By Mark Hansel
NKyTribune managing editor
Garrett Smithley will once again team up with StarCom Racing, this time for the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart today at Kentucky Speedway.
Garrett Smithley in the pits at Friday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco 300 at Kentucky Speedway where he had a top 20 finish (photos by Mark Hansel).
Garrett will pilot SCR’s 99 Victory Lane Chevy. The team’s 00 StarCom Fiber Chevy will be piloted by Landon Cassill.
“I’m excited to have another shot in the cup series,” Smithley said. “Kentucky is a special place for me. I’ve got a ton of family there so it always feels like a home track for me. It also helps that I’m a big fan of the track, and I’ve had pretty good success there in the Xfinity series so I hope I can get my Victory Lane Oil Chevy around the track well.”
Smithley’s mother is from Kentucky and graduated from Transylvania State University in Lexington.
I never lived there, but if feels like a home race to me,” Smithley said. “I went up Tuesday and spent some time with (family). I always have really good support here.”
Smithley finished in the top 20 at the NASCAR Xfinity series Alsco 300 at the Speedway Friday night.
SCR and Smithley have partnered with Victory Lane Quick Oil Change, headquartered in Ann Arbor Michigan, as the primary sponsor of the No. 99 Chevrolet. Victory Lane offers quick, full-service oil changes, as well as a full menu of other vehicle services.
Smithley signing autographs at Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana, Thursday.
“I am pleased to have Garrett Smithley and the Victory Lane Quick Oil Change guys back together at Kentucky. I enjoyed getting to know them in Michigan and looking forward to showing them what Garrett and StarCom Racing can do this time around.” said Team Manager Derrike Cope.
Smithley’s connection to Kentucky goes beyond family.
Mubea North America, headquartered in Northern Kentucky, and KYFAME have been longtime supporters and his cousin graduated from the apprenticeship.
Mubea North America apprenticeship manager Drew Farris tells how the partnership has evolved.
“Garrett and I have a great relationship,” Farris said. “We worked together at Richard Petty and when he got called up to Xfinity we kept in touch and when he heard about the opportunity FAME Sponsorship It was a natural fit, with his cousin graduating the program.”
The FAME USA logo was on the hood of his Xfinity car for the Alsco 300 Friday.
Smithley with his pit crew going over the car he will drive in today’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway.
Farris was also instrumental in Smithley getting the Victory Lane sponsorship.
The two were returning from a FAME event and noticed Victory Lane was opening its first Kentucky location US 42 in Florence. They reached out to James Harrington, executive Vice president at Victory Lane, who embraced the sponsorship.
“What we liked about Garrett is the high moral character,” Harrington said. “We don’t want to get involved with anyone who is jut in it for the money.”
In addition, SCR & Garrett have partnered with associate sponsor Showcase Auto Sales. Located in Chesaning, MI, Showcase Auto Sales is one of Michigan’s largest used car dealerships.
Smithley got his first Monster Series Cup ride at Michigan Motor Speedway a few weeks ago, but mechanical issues sidelined him early. He is hoping to fare better at his adopted home track.
Contact Mark Hansel at news@nkytrib.com
