Story By: COLE PERKINS / GARRETT SMITH PERFORMANCE – EATONTON, GA – Garrett Smith, the 19-year-old driver from Eatonton, GA is set to tackle the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series circuit in 2023, vying for the $20,000 to win O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year title, as well as the lucrative $200,000 to win series championship.
“I am super excited for the opportunity to follow the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series circuit for the first time this year. I’ve always wanted to do this at some point in my career and after last season, I feel like I have the experience now to take the next step in my racing career.” said Garrett.
On the heels of a historic $100,000 victory with the series last fall in the 42nd annual Dirt Track World Championship at Portsmouth Raceway Park (Portsmouth, OH), the Peach State phenom is to set to embark on a national touring series for the first time in his young career this season.
“After competing in over 75 events last year against the best of the best all across the country and winning my first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series race at a crown jewel event like the DTWC, I feel confident that I am ready for this moment. I can’t thank my family, crew and sponsors enough and am excited to see what we can accomplish this season as we try to win the Rookie of the Year title and finish strong in the overall point standings.” added Garrett.
The 2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule consists of 65 events across 32 tracks located in 16 different states. New for this year, the series will utilize an elimination-style format to crown it’s ‘23 champion, culminating at the 43rd annual Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway (Rossburg, OH) on October 20-21. The series kicks off it’s 2023 campaign on January 26-28 at Golden Isles Speedway (Waynesville, GA) with the annual Super Bowl of Racing.
