Progressive AFT - News - Bryan Smith Looks to Continue Dominance on Mile-Long Tracks at Springfield

Bryan Smith Looks to Continue Dominance on Mile-Long Tracks at Springfield

May 22, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 22, 2013) – Since 2009, Bryan Smith (Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports/Kawasaki) has accounted for five victories and 11 top ten finishes out of 18 races on mile-long courses. It’s safe to say that the 2012 AMA Pro Expert Twins Champion has been pinned as one of the clear-cut favorites to claim victory at the upcoming Springfield Mile. Last season, Smith achieved two commanding victories at the Sacramento Mile and the second go-around at the Springfield Mile.

“I just feel more comfortable on faster tracks,” said Smith. “I don’t know why exactly, maybe it’s because my brain is always going a million miles per hour, but for whatever reason I usually perform better on the longer courses. I have to give a lot of credit to Scott Parker (holder of the all-time Grand National Flat Track Championship record of 94 wins and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2009). He has been nothing but a mentor for me throughout my entire racing career. Ever since I was seven years old, I used to watch him dominate mile-long courses and I knew I wanted to be like that. I’ve spent countless hours watching film on him and have gotten to know him very well. He and I are great friends now and I don’t think I’d be nearly as successful as I am today if it weren’t for his apprenticeship.”

Parker and Smith both reside in Flint, Michigan and spend time together frequently. Parker served as an idol for the majority of Smith’s childhood and now the two have grown to be very close friends.

The first go-around of the Springfield Mile is scheduled for May 26, 2013 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Look for Smith and company to put on a show at dusk in the Land of Lincoln. Like Stockton, fans will have the ability to view the event LIVE at http://www.amaprolive.com/ft/. For tickets and more information regarding the Springfield Mile, fans are encouraged to visit http://www.illinoismda.com/ or call (217)-753-8866 or (888)-468-1622.