Smith takes the win at Dallas Raceway and comes away with the track MPH record to boot 

(6-1-2009) MANSFIELD, TX – After qualifying second in an 8-car Outlaw Pro Modified field in the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals with a 3.98, Gaylen Smith bested his competition and took a resounding victory in the race.

“This is just terrific,” said an elated Smith after the race. “We tried to stay on our game plan for this deal, and it worked. The LenMar built, House of Hotrods sponsored Hemi Cuda stayed very consistent nearly every round.

“Lots of guys were having traction problems,” Smith noted. “But here a light touch was necessary. You couldn’t try to rotate the earth and make any killer passes. Sometimes less is more.”

Smith took out Team Mate Grant McCrary in the first round with a 3.934-second, 188.89-mph pass over McCrary’s 5.27-second, 110-mph effort. Although McCrary had a .032 light to Smith’s .114, he had to back off as his car shook hard. Meanwhile Smith moved around a little in the run and the LenMar powered, House of Hotrods sponsored Hemi Cuda settled down to take the lead and the victory.

In the semi’s, Smith would be paired with another team car Ken Thomas. Smith took the beam first and when Thomas attempted to move it the beam he had clutch problems and the Bad Bird pulled through the beams, giving the win light to Smith. But it would have matter because smith laid down a track speed record in the heat of the day with 3.908-second, 201.19-mph pass.

Smith would meet the number 1 qualifier, Frankie Taylor in the finals. Smith had lane choice going into the finals and in the heat this would prove to be an advantage. This promised to be a good race, both drivers in the 3.90s all day. Taylor took a small early edge and was pulling away, but his car made a violent move to the left at that point, and then went sharply back to the right. Taylor handled it skillfully and was able to finish the run, but the wayward moves scrubbed off a lot of time and Smith cranked out another three-ninety to get the win.

Smith and his team had the House of Hotrods 1970 Cuda Pro Modified in top form all weekend, and he was quick to praise the efforts of the crew.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Smith. “We have been working on various engine and drive train components, and it finally all came together. The LenMar engine program has taken us where we want to go. But I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of the crew and a great sponsor in House of Hotrods. This is a team effort, and they are here with me sharing in this victory.”

This was Smith’s second TOPMA victory in a row. The next TOPMA event will be held at Houston Motorsports Park on June 5th.

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