Story By: JORDAN SHEEHAN / RICHARD SMITH RACING – ACCORD, NY – Richard Smith has been a consistent name within the Modified ranks in the past few seasons.
Smith has stepped out from his normal home track, The Accord Speedway, to compete at places such as Orange County Fair Speedway, Penn Can, and Brett Deyo’s Short Track Super Series.
Upon competing at numerous locations, Smith has decided to return home full time in 2023. Accord Speedway will be the location for Smith Racing.
Richard had to make decisions in the off season that would see him return home to Accord. Richard is excited to kick this season off at The Ulster County Bullring, after the Palmer family made some recent changes to the speedway.
“I’m hoping these changes make it really racey. It seems they’re widening the track and it should be great, Smith said.”
Smith was normally seen behind the wheel of a Teo Chassis, but in 2023 Richard will be in a Bicknell. Richard purchased a Bicknell from Mike Payne.
“I purchased a 2021 Bicknell after selling both of my TEO cars. I know its great equipment. He (Mike) runs a great program and is very meticulous with maintenance.Im having my motor refreshed by Bedell. I’m still using Dig Race Shocks. Dale and Brandon are great to work with as well as Jerry Higbie with the rebuilds for me.”
Big Al’s Landscaping, Mombaccus Excavating, Titan Construction & Excavating, Cram LLC., & Smith Logging & Land Clearing will be seen on this year’s car.
“I can’t say enough about the great people who are backing me and behind my racing efforts in 2023,” Smith said. “It’s always fun getting to compete week in and week out, but it’s almost impossible to do it without the support of the great sponsors I have. I’ll represent them the best way I can in 2023.”
A fresh new look for Smith will see him piloting a #8R. After deliberation, Richard decided to choose number 8 for his wife Taylor as that’s her favorite number. Richard will kick off his 2023 season, by entering the Short Track Super Series Hard Clay Open at Orange County Fair Speedway. Smith will then not be seen at OCFS until the end of the season. Richard sold his DIRTcar Small Block motor and that eliminated him from regular Saturday night action at OCFS, which was Richard’s home track for about three seasons.
For more up-to-date notice on Richard Smith’s racing efforts for 2023 and beyond, be sure to follow his fan page on Facebook. Any and all updates will be posted there.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me out and supported me last year, and especially everyone that’s going to be involved this year. Without my family, friends, and sponsors it would be extremely tough to do what I love to do. Thanks again everyone and see you all in April,” concluded Smith.