05/20/2018
NEWS: Rookie Chandler Smith makes history winning General Tire Pole Award at Toledo; Venturini Motorsports earns fifth pole of 2018
Concord, NC (May 20, 2018) – On Saturday afternoon, Fifteen-year-old rookie Chandler Smith cemented his name in the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards record books, becoming the first driver to win General Tire Poles in his first three starts.
Smith, in the No. 20 Smith General Contracting/Venturini Motorsports-prepared Toyota, will lead the field to green in today’s Menards 200 presented by Federated Car Care at Toledo Speedway.
The Talking Rock, Ga. driver put up the best time in practice Saturday afternoon with an average speed of 113.586 mph. Then it poured rain. With qualifying rained out, ARCA officials set the field according to Saturday's practice speeds.
Smith’s pole also marks the fifth consecutive pole award earned by a Venturini Motorsports driver to start off the 2018 racing season. Smith joins teammates Natalie Decker and Michael Self who each won poles at Daytona and Talladega respectively.
Smith, who won General Tire Poles at Nashville and Salem, said there was more left in the car.
"We had a really good practice…we could have picked up more in our mock run," said Smith.
"But that's okay. In race trim we're really good. This car is really s
porty…we're going to be really good tomorrow. This just doesn't get old. I could do this every day."
Smith's best finish so far is fifth in his first start at Nashville. At Salem he was racing his teammate Christian Eckes for the lead on the last lap when he cut a right-front tire. Smith is optimistic about his chances Sunday at Toledo; but not overly confident.
"We'll see…I don't want to jinx myself. I like this track so far. You can sort of clip the grass in three and four to help turn the car. It's going to be an interesting race tomorrow."
"I’m just so thankful for Venturini Motorsports, Toyota Racing and everyone who works so hard on this deal. I'm doing the best I can on my end. I'm really just giving it my all."Smith also said he's more excited than nervous for Sunday's race.
"I don't get nervous anymore. I've been doing this for 12 years now," added the 15-year-old.
Joining Smith in today’s Menards 200 are Venturini Motorsports’ teammates Christian Eckes (No.15 JBL Toyota) starting third, Eddie Fatscher (No. 55 Jenel Construction Toyota) in his first career series attempt starting 15th and Natalie Decker (No.25 N29 Capital Partners Toyota) starting 17th.
Today’s Menards 200 will air live on MAVTV at 2pm EDT. Live timing and scoring can also be followed at ARCARACING.com.
ChandlerSmith Natalie Decker Michael Self Racing Toyota Racing General Tire ARCA RACING SERIES
