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NEWS UPDATE 07/25/2010
Mitch Smith Pauses Racing Career to Focus on Expanded Automotive Business

Mitch Smith announced a leave from the sport today, pausing a career spanning over two decades in drag racing.

Mitch has been behind the wheel for 25 years, and for 15 seasons with Jasper Engines & Transmissions and the NHRA Tour.

Overall, he has had an impressive combination of four NHRA Divisional Championships and 23 event victories in four different classes.

"I feel very fortunate to have been able to make a mark in drag racing and to have enjoyed some success along the way. I would like to thank all of the great sponsors we've worked with over the years, everyone at NHRA, the many track owners, operators, and promoters, our past team members, and all of the drag racing fans that have supported our program," said Smith.

"Mary and I have purchased a new 16 acre facility that will house Mitch Smith Auto Service. We have leased a wonderful farm complex out in the country in Anderson, Indiana, for 19 years. It is a perfect time for us to invest in our future and continue the success of our automotive business. Our business is wonderful, and just keeps getting better, and my passion to be the leader in the field continues," he said.

"The racing business, unfortunately, as we all know, takes an incredible amount of funding to be successful. With the down turn in the economy for sponsors and pay outs, it is a perfect decision to set aside our Jasper Engines & Transmissions Drag Racing Program for a couple of years. I have every intention of a full return to the NHRA, along with longtime sponsor Jasper Engines and Transmissions, as our new endeavor takes completion.

"I thank you all for the positive impact you have had on our lives.

"I have a passion for the sport, just as I have a Passion for our business. Please check our progress at http://www.mitchsmithauto.com/", Smith concluded.

[+] Click here to expand additonal information about Mitch Smith

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Overview • Race Report • Other News

View Mitch's Photo Gallery (Updated 01/27/2009)

At a Glance
Driver	Mitch Smith
Birthdate	April 1, 1963
Birthplace	Los Angeles, CA
Height/Weight	6' 1" / 215 lbs.
Residence	Anderson, IN
Spouse	Mary
Children	Dog: Sparky
Hobbies	Motorcycles, Boating, Skiing, Anything competitive
Racing Hero	Jeg Coughlin
Began Career	1968 Dodge Charger - Muncie Dragway
Favorite Track	Bristol, TN - Thunder Valley Dragway
N.H.R.A. Super Comp
Vehicle	2002 Worthy Super/Comp Dragster
Engine	JASPER Performance 565
Transmission	Powerglide - Automatic Transmission Design
Carburetor	Holley HP 1250 by Bobby Taylor Fuel
Tires	Hoosier Racing Tire - Front & Rear
Fuel	Methanol - 3 gallon capacity
Paint	Olson Paint & Body
Weight	Race Ready - 1870 lbs.
Best ET	7.42 @ 180.32 mph
Sponsors	JASPER Engines & Transmissions
Associate Sponsors	Hoosier Racing Tire, Mallory Ignition, Fram/Autolite, B & M Torque-Converters, Automatic Trans. Design, Power-Cell Batteries, Comp Cams, Federal-Mogul Engine Parts, Kendall Oil, Auto Meter Electronics, Pioneer Performance Products.

Jasper Motorsports 2010 Racing Schedule
Date	Location
March 25-28	Inaugral NHRA Nationals / Concord, NC
April 23-25	O'Reilly Raceway Park / Indianapolis, IN
April 30-May 2	14th Annual NHRA Midwest Nationals / St. Louis, MO
May 14-16	30th Annual NHRA Southern Nationals / Atlanta, GA
June 11-13	Rt. 66 Raceway / Joliet, IL
August TBA	Knoll-Gas Motorsports Park (IHRA Northern Nationals) / U.S. 131 | Martin, MI
August 16	Midwest Top Sportsman Series / Joliet, IL
August 27-29	Beech Bend Raceway Park / Bowling Green, KY
September 10-12	Tri-State Dragway / Earlville, IA
September 24-26	Northern Trail Raceway / Columbus, OH
October 2-3	Ohio Valley Raceway / Louisville, KY
October 15-17	Silver Dollar Dragway / Reynolds, GA

Public Relations:
Mitchell Smith Racing
4834 W. 200 S.
Anderson, IN 46011
(765) 640-0237