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IHRA: Controversy Only Provides Motivation For Smith

9 March 1999

DARLINGTON, SC-- Von Smith has one thing on his mind, and that is to win a third IHRA/Snap-On Tools Pro Alcohol Funny Car World Championship. He validated his intentions during testing this weekend at Darlington International Dargway. The defending World Champion, in his first full pass since the 1998 World Finals in Shreveport, La., posted an astounding 6.796 at over 243 miles per hour.

The run could have been quicker had he not gotten out of the groove at mid- track. But, nonetheless, it puts Smith in even better standing for next week's Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals, also in Darlington. He adds, "I knew it was a good run, but I had no idea whatsoever that we would make that kind of a run. I have a good crew and whatever I run, they deserve plenty of the credit for it as well."

Smith will hold a press conference on Friday, March 12, to discuss rumors that are circulating regarding his team in Darlington, S.C., while at the Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals. All members of the media are invited to join. Details of the press conference will be availble, contact HarleynSC@AOL.Com for them. The time for the conference will be posted in the Darlington International Dragway press room.

Smith plans to open his championship defense with his Big Daddys-backed Pontiac at the IHRA Prolong Winter Nationals in Darlington, S.C., March 12-14. Smith, along with each Pro Alcohol Funny Car contestant, will be afforded four qualifying runs during the course of the event and the quickest sixteen entries will compete in final eliminations on Sunday. This event will be televised on ESPN2 with the dates TBA in an upcoming issue of the IHRAs Drag Review magazine.