When attitude is everything, sometimes less is more.
A few of the things people will say about Ryan Smith is he is a "genuine" and "humble" sort of guy. He is genuinely eager to perfect his craft yet is humble about his successful past and his bright future. He is approachable by his ever growing fan base and is always looking for ways to improve his performance as a driver, both on and off the track. As a third generation race driver, Smith understands how important it is to be able to connect and communicate with his crew as well as his fans.
Ryan Smith is a hands-on driver of a 410 Sprint Car, all 900 HP! Known as "The Kunkletown Kid!" Ryan has compiled 198 career feature wins since he began at age 12.
Ryan's career path began in year 2000 in a slingshot by Tobias race car. Advancing through the ranks - Ryan has compiled a strong resume of multiple track titles and championships, across dirt and asphalt surfaces, in slingshots, micros, USAC and ARDC midgets, USAC Silver Crown, and 305 sprint cars. In 2012- Ryan moved into the 410-sprint car division under the guidance of Donnie Kreitz & Davey Brown. He spent two seasons with Kreitz learning sprint car setup, adjustments, maintenance, and gaining seat time prior to going out on his own in 2014. He then teamed with Rob Warko.
2014 was a breakout year for Ryan as a driver and team owner. He earned his first career win in 410 Sprints at New Egypt Speedway in August and in October claimed his first World of Outlaws win at Port Royal Speedway. Video: https://youtu.be/qqyWc1fAXwQ
In 2015 Ryan competed against the All Star Circuit of Champions capturing three (#3) feature wins, finished seventh (7th) in points, and many top 5s and top 10s.
In 2016 Ryan's focus was more local events in PA, big money shows, and to build performance consistency and team dynamics. In September Ryan earned his first Williams Grove Speedway feature win and achieved a season best of 25+ Top 5s and 30 Top 10s.
A new partnership was formed for the 2017 season - joining Ryan was Tom & Sherry Leidig of the Phoenix Racing #59 Team. The plan was to race the Florida Speed week with the Phoenix Racing #59 equipment. The outcome of the event wasn't the best but the effort demonstrated by the new combined team proved to be a great union.
The 2017 season focused on the title chase of Tony Stewart's All Star Circuit Of Champions. The series consisted of 46 events crossing a dozen states from February to October. Consistency and solid performances earned Ryan an overall 2nd place finish in points. Season stats: All Star Wins: 3 (1-Outlaw Speedway, NY; and 2-Mansfield Motor Speedway, OH); Top 5s: 12; Top 10s: 29; Heat Wins: 13; Dash Appearances: 24. Ryan also made the record books by joining a list of 4 drivers that have won two All Star Feature events in one night! Highlight Video links:
1. Outlaw Speedway Win: https://youtu.be/Bmqe4hRXIg4
2. Mansfield Win #1: https://youtu.be/_DANnbn7E2w
3. Mansfield Win #2: https://youtu.be/WY3e-y9ZN3I
A trip to Eldora for the King's Royal in July proved worthy racing Mark Coldren's #07. Qualified into the event out of the B Main, started 24th, green to checkered and brought home a 5th place finish earning the Hard Charger of the event!
Ryan capped off the season with a trip to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for the World of Outlaws World Finals. Qualifying for each of the contested main events, Ryan earned a Dash Win, second place heat finish, and a top-ten finish during his three-day campaign in North Carolina; his second top-ten finish of the season against the Greatest Show On Dirt. Event Highlights: https://youtu.be/AhkunFPfNWo
We are looking forward to a strong 2018!