North Haverhill, N.H. (September 12, 2009): Fadden Racing\u2019s Jonathan Smith is pretty confident heading into the Heluva Good Fall 125 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Despite a 21st place finish there back in June, Smith is certain the Fadden Racing-owned No. 16 Chevrolet can be a contender among the top-five when the series returns there on September 18th.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy strong points at NHMS are my team: they are the ones who make the best car and do the great pit stops to get me up to the front. All I have to do is drive,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWe had a strong car the last time we were there, and I know they\u2019ll give me another one when we go back.\u201d<\/p>\n
In June, Smith worked his way through the field to get up to third before late-race contact sent him into the wall and ended his day prematurely. It was a disappointing end to a promising day for the 23-year-old Drive for Diversity driver.<\/p>\n
With the series in the final stretch of the season, Smith is hoping that a top-10 finish will catapult him into the top-10 in points.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe every race is just as important as the last, or next, but these last two races are very important for me, and the team,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWe are just outside the top ten in points, and two solid finishes will put us where we need to be to wrap up the season in the top ten. Patience and saving the equipment on the car is what you need to be there in the end, so that will be a key part of our strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith, who\u2019s goals include competing at NASCAR\u2019s highest levels, also feels that the Camping World East Series race at New Hampshire allows for a special opportunity to showcase yourself as a driver to the Sprint Cup Series car owners.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love racing at NHMS. It brings a whole new element when you are racing on the same weekend as the Cup guys, not really more pressure, but a different atmosphere,\u201d he said. \u201cWe want to showcase this team to sponsors and the Cup teams and we can do that when you\u2019re racing on the same weekend as these guys. Everyone just seems to take a little more notice.\u201d<\/p>\n