Inside Stock Car World Magazine | Page 42

O nce in a lifetime, if you’re lucky, you get to see a master exponent of his or her chosen sport, If you’re very lucky, like me, you get to compete against them. Who am I talking about? I’m talking about the late great Stuart Smith #391. Although many will argue that he always had the best equipment. That maybe true, but in my mind he was the trend setter and any of his peers could have built, bought or replicated the race machines that Stuart used throughout his racing career. Everything “Smithy” had, had been readily available to everyon. He just did it first! That, in my book, shows his forward thinking and skill in the workshop, as well as on the track. Stu Smith retired from F1 Stock Car racing at an emotionally-charged Belle Vue stadium on 7th December, 1986, when fourteen other World Champions were present. Every one of them wanting to compete in the Daily Mirror sponsored Champion of Champions Race, and of course everyone wanted to win it! As anticipated, it was in front of a capacity crowd and although Smithy was on form, he couldn’t catch the leaders. It was won by Mike Close, second was Doug Cronshaw and third was Frankie Wainman Snr, Stu finishing 4th ahead of the Dutchman Friedhelm Welters #H8, the then World Long Track Champion. Just recalling the occasion brings back so many personal memories of Stu Smith's 20 year racing career. In 1964, Stu wa