Dustin Smith Ready for All American 400

Having a seat at the table is an accomplishment for Dustin Smith when it comes to the All American 400 weekend at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (TN). With the Five Flags Speedway (FL) just an hour from his hometown, Smith knows a thing or two about big races with multiple starts in the annual Allen Turner Snowflake 100 and the Snowball Derby.

Now the Pro Late Model regular is looking to solidify his move to Super Late Model racing with a solid finish at the All American 400. A strong finish to the 2023 season could potentially mean a full-time run with the ASA Southern Super Series in 2024.

“It's a tough series to race in,” said Smith. “It's tough to run against the guys who are there every week. You know, I'm still kind of, as you would say, a rookie in the Super world. We want to show people that the little teams can still do it too.”

2023 has had its ups and downs on the Super Late Model trail for Smith. He did run all four Blizzard/ Southern Super Series races at Five Flags Speedway and finished 13th in the season finale. He also made trips to Hickory Motor Speedway (NC) in May and he was at North Wilkesboro (NC) before qualifying was canceled due to weather.

“Our main goal right now is to be consistent and have top ten finishes and show the results that we know we are capable of,” added Smith. “We hired Alex Query back for a racing program and it's really picked up since he's come back onboard with us. Hoping to go to Nashville and be strong.”

Smith returns to Nashville Speedway (TN) to run the All American 400 for the second time in his career. This however will be the first time he has run the race as a Super Late Model event.

“Well, I've got a lot more experience now than I did back then,” explained Smith. “I guess I'm a little more patient and I know a little bit more what I can do to help with the car and help my crew chief get the car as best it can be.”

The Alabama driver receives support from Smith's Scrap Metal, Johnny's RV, S&A Recycling, Swift Springs, Gale Force, and Strange Oval.

After the All American, Smith will head to the 56th Annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in December. He will look to try and make the race for a second-straight year.

Friday, November 3rd will feature a full day of practice for the ASA STARS National Tour. Another round of practice will take place on Saturday, November 4th with qualifying at 5pm CT. Sunday, November 5th is race day for the All American 400 as the Super Late Models will go green at 1pm CT. For more information visit SouthernSuperSeries.com or StarsNationalTour.com

Photo courtesy Dan Vining