Track Thoughts/Las Vegas - Gary Smith

Driver: Gary Smith
Birthdate: July 6, 1968
Weight: 175
Height: 5'9"
Hometown: Malahat, British Columbia, Canada
Marital Status: Single
Children: Mark
Crew Chief: Bill Strauser
Car Owner: Bill Strauser

Gary Smith is a four-time International Kart Federation Champion. He won IMCA championships in 1990, 1992 and again in 1993. In 1995 Smith then moved on to race in the NASCAR REB-CO Northwest Tour, where he finished third in the championship standings, Rookie-of-the-Year runner-up, with one victory.

Being the son of 4-time Winston West Series champion, Roy Smith, it is only a natural transition for Gary Smith to run for the 1997 championship.

What is you opinion of Las Vegas Motor Speedway?
Awesome Facility!

What do you like most about this track and why?
The speeds, nice and wide, smooth.

Least and why?
The purse.

What is the most difficult part of this track for you and why?
Turn 4 - tighter than other turns.

What will you do if anything to prepare yourself for the Las Vegas race?
Race the previous weekend in Phoenix at the Southwest Tour Event.

What strategy will you use for this track?
Qualify well, stay up front, have fast smooth pit stops, be there at the end to challenge for the win.

What do you think it will take to stay up front?
Staying in the lead draft.

There is a rumor that a few of the Winston Cup drivers (i.e. Lake Speed) are planning on entering the race at Vegas. Some fans feel the cup drivers come to steal the show. How do you feel about this?
I feel that the more Winston Cup drivers who come, the better. The experience I can gain by racing with them is immeasurable at this point in my racing career.

Is there anything special you like to do when you come to Las Vegas?
Playing Black Jack.

Is there any person that really helped you in your racing career?
My dad, Roy Smith. He is behind me 110%.

Are you planning on returning to the Winston West next year?
Unknown.

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now (with respect to your racing career)?
Winston Cup