Having spent his entire life around Speedcars, Harley Smee was yet to drive one of the machines prior to the 2018-19 season; however, that’s all changed now that he’s made the transition into the class from Wingless Sprints.
While Smee, a third-generation driver, is no stranger to speedway racing, having spent the past few seasons competing in Wingless Sprints where he was a regular front runner, he had never even test driven a Speedcar prior to stepping into the class at the beginning of this season.
Making his debut recently at Sydney’s Valvoline Raceway, the 23-year-old racer certainly proved that his lack of experience wouldn’t be much of a problem, qualifying directly into the feature race before powering forward from his 20th starting position to place just outside of the top 10 in 11th.
“To finally get the opportunity to race a Speedcar after spending so much time around them growing up is an amazing opportunity,” expressed Smee, from Chipping Norton in the south-west of Sydney.
“The competition is very tough, but we were really pleased with how we performed during our first race meeting and I can’t thank my uncle Nathan (Smee) enough for giving me a chance to fulfil a dream of mine. Hopefully we can continue to learn and become more competitive throughout the season and try and crack into the top 10 – potentially even the top five.”
Smee currently pilots the Eagle-powered NSW # 57 CEJN / Chief Fluid Systems supported Spike car that was purchased by his uncle Nathan Smee from Queenslander Brett Thomas at the end of last season.
Planning to participate in the full 2018-19 season schedule at Valvoline Raceway, along with selected other appearances throughout the season, Smee’s next outing will take place this Saturday night for the third round of the Polar Ice Series at Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway in Queensland, where he will no doubt be hoping to continue his learning curve.
Smee would like to thank the following 2018-19 season sponsors for their support: CEJN (Marcus and Jennifer St Vincent), Chief Fluid Systems (Glen and Mandy Haddon), Allforms Sheet Metal, TFH, American Tire & Racing Services, Expo Plumbing, Brad Murphy Building, Tidy Kitchens and Joinery, Badass Graphics, Turk Motors, Che Che’s Pizza, and Hairyman Brewery. Special thanks go to his uncle Nathan Smee, grandfather Gordon Smee and his girlfriend Bonnie.
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