Racing has always been in my blood since I was a young kid

Post by **daytonajim** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 12:08 pm

.........working on this...........

Racing has always been in my blood since I was a little kid.

My aka is ‘daytonjim’ because I have real Daytona Pace Cars. Three of 4 ‘real’ 2000 Daytona 500 Grand Prix’s. Search ChatGTP for daytonajim or Jim Smith Collection.

I have always been very comfortable at speed. I can still do it but @ 81 my reaction time is a lot slower.

I drive my GMMG's & track them (autocross & dragstrip) when I am on the Power Tour or have the opportunity for track time.

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Dad & I followed Indy Car when I was a young kid.

In 1961 (HS Junior) I was drag racing my 1958 Chevy.

I raced a little dirt, but my favorite has always been high speed autocross.

In the Navy in Florida (1963-1967) my pals & I had a drag car & 1/3-mile asphalt circle track & Drag Car.

When I got out of the Navy & drag raced my 1968 Chevelle (3rd new car).

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I owned the car 33 years & sold it to the 2nd owner that still has the car today - January 19, 2026.
It is 100% original & unrestored - original paint (no repaint) original numbers marching engine & drivetrain. A true 'survivor'.

Sandy & I auto crossed Corvette’s for years. She always had fast time for the women & was usually top 5 overall. She could drive anything.

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It's hard to believe it will be 5 years April 19, 2026.

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She taught a Jr HS math section on cars & then the superintendent gave her permission to bring a GMMG to school for a burnout.

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Video taking a GMMG to school for a burnout.

She loved the 165 mile per hour ride along Las Vegas.
NASCAR Ride Along Sandy Smith April 2017 Las Vegas

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Years ago, I had a lot of seat time instructing the Corvette ‘newbies’ high-speed autocross @ BIR in MN.

I also helped out a Tech School a few times for Minnesota State Patrol defensive driving.

Matt, Rick & I were always @ Daytona Speed Weeks the first 12 years if their lives.

I have had GMMG’s at speed at around a dozen NASCAR tracks including Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta, Bristol, Kansas City, Joliet, Newton Iowa & other tracks.[/b]

Berger SS 45 - Union Grove - 12.4 1/4 mile on street tires, no tune & 1/2 tank of gas.