Eric Smith win @ the Prarie Dirt Classic

I wanted to blog about the racing last night at the Fairbury American Legion speedway. 

It was the 3rd attempt to get the race in and finally mother nature cooperated.  The early afternoon was at times overcast, cloudy and even sunny.  The cool air allowed the moisture to really settle and was a factor for qualifying as the later lap times turned out to be the best.  Had it not been for Jay Morris being lite at the scales after his lap, it would of been the first time i've ever seen the last qualifier out set fast time.  Very rare.

On  to the feature.  The race started out just as I figured as the outside front row starter Shannon Babb jumped into the lead.  I felt early the highside would be where most of top 8 would venture to in order to sort things out.  Turns out that is what happened and some drivers decided to make a night of it and would ultimately cost them their night. Several younger drivers were absolutely flying on top, but also out of control.  Most wound up broke or had flat tires.  But not Eric Smith

Smith used brains in his quest .  He moved up using the bottom of the track and followed Jason Unzicker.  They both were committed to running the bottom and due to the 10 cautions, the tires were in good shape.  Smith was quoted as committing to the bottom to stay out of trouble because those who had rode the cushion were all no longer in the race.   However with 6 to go and a fresh restart, Eric gambled and decided to change lines and went to the top.  Unlike many who attempted to run the top, Eric drove his car in with some degree of caution.  He wasn't running it so hard that jumping the cushion and bouncing off the wall would hamper his ability to pass Unizicker on the bottom.  He drove 6 beautiful laps on top and from this viewers eyes, never bobbled once.  He race program now is $10,000 greener.

Smith is a well respected driver here in central IL.  He is a track champion locally at Farmer City and Fairbury.  He is a tough competitor night in and out.  No matter who the competition is locally, you can bet the #9 will be up there.  He reminds me a lot of Roger Long in a way.  Roger was always tough no matter who showed up.  Only difference is Roger ran the top a lot more while i've seen Eric be able to use multiple grooves to pass the competition.  In a race that is one of the tops in the state, it is deserved to see a local make the list of champions...one who is loyal to running locally.