcycle.<\/p>\n

MOST VICTORIES:<\/strong> 
\nJohn Force, FC, 7; Tony Schumacher, TF, 6; Warren Johnson, PS, 5; Cruz Pedregon, FC, 4; Greg Anderson, PS, 4.<\/p>\n

TRACK RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel \u2013 3.681 sec. by Brittany Force Oct. 17; 330.55 mph by Antron Brown, Oct. \u201916
\nFunny Car \u2013 3.828 sec. and 338.60 mph by Robert Hight, Oct. \u201917;
\nPro Stock \u2013 6.457 sec. and 214.59 mph by Greg Anderson, Oct. \u201915
\nPro Stock Motorcycle \u2013 6.744 sec. and 198.99 mph by Jerry Savoie, Oct. \u201915<\/p>\n

NATIONAL RECORDS:<\/strong> 
\nTop Fuel \u2013 3.628 sec. by Clay Millican, Feb. \u201918, Pomona, Calif.; 336.57 mph by Tony Schumacher, Feb. \u201818, Phoenix
\nFunny Car \u2013 3.793 sec. by Robert Hight, Aug. \u201917, Brainerd; 339.87 mph by Robert Hight, July \u201917, Sonoma, Calif.
\nPro Stock \u2013 6.455 sec. by Jason Line, March \u201915, Charlotte, N.C.; 215.55 mph by Erica Enders, May \u201914, Englishtown N.J.
\nPro Stock Motorcycle \u2013 6.728 sec. by Andrew Hines, Oct \u201812, Reading, PA.; 201.01 mph by Hector Arana Jr., March \u201818, Gainesville, Fla.   
\n   
\nTICKETS:<\/strong> For tickets call (800) 668-6775. Tickets are also available at www.texasmotorplex.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Courtesy of the NHRA ENNIS, Texas \u2013 Matt Smith already has a blueprint for success to win a NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series title, and things are going according to plan for the two-time Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion heading into this weekend\u2019s AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex. Smith has advanced to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":676,"featured_media":22046,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[333,306,6,328],"class_list":["post-22136","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhra","tag-aaa-texas-nhra-fallnationals","tag-matt-smith","tag-nhra","tag-texas-motorplex"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/racedaysa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/373-MattSmith-Sunday-StLouis.jpg?fit=2200%2C1464&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7hzTZ-5L2","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/676"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22136"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22138,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22136\/revisions\/22138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22136"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22136"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/racedaysa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}