Posted by Myrtle Beach Speedway on September 23, 2007, 6:58 pm
Board Administrator

Story By: Kurt Knapek Courtesy: The Sun News MYRTLE BEACH --Rick Smith drove himself into an elite category at Myrtle Beach Speedway. On Saturday, the Georgetown resident won his second consecutive Late Model track championship at the .538-mile oval. He's the first to accomplish the feat in the series since former national champion Robert Powell in 2000-01. "The first one is great," Smith said of his 2003 title. "Last year was still great. This one is special." Smith, who won 15 of the 25 races this season - including both races Saturday - wrapped up the title by simply starting the first of the twin 50-lap races. Stuart Ricks hung with Smith during the first half of the season, but faltered over the last six weeks and finished second in the standings, 82 points behind. "He had some problems. He fell out of a couple races," Smith said of Ricks. "I've run the same pretty much all year ... and even like last year." If Smith can make it three straight next season, he'd be the first to do so since Charlie Powell III (1994-96).