ABOUT BERNIE SMITH
Bernie “BernDog” Smith was born in Phoenix, AZ. He was introduced to dirt track racing at an early age by his Father, Bernie Sr., a mechanic, engine builder, and sprint car racing enthusiast. The younger Bernie always dreamed of
becoming a driver, and in 2001, that dream was finally realized.
Bernie began his racing career in karts. His 360 sprint car rookie season was highlighted by a 12th place finish at the 2001 Western World event at Manzanita Speedway against some of the world’s top sprint car drivers. The 2002 season brought tragedy with the sudden loss of Bernie’s Father, mentor, friend and racing partner to a heart attack.
The rest of the season was a struggle for the team. Bernie Sr. had always handled the car’s setup, so crewmember Shawn Brown had to start from scratch. Although Bernie finished 20th in the point standings, he also met experienced mechanic Sam Peroni, who took over wrenching for the BernDog Team #14 sprinter.
The 2004 season brought significant improvements including Bernie’s first heat race wins and a leap from 20th to 10th place in the final championship point standings.
In 2005, Bernie was among the top ten drivers in championship points despite 3 DNFs, and scored career-best 3rd and 4th place finishes.
BernDog and the 2B Racing crew showed steady improvement during the 2006 season, finishing 7th in the championship points, with numerous 10 top-ten feature showings and 5 heat race victories.
In 2007, with a new car, more experience, a great crew and a thirst for victory, Bernie will join the new American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) exclusive non-winged "Canyon Region" circuit. He will also compete in a few ASCA events when the ASCS schedule permits. For the 2007 ASCS Canyon Region racing schedule, click here.
BERNIE SMITH CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
- Will campaign in the new American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) for 2007;
- 7th place in ASCA non-winged Sprint Car series championship points for 2006;
- 10 top-ten ASCA Main Event finishes in 2006;
- 5 first-place and 3 second-place ASCA Heat Race finishes in 2006;
- 1 ASCA Trophy Dash win;
- 9th place in ASCA championship points for 2005;
- 10th place in ASCA championship points for 2004;
- 4 ASCA heat race wins;
- 9 top-ten ASCA finishes in 2005.