G.R. Smith: Vocal against new rules and consistent changes

G.R. Smith: “When will you people realize the more rules, the more the cost!”

Let me start off by saying I’m just now catching on to this. However, it’s still extremely relevant to the current news cycle. If I missed it, many others missed it as well.

Six days after the post below, the droop rule was introduced to dirt late model racing. Recently, Fastrak also announced bold shock changes to their 2018 program.

G.R. Smith, World of Outlaws team owner, was very vocal against the creation of new rules. More so, his point that rule changes are too constant.

Smith published the following letter back on December 20th:

GR Smith Racing Photo 8969
G.R. Smith at Boyd’s Speedway

G.R. Smith

“Ok I’m sick in tired of the new rules every time we go race! This racing is getting out of hand and quickly becoming aggravating instead of fun,” G.R. Smith opened the note via his facebook page.

“Last year we have fire bottle for safety which new rules for safety I’m always in favor of and innovative safety rules are always good for the sport but all these suspension rules now pre race tech and post race tech is getting out of hand.”

“I don’t care what the rules are we all have to race by them but everyone having different rules is not good for anyone and to keep making changes requires more people to work of these cars and making the box smaller COST MORE !!!!!!! When will you people realize the more rules, the more the cost !!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Absolutely frustrated with a sport that I give so much to and dedicate my time for these so called series to completely ignore the people who pay to make it go. Its time the drivers and owners have a voice in this or soon there won’t be cars or owners willing to put up with whatever someone dreams up!”

“Do you realize we are quickly getting away from what the premise and the value this sport what built . I’m going to be outspoken this time because changing the rules every 5 minutes is not good for anyone. Not the fans, drivers , owners, or promoters! “

My 2 cents !!!
Thank You

— GR Smith —

Related: Droop rule introduced to dirt late model racing

GR Smith #22 dirt late model at East Bay Raceway Park in February
GR Smith #22 dirt late model at East Bay Raceway Park in February

2nd post

Hours later he reiterated his statements:

“My post has received a lot more attention then I originally expected. I have no problem with any rules or innovative rules for the safety of drivers, crew members, fans, or series and promoters.”

“My main goal in my post was to say these sanction bodies need to come to an agreement or compromise to unify our sport rather then go in separate directions to maintain the high quality of racing while keeping the balance relative to the cost of expense.”

“I hope if anything comes of this today it’s that the national tours as well as the regional tours realize the importance of working together to achieve and maintain the high level product in which the fans deserve.”

Related: Would Mark Richards like to see a rule change to force a reduction of car costs?

Brian Shirley Tri City Speedway Results 8019
Brian Shirley at Tri City Speedway in 2017
2017-2018

In 2017, G.R. Smith pulled himself from the seat of his own car. He then picked up free-agent and multi-time dirt late model champion Jonathan Davenport. For 2018, Davenport has gone in a different direction.

G.R. Smith Motorsports has signed Brian Shirley to pilot his machine. They will make a run at the World of Outlaws Late Model Series title during the 2018 season.

G.R. Smith told me last year that he still has plans to get back into the car down the road. Though, at that time, it wasn’t the focus.

“Right now, it’s 100% focus on him. He’s won these races before. We feel that if we give him something competitive, we have a good shot to win. I can race anytime,” G.R. Smith told RacingNews.co back in August soon after the deal with Davenport struck.

Related: G.R. Smith talks his new role as an exclusive car owner

Rules are a regular topic in recent months. Below is a collection of various thought from the industry.

More

Related: Nick Hoffman: Making pages in the rulebook

Related: Fastrak shock/suspension rules announced

Related: Mark Richards talks motor/suspension/aerodynamic rules

Related: “We’re at a crossroads in our sport of which direction to go.” -Jason Feger

Related: Steve Francis talks current dirt late model rules

Related: Rick Salter on cutting costs of dirt late model racing

Related: Rick Schwallie discusses dirt late model council

Related: Josh Richards talks dirt late model aerodynamics

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