| Meet the 52 Crew |
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| Gary Nye, Walt Smtih, Paul Churnetski, Mary Jo Smith, Todd Smith, Clarance Spohr, Wayne D'Hondt, Gary Emens, Dan Weaver |
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| Walt and Mary Jo Smith, Todd's parents, are co-owners of the racecar. Walt and Mary Jo began attending races back in 1961. When both of their sons came along they took them to the tracks, setting the stage for Todd's love of racing. Walt eventually began assisting various supermodified teams in the pits and both he and Mary Jo dreamed of owning their own car someday. When Todd decided to drive, they purchased a street stock in 1996 starting Todd's successful career in that division. As team owners, Walt and Mary Jo have 25 feature wins, 28 second place finishes, and a track championship to their credit. Walt attends all racing events at both Spencer and the Race of Champions tour. In addition to assisting the pit crew with set-up and engine tuning, Walt oversees all operations of the team at the track and at the racecar shop. Mary Jo regularly attends the Spencer races along with assisting at ROC events as needed. Mary Jo is responsible for and maintains all of the team's finances. Walt is retired from Kodak after a 27-year career. Mary Jo, also retired, previously worked for the Diocese of Rochester, and now enjoys caring for their granddaughters, Taylor and Haley, and on occasion works with crafts in her spare time. Walt and Mary Jo are also the proud grandparents of Kyle and Katie, children of their oldest son, Mark, and his wife Michelle. |
| Paul Churnetski |
| Crew Chief |
| Paul Jeffers |
| Car Chief |
| Tom Smith |
| Team Engineer |
| Paul Churnetski's racing career started right here at Smith Racing back in 2001. Paul had never worked on a racecar before but was very eager to learn. Having come from a past of working on streetcars, he was a quick learner. In 2002 Paul took over as crew chief on Paul Jeffers street stock and helped lead Jeffers to his first win and a track championship. In 2003 Paul Jeffers took some time away from racing, so Paul started helping Billy Whitaker and his ASA team. The ASA team traveled to tracks throughout the East Coast helping Paul to learn to adapt to different tracks and setups. In 2004 he was back helping Paul Jeffers with his street stock and in 2005 started helping Mike Florio and his SST modified, which helped Mike win a Track Championship. In 2006 Paul returned to the Smith Racing modified full time as Crew Chief and helped Todd to one his best years in the modified. Todd is very proud to have Paul again as Crew Chief in 2007 and is looking forward to having his top year ever in a modified. |
| Paul Jeffers and Todd have been best friends for ten years and have a special bond when it comes to racing. Paul and Todd started working with each other when they were crew members on Tom Richards modified back in the 90's. When Todd left to pursue his own driving career, Paul stayed and learned everything he could from Tommy helping Paul to become one of the best sheet metal guys in racing. Paul also learned setups from Tommy and now is very involved in helping set up Todd's car. Jeffers decided it was his turn to drive when Tommy Richards gave up racing and proudly drove to the Street Stock Championship at Spencer Speedway in 2002. Paul has currently put a temporary halt to his driving allowing him the time to be the Car Chief for the 52 car and Todd can not be happier to have him on board the Smith Racing Team. |