FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CARTERSVILLE, GA – Historic Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, TN is the nest stop for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series RockAuto.com Winter Shootout Series this Friday night and Saturday night for two complete shows each night as a part of the Tennessee Tip Off. There will be a big East Tennessee flavor in Rounds 5 and 6 of the eight race series.

               The action for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series in the Tennessee Tip Off at Smoky Mountain Speedway gets underway on Friday night with a 40-lap $2,000-to-win race. The NeSmith Late Models will return to Smoky Mountain Speedway on Saturday night for a 50-lap $2,500-to-win main event.

               The top three drivers in the current RockAuto.com Winter Shootout Series point standings and the defending and two-time NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series National Champion are East Tennessee natives and will be at Smoky Mountain Speedway to defend their home turf.

               Jimmy Elliott of Cleveland, TN leads the RockAuto.com points chase after the first four races with 338 points. Three-time NeSmith Late Model National Champion and National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Inductee Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, TN is second with 310 points, and Andy Picklesimer of Ooltewah, TN is third with 304 points.

               Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, TN is scheduled to compete in the Tennessee Tip Off this Friday night and Saturday night. That schedule could be changed at the last minute because he could become a new Daddy at any time, as his wife Katie is very pregnant! Hedgecock won the NeSmith Late Model National Championship in 2016 and 2017.

               Other top NeSmith Late Model entrants for the Tennessee Tip Off include Sam Seawright of Fort Payne, AL, who is fifth in the RockAuto.com Winter Shootout point standings, and Michael Page of Douglasville, GA, who is sixth in the points chase. Logan Roberson of Waynesboro, VA is ninth in points, and he will travel to Smoky Mountain Speedway this weekend.

               A pair of Keystone State and Mountaineer State drivers has indicated they will compete with the NeSmith Late Models this Friday night and Saturday night. Teammates Keith Barbara of South Park, PA and Brian Swank of Morgantown, WV are expected this weekend at Smoky Mountain Speedway.

               The NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series returns to Smoky Mountain Speedway this weekend for the first time since 2011. Past winners at the historic 4/10-mile clay oval include Johnson with two wins (2009 and 2010), Derrick Rainey of Powder Springs, GA (2009) and Chris Wilson of Crossville, TN (2011).

               The on track action begins on Thursday night with an Open Practice Session. The pit gate opens at 4 p.m. with Open Practice from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the pit gate opens at 2 p.m. with NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Pre-Race Registration and Technical Inspection from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Drivers Meeting is set for 6 p.m. with Hot Laps at 6:30 p.m.

               Smoky Mountain Speedway is located at 809 Brick Mill Road, Maryville, TN 37801. For more information call 865-856-8989, or visit the track web site at www.smokymountainspeedway.com. You can like them on Facebook at Smoky Mountain Speedway, or follow them on Twitter @smokymtnspeed.

            For more information and rules about the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, visit the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com, or visit the series on Facebook at NeSmith Racing. Becoming a fan of the NeSmith Racing Facebook page will make you eligible for special prizes that will be given away each month. You can follow us on Twitter @NeSmithRacing.

NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC of Claxton, GA is the Title Sponsor of the NeSmith Late Models. NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC is one of the nation’s top GM Powertrain and Performance Dealer seven years running, with free delivery anywhere in the Southeast. Chevrolet Performance Parts is an Official Sponsor of the NeSmith Late Models. Hoosier Racing Tire is the Official Tire Sponsor of the NeSmith Late Models. Sunoco Race Fuels is the Official Race Fuel of the NeSmith Late Models. RockAuto.com is an Associate Sponsor of the NeSmith Late Models. Beyea Headers the NeSmith Late Model Hard Charger Sponsor. Knowles Race Parts and Bodies is the Official Parts Supplier for the NeSmith Late Models. Cruise With The Champions is the Official Vacation and Rookie of the Year Sponsor for the NeSmith Late Models. David Smith Carburetors is the Official Carburetor of NeSmith Racing. Freestyle Graphix is the Official Wrap, Banner, and Sign Company of NeSmith Racing. NeSmith Late Model Contingency Sponsors for 2017 are Out-Pace Performance, CrateInsider.Com, Gresham Racing Parts, Knowles Racing Parts and Bodies, and FreeStyle Graphix. 2017 Chassis Sponsors are Trak-Star Race Cars, Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, and CVR Race Cars.