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Defending World Champion Von Smith Nails Down Top Position On First Shot, Secures New Associate Sponsor

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Defending World Champion Von Smith Nails Down Top Position On First Shot, Secures New Associate Sponsor

DARLINGTON, SC-- Sometimes when you reel off the quickest time of qualifying, there’s no reason to flaunt it in the face the face of your competition. That’s exactly the mentality that Von Smith appeared to have during the IHRA Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals. The veteran reeled off the top qualifying position during the first session and never attempted another run during the course of qualifying.

Smith may have enjoyed somewhat of a rather relaxed weekend at the 27th annual IHRA Prolong Super Lubricants Winter Nationals on the track. After producing a 5.85/235.89, he chose not to compete in the rest of the qualifying sessions. His assessment was that he could not improve on an already fantastic run with the weather conditions afforded him.

He had plenty of mileage, however, on the public relations and marketing front. The defending Pro Alcohol World Champion announced an associate sponsorship with Jensen Audio, a major manufacturer of stereo systems. Smith remains optimistic that this deal will provide great dividends in the future for both his team and Jensen.

Smith also hosted a press conference, in which he revealed that sponsor, Big Daddy’s BBQ Sauces & Spices are very much a valid major sponsor on his championship team. He further stated that their restructured contract has allowed Big Daddy’s to make payments, which are referred to as “milestones”. The first “milestone” was reached and Smith expects every one to be met during the course of the season. Smith will tell his story in an upcoming issue of Drag Review magazine.

Smith plans to continue on his trek to championship with his Big Daddy’s- backed 1999 Pontiac Firebird at the IHRA Amalie Oil Nationals in Bradenton, Fla. on March 26-28. Smith, along with each Pro Alcohol Funny Car contestants, will be afforded four qualifying runs during the course of the event and the quickest sixteen will compete in final eliminations on Sunday. This event will be televised on ESPN2 with the dates and times TBA in an upcoming issue of the IHRA’s Drag Review magazine. 

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