Smokey Snellbaker passed away today. He was one of my all time favorites.
My first trip to Williams Grove I got lost and by chance I ended up behind this nice looking white and red stripped #56 Sprint car. I followed them into the track, not knowing much about the teams and drivers I decide I'd root for the 56 car that night. Well it was 1979 and Lynn Paxton in the Boops Aluminum Sprinter and Smokey in the Lloyds Sprinter were the two hot shoes at the Grove. The two put on a hard fought battle with Smokey coming out on top that night. A fan was made! I always followed Smokey's career even when he aged and move to the Super Sportsman he was still my driver.
He has quite a career.
He's in the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame
41 Wins at Williams Grove and 3 Grove Championships
3 time Port Royal Track Champ with 55 wins
He will be greatly missed.
