Dustin Smith Wins Pro Late Model Opener at Mobile

Dustin Smith went to victory lane on Saturday in the Pro Late Model season opener at Mobile International Speedway, holding off Grant Thompson for the win.

Smith and Thompson ran nose-to-tail for the majority of the 40-lap feature, with Thompson applying constant pressure and searching the race track for speed and a way around Smith. However, Smith led all 40 circuits to take the first checkered flag of the season for the division.

"Hats off to all my sponsors," said Smith in victory lane. "Johnny's RV, Smith Scrap Metal, everybody that puts a hand on this car. Alex Query for giving me a badass race car, and my dad for allowing me to drive, and this man right here [Grant Thompson] for a good competition."

Thompson settled for second place in the race, and congratulated Smith in victory lane on his win.

"I can't thank TM Motorsports enough for the opportunity to drive this car. I want to thank Window World of Pensacola for hopping on board. Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet, Brian Cagle Grading. I got a little tight and tried to work around the race track to find more speed and couldn't really find it. Hats off to Dustin, they work their butts off. P2, we'll try to finish one spot better next week."

Thompson plans to compete for the Mobile track championship in the 2025, season, and Saturday's runner-up finish will be a good first step towards that objective.

"Mainly at Mobile," said Thompson regarding his 2025 plans. "If we get the funding to run Pensacola and Montgomery, then we will. Trying to go for a championship this year with this one. I have a good car, just got a little tight, so we'll do a little work to it."

Chad Robinson rounded out the podium. While finishing in the top three, Robinson admitted he hopes to spend more time on his Late Model before the next start as he juggles a busy racing schedule.

"I need to work on it a little bit," said Robinson. "I ain't messed with it much. I just had so much to do with trying to get the Sportsman ready, running dirt and everything else. We'll work on it a little more, try to get a little better."

The next time the gates open at Mobile INternational Speedway, they'll welcome the ASA Southern Super Series to the high-banked half-mile. The event on Saturday, April 12 is the second night of a Gulf Coast doubleheader for the ASA Southern Super Series, following a race at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida on April 11.

-Photo credit: Daniel Vining Racing Photography

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