5/15/2013
Sunset Speedway Park
Getting Up To Speed With…Freya Smith
Getting Up To Speed With…Freya Smith
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Ken O'Neil)
In 2013 Freya Smith has dominated the ranks of the Womens division at Sunset Speedway Park. The McMinnville, Oregon driver despite all of her success is in search of her first career championship. Freya has been around the Banks bullring for some time in one capacity or the other. In 1996 she was awarded the most improved driver and has worked at the track as a score keeper, pit steward, and even the safety crew.
Driver: Freya Smith
Home Track: Sunset Speedway Park
Hometown: McMinnville, Oregon
Occupation: Production Manufacturer
Years Racing: 5
Classification: Womens
Car : 37 Chevy Camaro
Sponsors: Pam Pam's Junk, Sweere's Autobody, McMinnville Tire Factory, Sweere's Trucking, Discount Racecar Parts
Special Thanks: Mike Sweere, Mike Batalgia (father), Gumby
BD: So far 2013 has been a great success you have won all three races. Does it feel great to start the year out this way?
FS: Yes, yes it is. But more than the wins, it great to be racing with such a fun group of ladies. We're having fun together and that means a lot to me.
BD: The last couple of years you have had some great success in the Womens division. Has that been the only class you’ve competed in your career?
FS: Well I wouldn't say I've had great success. I've never won a championship. I have run a couple of Street Stock races over the years.
BD: The Womens division appears to be a great class for female drivers to get a racing career started. How hard is it to get a car together for this classification?
FS: In the women's class we can run under Street Stock or Pure Stock rules until next year. With the regular Pure Stock class gone it would be great to see those cars get used in our division if they aren't going to move up to the Street Stocks.
BD: In the future do you think you will move up to any of the other classes?
FS: Yes I would love to move up to the Street Stock class next year. And if I can master my new car the next step would be Modifieds.
BD: This year it looks like the competition is stepping it up. Who are some of the other drivers to look out for?
FS: Amanda (Clarke) and Gabrielle (Hollinger) are both young ladies to keep an eye on as they are getting faster with every race. Theresa Gartner is a pretty talented driver as well as she is stepping up from the 4-Bee class this year.
Sunset Speedway Park will be in action this Saturday May 18th for Fan Appreciation Night presented by Knecht’s Auto Parts. It will mark the first of two such events at SSP in 2013. The Northwest Wingless Tour, Northwest Extreme Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Street Stocks, and WMRA/USAC Midgets. For more information log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com or call the new Northwest Tracks Hotline at (360)-699-RACE.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage
