Rich Tobias developed the Slingshots for a few reasons. One, to keep racing
affordable, two, driver talent is the defining source and three make it a springboard for a
career in big car racing.
For a few current big car drivers, he has accomplished that with some drivers
taking the headlines in auto racing trade papers and websites.
Right now there isn't a national race fan that hasn't heard of Ryan Smith, as
the former Slingshot National Champion made a name for himself by beating the best at
Port Royal Speedway with his October 25th World of Outlaws Sprint win over the new
King of the Outlaws, Donny Schatz. Ryan has shown his talents as a top running microsprint racer, has taken on USAC Silver Crown's best at Phoenix and Richmond. Some
veteran drivers were seen checking out his 551 to see if they had any hidden secrets
during a strong qualifying run at Richmond. Ryan was also a top runner in the Sammons
Motorsports Indoor Racing Series events held at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. He was a
Slingshot race winner and was a top runner in the TQ class in many of the indoor races.
Next up was a move to the central PA sprint car circuit as a regular at the Williams Grove
Speedway and Lincoln Speedway, he teamed up with Don Kreitz Jr. and learned from one
of the best in the business and recorded many top 10 runs at the Mechanicsburg, PA 1/2
mile. 2014 found Ryan teaming up with the Rob Warko Racing and things went one step
farther as top 10 finishes were now becoming top 3 finishes and whatever he learned
from Kreitz, he put to use on the Warko 94. A top 10
in 2014 Williams Grove points and to top off
a fantastic 2014 racing season so far, the big
win at Port Royal. Ryan has also stepped into
another Tobias creation the SpeedSTR and
lost a heartbreaker at Mahoning Valley
Speedway to another young star, Kris Graver.
Ryan's career from the Slingshots to the 410
sprints to whatever class of car he decides to
drive next will find that his real talent is
behind the wheel of a race car and he has
passed that knowledge and help to many of
the young Slingshot drivers currently racing.
Mike Fry Photo
24 ~ The Inside Track