Ross Bailes joins GR Smith Racing

North Carolina-based G.R. Smith Racing has joined forces with South Carolina’s Ross Bailes for the remainder of the 2018 season and beyond

“I’m very excited to have Ross coming on board as our team driver,” team owner, G.R. Smith said.

“He’s a guy with a lot of talent, and he’s been very successful throughout the Southeast region for the past several years. We’re looking to not only compete regionally but also branch out to a more national schedule. I still plan to drive in various events, but our primary focus will be on having everything ready for Ross at all times,” GR Smith concluded.

The 28-year-old Bailes is excited about the opportunity that lies in front of him.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that G.R. Smith has presented me with,” Bailes commented.

“He’s got great equipment and a solid team in place. I’ve been wanting to travel more and go to new places, and with this opportunity I’ll be able to do just that. I’ve had a lot of great people support my racing career to get me to this point, and I plan to do everything in my power to capitalize on the great situation in front of me,” Bailes concluded.

The team will carry primary sponsorship from M&W Transport, Cheap Cars, Felony Farms, and Victory Circle Auto Sales. In addition, G.R. Smith Racing will continue to utilize Rocket XR1 Chassis and Cornett Racing Engines.

Ross Bailes made his debut in the G.R. Smith Racing #22 last Saturday night at Lancaster Motor Speedway (Lancaster, South Carolina) with the Carolina Clash Late Model Series. The team started fifth on the grid and advanced to as high as the second position in the $4,000-to-win event before a flat tire forced Bailes to head pitside for fresh rubber.

He rejoined the tail of the field and was working his way through the pack before a brake failure ended his night in the 15th position.

“I’m hoping we got all of the bad luck out of the way right off the bat,” Bailes laughed. “A definite positive is that we showed speed right out of the box, and I have no doubt that as a team we can go out and win races.”

For more results from this event, please visit www.CarolinaClash.com.

The team plans to return to competition this Saturday night with a $4,000-to-win, Carolina Clash at Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, South Carolina). They will also race with the Carolina Clash on Tuesday evening at Carolina Speedway (Gastonia, North Carolina).

G.R. Smith Motorsports Early Announcement

August 3rd, 2018:

“Team 22INC is excited to announce that Ross Bailes will pilot the Victory Circle Auto Sales, M&W Transport, Felony Farms, Cheap Cars, Team 22INC Parts & Performance, Rocket XR1 #22* at Lancaster Motor Speedway!”

— G.R. Smith Motorsports —

Editor’s Notes

In 2017, GR Smith exited his race car, changed the number to #49 and placed Jonathan Davenport behind the wheel. They parted ways at the end of the season as Davenport when on the sign on with Lance Landers Motorsports

Brian Shirley signed on to run with the team full-time on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series tour at the start of the 2018 season. Following speedweeks back in February the combo parted ways.

GR Smith jumped back in the seat in March-May. For all of June and the bulk of July the car sat at the race shop.

August 15th was the first showing for Ross Bailes in the new machine.

More

Related: May 2018
Brian Shirley explains what happened with the GR Smith ride

Related: December 2017
Brian Shirley selected to the pilot the #22 for G.R. Smith on the national tour

Related: August 2017
Jonathan Davenport discusses his new ride with G.R. Smith

Links

G.R. Smith Motorsports | Carolina Clash

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