Jennerstown Speedway's top prize on the line in 6th Motor Mountain Masters

The Motor Mountain Masters is Jennerstown Speedway's feature race of the year. The annual event showcases some of the top drivers both locally and across the country.

The sixth installment will be no different.

"It's going to be a very stout field," said Jennerstown Speedway first-year General Manager Brad Boxler. "Even though it's not going to be a deep field, it's going to be a strong field. I think they are going to put on a great race."

One of the drivers battling for the $10,000 top prize and the Crimson Jacket will be NASCAR Xfinity competitor Garrett Smithley. He will pilot Ethan Myers' No. 19 car, looking to capture a victory at a track he grew up nearby.

"I always love coming back to Jennerstown," Smithley said. "I grew up in Ligonier and was born in Latrobe. I only lived there the first five years of my life, but we spent summers and winters there, a lot.

"I always said, 'I want to race at Jennerstown one day.' I finally made that possible a few years ago in the CARS Tour. Anytime I get a chance to race there, I always want to because it's close to home and I have a ton of social media support from Ligonier, Latrobe and Western Pennsylvania. It's cool to come back and give the fans an opportunity to come out and watch me race because of all of their support over the years."

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Smithley switched teams in March, leaving BJ McLeod Racing for JD Motorsports which is owned by Johnny Davis. Smithley has not taken the traditional route in racing, but one he has enjoyed.

"I did things very backwards in my career," Smithley said. "I didn't race any Pro Late Models, Modifieds or short track stuff. I started in Bandoleros and raced Legend Cars, then immediately went to work at the Richard Petty Driving Experience as a driving instructor. Then, I went straight to ARCA cars. I didn't really sit in a Late Model until 2020 during COVID.

"Short track racing is in the roots of all of us race car drivers. Every one of us in racing started somewhere. To come back and support local short track racing is really special to me."

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While he doesn't have a ton of Late Model experience, Smithley still has lofty goals for his first Motor Mountain Masters.

"Randy Myers and Mike Belardi have been helping me out a lot," Smithley said. "I've been told it's a good car. I want to go for a win. I haven't been able to race for wins on the Xfinity side yet. For me, when I come back and race a Late Model, I'm hoping for a good run. It was encouraging when I ran the Super Late Model race there a few years ago.

"Being in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series and having 200-plus starts, I know how to keep cars clean, manage expectations and not panic when things happen. A race like this is a big event. I am going to rely on the people around me, including Barry Awtey since he has been around and has helped Ethan (Myers)."

A year ago, Evan Shotko won a rain-shortened Motor Mountain Masters. The Coopersville, Michigan driver returns this year to try and defend his title. The aforementioned Awtey, who is the winningest driver at Jennerstown Speedway, won the inaugural race. He is also slated to compete on Saturday night. Gabe Brown, and Jimmy Renfrew are currently running No. 2 and 3, respectively, in the American Canadian Tour points standings. They will both be in action Saturday, for what should be a dandy of a race.

"This race puts a big spotlight on Jennerstown and the speedway," Boxler said. "It attracts talent from across the country. We have an entry from Texas. People like what they've seen here and want to come back and compete."

Note: There will be a 15-lap Somerset Trust Fast 'N Furious 4's feature along with a 20-lap One Stop Auto Sales Pro Stock feature before the 150-lap Late Model race. The grandstands open at 2 p.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 5:55 and racing to follow.

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Jennerstown Speedway to host top drivers in 6th Motor Mountain Masters