Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / OHIO VALLEY SPRINT CAR ASSOCIATION – WASHINGTON, WV – In just one week, the 410 sprinters will make their return to Ohio Valley Speedway in Washington, West Virginia, set to headline the annual Pete Smith Memorial – featuring the Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association (OVSCA) – for a $4,000 top prize.
Gradually elevating into West Virginia’s premier open wheel program, the Pete Smith Memorial, commemorating the life and achievements of legendary West Virginia car owner, Pete Smith, will not only feature a lucrative A-Main purse awarding a minimum of $4,000-to-win/$400-to-start, but the event will also hand out dozens of additional bonuses and contingencies including extra money for top finishers in each heat race, extra money for respective “Hard Luck” and “Hard Charger” award winners, and bonus money for leading the Pete Smith Memorial feature.
Envisioned and brought to life by Darren Griffith of Briscoe Run Land Surveying, Ohio Valley Speedway’s Pete Smith Memorial has continuously grown, welcoming nearly 30 of the region’s best open wheelers for the 2022 edition.
“We’re proud to admit that this event has grown since its inception three years ago, and we hope to continue this trend for seasons to come,” Darren Griffith explained. “With so much attention placed on the Knoxville Nationals, why not give local and regional racers, who are not planning to make the trek to Knoxville, something else to circle on their calendar. We invite everyone to come out and enjoy themselves. We have a lot of bonuses to give away. I’m excited to see what happens next Friday.”
Pete Smith Memorial pit gates are slated to open at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 11, with hot laps beginning at 6 p.m. Racing is set to begin at 7 p.m., sharp.