The John Smith Memorial Race is a race that has been held the past 6 years to honor one of the great racers of Western Pa. John was a well established and respected racer in the stock divisions and has countless wins to his record. After several years of prodding from his close friend, Ralph Spithaler, John and his boss,Sylvan Easler decided to put together a UAS kart and run with the Keystone Unlimited All-stars. John was instantly likable and there was no question that he was going to be a great addition to our quirky little group of Muscle Kart pilots. The highlights of Johns Rookie season in the KUAS were a third place in his debut then later in the season he swept both dated we raced at Goodhope Speedway and locked up the 2009 KUAS Rookie of the year honors.
Just 3 weeks later while racing BSP clones with friends at his home track it is reported that John just did not seem himself. He still had that mischievous smile but his normal energy was not present. John brushed it off as maybe having a bug and after the race loaded up and headed home for his normal ritual of prepping his kart for the following week. A few hrs later his fellow competitors in the UAS that considered this 48 year old rookie a friend started receiving the calls to inform us that the newest member of our fraternity would not be racing with us the following season. The UAS as a whole is a tight group of guys and gals and the Keystone region may possibly be the tightest of all.
The John Smith Memorial race was designated 2010 to honor our friend and fellow racer.