Catchfence

Jesse Smith

Rockingham Speedway – Rockingham, NC

Jesse Smith is making his second career start at the Rockingham Speedway, and his first start for Hendren Motorsports in the No. 66 Chevrolet. The American 200 will also be Smith’s second ARCA Racing Series start of the 2010, his first start came in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The Wildwood, MO native’s previous start at Rockingham came in 2008 driving for Terry Jones. Smith was part of the historic race to reopen the legendary one mile tri-oval, and had a strong top five run going before an engine failure cut his afternoon short. By running in the top five in three of his four starts in 2009 on intermediate tracks, Smith has shown that his first win is soon to come.

Smith is looking to eclipse his career best 3rd place finish (Kansas ’08, Kentucky 5/09), and is brimming with confidence returning to a venue where he has experience. With the Hendren Motorsports team behind him, led by Walter Giles, Smith is confident he can challenge for his first career win at “The Rock”.

ROCKINGHAM HISTORY: Smith’s first career start at “The Rock” came in ARCA’s inaugural event in May of 2008. After qualifying 14th, an engine failure relegated him to a 44th place finish.

LAST FIVE STARTS: In his last five ARCA Series starts, Smith has started four of those races inside the top ten, and included his career best finish at Kentucky (3rd).

CREW CHIEF: Smith is working with veteran crew chief Walter Giles, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. car chief.

FAN ON FACEBOOK: Become a fan of Jesse Smith on Facebook and stay up to date with Jesse Smith Racing.

LIVE ON SPEED: Saturday’s American 200 will be live on SPEED beginning at 1:30 ET.

QUOTING JESSE SMITH

(On the challenges at racing at Rockingham): “Rockingham is an awesome place to run at. It’s a really unique track, there’s not a lot like it. It’s high speed, but it still has the tendencies of a short track. One of the coolest things is the tires wear out really fast there, so the driver has more responsibility than other tracks. Because of that, it takes the emphasis away from the engine, aerodynamics, and those types of thing. It’s such a great place and it really puts on a good show.”

(On making his first start with Hendren Motorsports): “The biggest thing is working with a new crew and getting used to their tendencies and build relationships. I think we can be real successful (at Rockingham). Walter Giles has been great to work with, we understand each other and already have a great connection. I’m looking forward to working with them for the American 200, and hopefully in the future.”

- HighSide Media Press Release