Racers Triumph at the 4th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race

The 4th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race at Montgomery International Dragway was a thrilling event that brought together hundreds of racers from across the country. The four-day competition featured a variety of high-stakes races, including Gamblers Races, a $5,000 Warm-Up Race, and three $20,000 main events. Racers were eager to secure some winnings before the upcoming Great American Bracket Races $500K event.

Honoring a Legendary Racer's Legacy

Remembering Mike Smith

Mike Smith was a revered figure in the racing community, known for his fierce competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport. For over four decades, he raced across the South, participating in numerous big-money bracket events. His signature shirtless appearance and ever-present cigar became iconic symbols of his larger-than-life persona. Despite his fierce on-track rivalry, Mike was also renowned for his willingness to help fellow racers, often going out of his way to ensure they made it to the starting line.Beyond the racetrack, Mike was a beloved member of his small hometown of Roanoke, Alabama. He owned the local mechanic shop and served as a dedicated firefighter, further cementing his status as a pillar of the community. Off the track, Mike found joy in riding his Harley and cherishing time with his children and six grandchildren, whom he adored. His presence will be deeply missed, particularly at the OG Million, where he had manned the grill at the Racers' Appreciation Steak Dinner for over a decade, cooking for thousands of racers over the years.

Wednesday Gamblers Race

The 4th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race kicked off with the Wednesday Gamblers Race, where Tyler Ward emerged victorious, defeating Brandon Taylor in the final round. In the second Wednesday Gamblers Race, Caden Meuth secured the win over Jordan Eaker.

$5,000 Thursday Warm-Up

The Thursday $5,000 Warm-Up Race saw James "JB Shuffle" Brown claim the top prize, setting the stage for the highly anticipated main events.

$20,000 Friday

The Friday $20,000 main event was a thrilling affair, with Mickey Morris from Ellenwood, Georgia, emerging as the champion. Morris defeated Blake Fuqua in the final round, completing ten rounds to reach the winner's circle. Donny Burleson was the lone semi-finalist, while Trampus Stewart and Warren Cupp reached the quarter-finals.Following the main event, second-round losers had the opportunity to compete in the $5,000 Friday Duck Race, with Kevin Griggs taking home the top prize.

$20,000 Saturday

The Saturday $20,000 main event was a particularly poignant moment, as racers honored the memory of local legend Mike Smith. In a fitting tribute, Smith's close friend Jeremy Hancock claimed the $20,000 prize, defeating Lester Adkins in an all-dragster final. Veteran racer Buddy Ferrell reached the semifinals but fell short with a .002 red light and a dead-on-one run against Adkins. Stephen McCrory and Ty Farmer rounded out the quarterfinalists.The Saturday second-chance Duck Race saw Kholten Fuller, driving his father's Mopar Duster, secure the $5,000 prize after defeating Josh Jarrell in the final round.

$20,000 Sunday

The 4th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race concluded with Caden Meuth taking home the final $20,000 prize. After 10 rounds of intense competition, Meuth defeated Cynthia Quick in the main event's final round to claim the victory. Doug Foley was the lone semi-finalist, while Timmy Smith, who came close to back-to-back victories, fell short in the quarter-finals along with KC Pesnell.Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who made the 4th Annual Mike Smith Memorial Race at Montgomery International Dragway a truly memorable event. The legacy of Mike Smith lives on through the passion and dedication of these talented racers.