Gordy Gundaker vs Kevin Smith at the Gateway Dirt Nationals (Video)

Contact between Gordy Gundaker and Kevin Smith caused a rollover; Gundaker then kicked Smith’s car as the crowd encouraged a fight on the back straightaway

Tensions ran high inside The Dome at America’s Center. It was the final night of a three-day show in downtown, St. Louis, Missouri.

Watch the Gordy Gundaker vs Kevin Smith video below.

Gordy Gundaker is a former preliminary night winner of the Gateway Dirt Nationals. The 1/5-mile bullring track is prepared by his father, Kevin Gundaker.

This year, the 27-year-old had something special prepared for the 4th edition of the indoor dirt late model event. He unloaded a retro wrap, identical to the one his father used to drive in the St. Louis and surrounding areas.

Before Saturday’s main event, six LCQ’s were on deck. Only two cars from each race would advance into the feature event paying $30,000 to the winner.

Gordy Gundaker had been fast all weekend. He just barely missed out of being one of only 6 cars to advance straight into the feature instead of through an LCQ.

Gundaker started on the pole position in the LCQ. However, contact with Kevin Smith ended his weekend (or so he thought).

Contact down the stretch put Gundaker in the wall and Smith landed on his roof. The red flag was deployed and the show was put on pause.

As Smith sat upside down, Gundaker was asked about the incident…

Gordy Gundaker on the incident with Kevin Smith

“He made a right, right at me coming off of [turn] four there and parked us both,” Gordy Gundaker stated to DirtonDirt just after the accident.

“This is ridiculous. I know we’re racing hard. We’re bangin’ fuckin’ quarter panels. He makes a dead right, crashes me at the line.”

“Now look at us both. Torn up racecars for no reason. I hope he’s alright. I don’t wish anything bad on him. But, I kinda want to beat his ass,” Gundaker concluded.

Gundaker attacks the car of Kevin Smith

The tow truck eventually pulled the car of Kevin Smith back onto it’s wheels. Smith then climbed out of the car.

Gundaker approached the car to have a discussion. Within seconds, Gundaker slammed his hand on the roof of Smith’s car in frustration.

The two drivers continued to exchange words. Smith flipped him the bird and that’s when Gundaker grabbed something off Smith’s car and tossed it over the fence.

Things continued to intensify. Gundaker backed up and took a run at the right side door. He kicked it.

Smith climbed on the roof of the car and looked like he was considering jumping on top of Gundaker. The crowd encouraged them, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”

As officials swarmed the drivers, Gundaker tried to jump on the roof, chasing Smith. Smith came down off the roof. Gundaker attempted to run around the car and after him.

Officials wouldn’t let the two drivers come in contact with each other. Gundaker was then escorted to the pit area.

And just like that, the crowd was pumped for more short track racing action.

Kevin Smith after the incident with Gordy Gundaker

“I’m alright. My car’s not, but I am,” Smith said as he walked across the infield.

“I’m just glad that we’re ok. I was hoping to bring the car home in one piece. But, it is what it is.”

Bringing it home

Gordy Gundaker was given a provisional in the feature event. The crew got the car back together and he started last place, 20th.

Gundaker survived the carnage that followed in the 30 lap main event. Over half the field dropped out of the race due to damage.

With a provisional starting spot, Gundaker brought it home in the top-five.

Gordy Gundaker vs Kevin Smith
Gateway Dirt Nationals
Video
Links

Gordy Gundaker | Gateway Dirt Nationals | The Dome at Americas Center

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