Ryan Smith to drive for Rob Warko Racing
… of Reading, PA.
Akron, Ohio-Released earlier this week that Ryan Smith of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania; who has spent the last two seasons under the mentorship of Donnie Kreitz Jr driving the teams #69 410 sprint car, will be leaving the team to step into the role as full time driver of the #94 for Rob Warko Racing Of Reading, PA. This fills a void made by RWR’s long time driver Matt Mountz leaving to take time off from racing. Smith starts in his new role as driver starting November 7th-9th, 2013 at "The Dirt Track at Charlotte" World of Outlaw race, Concord, NC.
The Warko family is no stranger to the dirt tracks of Pennsylvania. Competing over the last 11 years with driver Matt Mountz who is also Warko’s nephew, "I just couldn’t think of not racing. It’s something I and my family love to do and we built this shop to continue racing with Matt. When he said he was ready to take a little time off and is getting married, well it broke my heart think #94 wouldn’t be racing." Warko adds. "Matt and Ryan grew up racing together as far back as 270cc micros. They are good friends and competitors and seemed like Ryan would be a nice fit for our team."
Smith who has won in every division he has ever raced, since the age of 13, is still looking for that first 410 Sprint Car win. Amassing over 185 previous feature wins on both dirt and asphalt. Smith comes close at Williams Grove on September 27, running a very game 2nd in the nights feature "World of Outlaw Tune Up" to his team leader and winner Donnie Kreitz Jr. Kreitz in his celebration speech even comments on Smith focus to win.
"He’s really done a good job," said Kreitz. "He’s really focused. They are doing a good job with the car and he’s doing a really good job driving. Tonight, he had a new frame. We did too actually. That
never hurts. That really helped Ryan because he was running a car from last year." ~ Area Auto News Tuesday Oct 1st 2013
Smith has steadily improved his performances in 2013. Smith comments on his time with Donnie Kreitz Jr. "Donnie has been like a second father to me. His experience has been a tremendous help and the education I have received from him is invaluable! Making this decision hasn’t been easy. I owe a lot to Donnie, Davie Brown and the Kreitz Oval Track Team. I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me these last two seasons." Smith who owned and funded the cars he has driven while with Kreitz feels the education he received was priceless.
Smith is a 3rd generation racer. His parents Randy and Denise Smith are both accomplished drivers in their own right. The couple met in the ’80’s, while racing Karts in the World Karting Association. The Smith’s have encouraged Ryan and his younger sister Shannon who is also an accomplished dirt driver to be involved in the family businesses. As owners of S&S Speedways the Smith Family also promotes and manages Hamlin Speedway. Ryan has had a well rounded education, covering everything from driving, car set up, sales, public relations and dirt track preparation.
Armed with an education few will ever get, Smith feels now is the time to command a team of his own. The last two seasons were limited on budget but high on education. Smith feels the new team and opportunity have strong suits where he had deficits in the past. Excited to get started with his new team, Ryan Smith knows he races against great drivers and teams every weekend as part of the famed "Pennsylvania Posse". He also knows to be competitive you need the right budget. Smith is confident with his move to Rob Warko Racing. Smith adds,"RWR and Warko Group have been running sprint cars for many years and are a first rate team with top rate equipment. We will be introducing the team to 410 competition as their previous focus had been on the 305 and 358 divisions" Smith brings along with him members of his crew from 2013, as well as many of his 2013 sponsors. Kerry Griffith returns as Car Chief, with returning crew members Tommy Martocci, Nick Frable, Joe Kepple , Andrew Adamsky & Pete Ervin. Jim Travis of Travis Racing Engines is making the move, along with returning sponsors: S&S Speedways, Lieto Motorsports, Armbruster Racing Photos, Martocci Automotive, horsepower360.com & AdvoCare Motorsports of Akron Ohio.
"The crew and I are working hard for this show in Charlotte. Anytime you race with the outlaws you are racing against the best in the business. We’re confident we have built a winning team and are very excited to get started." Smith continues, "I’m looking forward to working with Rob, the crew and this new team. The energy in the shop is just amazing and everyone is anxious to get this car on the track!"
Ryan, Rob and team are excited to say the least, they have a very full schedule starting the first weekend in November and it appears non-stop all the way through 2014. Please use the contact information below to questions or details on the #94 RWR/Smith Team.
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