GR Smith explains why he dropped off the World of Outlaws Tour

GR Smith lists hauler for sale as he downsizes his race team for 2019

At the start of 2019, GR Smith reloaded his racing program. The team set out for an ambitious resurrection on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series tour.

This is the team that won the 2017 World 100 at Eldora Speedway. Jonathan Davenport led the race flag to flag for the team, picked up the $50,000 check and drove home with the Globe trophy.

In 2018, the season began with a partnership of driver Brian Shirley. The folded and GR Smith jumped back in the car. At the end of the 2018 season, Ross Bailes piloted the machine.

For 2019, GR Smith had plans to once again fill the owner/driver role. He loaded the hauler, set the GPS and off to Speedweeks he went.

Unfortunately, he only lasted three races on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series tour in 2019.

In the first night at the Screven Motorsports Complex in Sylvania, GA he finished 16th. The next night at the same track brought a showing of 23rd.

GR Smith was on-hand for the debut night at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. However, he suffered a DNF.

“Speedweeks 2019 has come to an end after strong qualifying effort tonight we found metal inside the oberg bringing our speedweeks to a close barring the engine fairy coming to our trailer,” GR Smith stated after the races that night.

“I would like to thank all our fans friends and sponsors that help contribute to this team! Again Thank you,” GR Smith concluded.

The fans took to bashing GR Smith Motorsports. The old saying, ‘they can’t knock you for trying.’ Well, that doesn’t apply to this crowd.

Fans criticized GR Smith as Chuck Hummer lasted longer on the national tour. Hummer is running the tour in a 525 crate motor and doing what he loves.

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

GR Smith reacts to criticism from race fans

“First off Chuck Hummer is a nice guy take some time to meet the guy before you bash him,” GR Smith opened.

“Secondly we had two motors that had issues you can plan all you want but one thing we can’t control is when the internals of an engine let go.. losing motors is always the risk an unknown of what we do.”

“Lastly I do not have a 4m account so I can’t and won’t create one to defend myself against you classless keyboard racers that have a lot to say and don’t have a penny invested ..everyone wants to run their mouth about me not racing on the tour.”

“Lets get one thing straight… I want to but I’m self funded and struggle to do what I do and I take pride in my equipment but we do a lot with very little..”

The post continued, “I don’t need to impress anyone I have many friends and the respect of many in the sport that currently that are the top tier of our sport!”

“I can promise you this I left on my hauler and drove to each race track alone, I have friends volunteers come to support us to race.. no other team left for speedweeks alone and was able to qualify on the front row of heats…”

“You keyboard racers win I’m out can’t continue to fight an uphill battle so I hope you all happy to get what you want as I gracefully bail out.. I also hear how much I tear up I’ve raced last 7 years when I drove with one car and have the car we ran speedweeks with a straight body and never took suspensions part off.”

“I’m out… go find someonelse to bash and stay off this page you will be deleted because I don’t need it,” the post concluded.

GR Smith hauler for sale

Last week, GR Smith posted his hauler on the market. He’s not getting out of racing. However, he is going to a more regional schedule with the races primarily hosted in the South.

With that, he’s going to the ‘right sized” hauler given the change in the plan.

The hauler is listed for $365,000.

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More

GR Smith set for National Late Model Tour in 2019

Ross Bailes joins GR Smith for the remainder of 2018

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

Jonathan Davenport discusses his new ride with G.R. Smith

Links

GR Smith Racing | Team22 Performance | World of Outlaws Late Model Series

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