NHRA Driver » Matt Smith

NHRA 101: Your Guide to NHRA Drag Racing

In basic terms, a drag race is an acceleration contest between two vehicles over a measured distance, but what is a holeshot? Or a breakout? Welcome to NHRA 101, your complete guide to the world of NHRA Drag Racing, from the terminology of the sport to what you need to enjoy a day at the races to info on the many different vehicles that take to the track during a race weekend.
NHRA.com Features and Columns

There's more to drag racing than just two cars streaking down the strip. NHRA.com has a wide assortment of regular columns, including the DRAGSTER Insider -- in which ND Editor Phil Burgess treats you to "the stories behind the stories" from yesterday and today -- exclusive Driver Blogs that take you into the homes and trailers of the sport's top stars, and the NHRA.com Notebook. From this area, you also can access previous Special Sections, including special-edition websites and blogs as well as memorial pages.
Meet the Stars of the NHRA Mello Yello Series

Want more information on your favorite NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series drivers? NHRA.com has full bios on all the series regulars, including major accomplishments, best runs, hobbies, and more, plus team and driver website addresses and contact information in the fan-club sections.
Watch NHRA Drag Racing on TV

All 24 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events feature same-day television coverage on ESPN2 of the Professional-class action with play-by-play from motor racing veteran Dave Rieff and expert color commentary by former Top Fuel and Funny Car racer Mike Dunn. ESPN2 also offers coverage of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. NHRA Drag Racing also is aired in Canada on TSN.
The Sights and Sounds of NHRA Drag Racing

NHRA.com offers a wide array of multimedia features for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of NHRA Drag Racing. With video clips and photos from the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, the popular National Dragster Photo of the Week, and a gallery of .wav files for your computer, there's lots to see and hear in NHRA Multimedia.
Get Your Official NHRA Apparel and Merchandise

A wide range of NHRA-themed items is available for purchase online. The NitroMall is your one-stop spot for official NHRA merchandise, products from some of the teams of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, and more. The NHRA Store is the place to join NHRA and purchase specialty items and DVDs, and the NHRA Museum Store has items to satisfy history buffs, from vintage T-shirts to historical books.

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Matt Smith

Date of birth:
November 11, 1972
Hometown:
King, N.C.
Sponsor/Car:
Smith Racing Buell
Crew Chief:
Steve Tartaglia

Career Wins: 13
PSB: 13
Career Final Rounds: 28
PSB: 28
Career Best E.T.:
6.795
Career Best Speed:
196.04

2012: Raced to a runner-up finish at Las Vegas 2; finished sixth in the points standings
2011: Set career-best e.t. and speed; Qualified for the Countdown playoffs for the fifth season in a row; Won one race in three final-round appearances
2010: Won two races; Earned two No. 1 qualifying positions; Set career bests for time and speed; Earned fourth consecutive top five points finish
2009: Was No. 1 qualifier twice during the season; Set career bests for time and speed; Earned fourth consecutive top five points finish; Qualified for the Playoffs for the third consecutive season
2008: Earned the No. 1 seed in the NHRA Playoffs and the 20-point bonus; Posted career-best time in St. Louis; Collected career-high seven No. 1 qualifiers
2007: Earned first POWERade world championship on final pass of season, edging out defending and three-time world champion Andrew Hines by just six points; Won four races in nine final round appearances (St. Louis, Denver, Sonoma, Pomona 2); Collected four No. 1 qualifiers; Posted career-best time (6.901) in St. Louis
2006: Earned his first career victory (Englishtown) and also won Indianapolis; Joined the Mickey Thompson 6-Second Pro Stock Bike Club; Posted career-best time and speed
2005: Earned a runner-up finish in Indianapolis; Posted career-best time and speed
2004: Competed in a career high 10 NHRA events; Advanced to first career final round (Memphis); Set career-best time and speed
2003: Qualified at two of the four races he entered and went to the semifinals in Atlanta

Wife: Angie
Son: Tristan (9/12/96)
Height/weight: 5´11´´, 135 lbs.
Hobbies: Scuba diving, jet ski, paintball, coaches son in soccer, and builds motorcycle engines
Father, Rickie, competed in Pro Stock
Married fellow PSM rider Angie McBride

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