Steve Buckwalter To Sub For Ryan Smith During Eldora’s Four Crown Nationals

Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / RYAN SMITH RACING – KUNKLETOWN, PA – Bumping his total to 25 with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions in 2017, the “Kunkletown Kid” Ryan Smith earned back-to-back top-ten finishes during his recent weekend of competition, finishing eighth during the 35th Annual Jim Nace Memorial/National Open at Selinsgrove (PA) Speedway on Saturday, followed by a ninth place finish at the Bedford Fairgrounds (PA) Speedway on Sunday.

Smith was an Arctic Cat All Star dash qualifier during both events, finishing no worse than second during his respective heat races. Although Smith has plans to compete in select events outside of his All Star commitments, the Selinsgrove/Bedford doubleheader was the final Arctic Cat All Star appearance in Pennsylvania for 2017.

“It was a solid weekend for everyone. Consistency plays a big part in having a successful season,” Ryan Smith said, driver of the Tom and Sherry Leidig/Warko Group/Specialty Rigging/Auto Electric of Jupiter, FL/Rick’s Auto Body/No. 94. “I’ve been spoiled the last few weeks by having the opportunity to race in front of our Pennsylvania fans. We want to get back to victory lane for them. Putting ourselves in the right position to win races is the first step. We’ve been doing that consistently.”

With family obligations filling his upcoming schedule, Ryan Smith will not participate in the 36th Annual Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway on September 23, but instead, Smith will be represented by Steve Buckwalter during the Arctic Cat All Star portion of the program.

“My sister is getting married this weekend, so my team is going to take the car to Eldora and Steve Buckwalter is going to be my substitute,” Ryan Smith explained. “Steve is a talented guy that can get around just about anywhere. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but I’m sure Steve will do a great job filling in.”