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Shain Matthews & Darin Smith team up 2008 season
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA – January 15, 2008…Experienced crew chief Darin Smith and young charger Shain Matthews have teamed up for the 2008 racing season and the new alliance should be a threat each and every weekend in the Northern California sprint car scene.
Smith, commonly known to the masses as “Heavy D”, will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Matthews Racing team and looks forward to the ’08 season with much anticipation, “I’m really looking forward to the year because I think it’s going to be a good one for us,” he said. “We’ll have a new paint scheme and will be running an Outlaw style schedule, no points chasing with the goal of just trying to go get as many wins as possible and put on a show for the fans.”
Smith has worked for a number of teams during recent years and no matter who he works for they seem to gain speed with him at the wrenches. Notable youngsters Brad Sweet, Robert Ballou, Jeff Delte and more have all had “Heavy D” turning the wrenches for them at one time or another this decade. For ’08 Smith will be doing whatever it takes to get the Matthews Racing No. 67 up front.
Matthews had a tough ’07 season as he didn’t run as much as he would have liked and didn’t seem to have any luck on his side even when he did compete. The 22 year-old who now calls Chico home had his most impressive night of action during the very last Golden State Challenge Series point event at Silver Dollar Speedway in July. Matthews qualified fifth quickest in the 31 car field and started the 30 lap feature from the ninth position.
At the drop of the green he was on a mission as he set the No. 67 machine on the tip top of the track and drove around multiple cars to get up and battle legend Brent Kaeding for second. Unfortunately like most nights last year it ended in disappointment as he and Kaeding made contact in turns three and four late in the race, which sent Matthews upside down and out of the race. It was tough to swallow, but despite the tough finish he was able to showcase his talents in front a large crowd and gave everyone a glimpse of the potential he has behind the wheel of an 800 hp winged sprint car.
The Shane Matthews/Darin Smith combination will be utilizing a J & J Chassis and currently has two fresh 410 engines and a fresh 360 at their helm. The team will travel up and down Northern California in a pickup and a 28 foot enclosed trailer running a mixed schedule of winged 410 and 360 action as well as taking the wing off for some select shows. The plan is to show up wherever and whenever and throw point racing out the window for ’08.
The sport of sprint car racing is an expensive one as most know and the Matthews Racing team is always looking for sponsors to come on board the operation. Any little bit will help and to inquire about sponsoring the team contact Smith at [email protected] or 916 532 7081 and Shain at [email protected] or 530 682 9547.
The Darin Smith led No. 67 team is locked and loaded and will be ready to debut at the 22nd Mini Gold Cup at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway on March 7 & 8.
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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