RPW Column: Sunday’s Super DIRTcar Series Lid-Lifter Was Very Nearly A Dream Night For Darren Smith
News Director 
Column By: DERICK KRINER / RPW – SWEDESBORO, NJ – Sunday at Bridgeport Motorsports Park was a Super DIRTCar show to remember for Darren Smith.
The New York driver not only showed he could perform and make the show against a stacked 36 car field, he proved he could lead the pack.
Smith who has only 1 other career top 5 with the SDS Modifieds had a breakout performance at Bridgeport in the King of The Big Blocks program. After a good qualifying effort and heat race finish, Darren was able to redraw the 2 pill and start on the front row of the 75 lapper.
Leading over 70% of the feature, and having held off eventual winner Williamson for a vast majority of the feature, proved to the rest of the Super DIRTCar field that the 12S car will be a force in 2023.
In talking with Darren post race, he was happy with his effort, although disappointed to not come home with the win.
“We definitely had a car to win,” Smith stated. “However, just when I got to lap traffic couldn’t get it done the way I needed to.”
A situation where Smith would end up giving up the top spot to Canadian competitor, Mat Williamson.
When asked about the outlook he has on the 2023 season and the potential to be a contender for at least a top 5 points run, Smith responded in a positive way.
“I sure hope so,” he said. “We are off on the right foot, so hope we can keep it there.”
Sunday night was a definite learning experience for the Empire State driver Darren Smith. It was one that could lead to a 2023 full of improvements and strong performances.
