On the surface, Logan Smith’s seventh-place feature run earlier this season at Lucas Oil Speedway probably didn’t open many eyes. But in the deep water of the talented Clear Creek Golf Cars USRA B-Mod division, it was a notable step for the young driver from El Dorado Springs.

Smith, 20, is a solid fifth in the season points entering the special Casey’s Thursday Night Thunder Kids’ Night at the Races Presented by State Tech. He’s looking to put his Rage chassis consistently closer to the front as he gains more and more experience.

“I grew up as a kid watching the races there and to win would mean so much,” Smith said of Lucas Oil Speedway. “I think it would be awesome. It’s close to home. It would be amazing. We’re definitely trying. We’re not giving up there yet.”

Smith is in his sixth season of racing after his uncle, Luke McGee, helped him get started in go-karts. He made the jump to USRA B-Mods in 2022, and this season saw early highlights as he picked up two victories, including one at the Arrowhead Speedway in Colcord, Oklahoma.

Overall, he has compiled 11 top-five finishes at a combined seven tracks.

"We started off really strong and feel pretty good right now," Smith said. "Hopefully we can make the car more consistent."

Driving weekly in the Big Adventure RV Championship Series at Lucas Oil Speedway figures to make Smith even better as he gains more seat time. He said former USRA B-Mod national champions J.C. Morton and Ryan Gillmore are drivers he models himself after.

“It feels really good when you get to run with Gillmore and Morton weekly,” Smith said. “I always look at those guys and think, ‘maybe one of these days.’ I just need seat time. I definitely look up at those guys as role models, for sure.

“I just need to keep my composure and keep grinding.”

Smith said that patience can sometimes be an issue.

“I’m pretty hard on myself,” Smith said. “I want to win every race and of course we all know you can’t win every race. You just have to keep grinding and keep trying.”

While Smith said he’s yet to ask veterans like Morton and Gillmore for advice, he does have a couple of more important area Modified veterans on his side. Those are fellow El Dorado Springs resident Chase Jones along with Trevor Drake.

“Chase Jones is one of my best friends. He builds my engines and helps me tons on the Modified program,” Smith said, adding that Jones has been helpful with set-up advice.

“I just sometimes get in left field and tell him, ‘here, do what you want to do.’ He gives me advice to just calm down and think about it. He’s been very helpful,” Smith added.

Smith's next outing is set or the annual Casey's Thursday Night Thunder Kids Night presented by State Tech. It's always a big night at Lucas Oil Speedway, with a kids bicycle giveaway during intermission and the area's biggest fireworks display following the races.

Bicycles for kids ages 5-through-12 are still needed for the giveaway. Those interested in donating can bring bicycles to the speedway office during business hours or to the pit office before Thursday's races. Cash donations—which will be used for the purchase of bicycles—also will be accepted.

The kids can sign up at the RCR Designs Jr Fan Club table before intermission for a chance to enter a drawing for the new bicycles of various sizes after the gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Also before the racing action, flagman Mike Striegel will lead a group of youngsters on a pit tour. The kids can sign up for a chance to go on the tour, also at the RCR Designs Jr Fan Club table.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with grandstands at 4:30, hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7:05. Look for discount admission coupons are participating area Casey's locations.

Thursday Night Thunder admission:
Adults (16-61) - $20
Military & Seniors (62+) - $17
Youth (6-15) - $10
Kids (5 & Under) - FREE
Family Pass - $50
Pit Pass - $40

For ticket information on any Lucas Oil Speedway event, call Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or email her at nmcmillan@lucasoilspeedway.com.

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