Buck Smith Earns Street Eliminator Championship

Medford Wisconsin’s Buck Smith started the season with an event victory, and he never looked back.  Though another win never came into his pocket, consistent deep round finishes earned him the championship in the Street Eliminator category.

While this last season was Buck’s first venture into points, he is no stranger to the track.  Buck and family spent the past 10 years assisting his daughter Myah in her Jr Drag Racing career, with him making some passes down track in between.  “Going into 2024 we decided to make a push for competing in Street Eliminator” said Buck.  “Being at the track all the time I had a pretty good feeling for what I was getting into, but never expected to be in the hunt for the season championship!”

Buck also takes the family side of the track to heart when he’s at Rock Falls.  “Trying to explain to my friends outside of racing how important being at the track is is very difficult.  Most people can understand the sounds, the smells, and the competition side.  But ultimately the friends made along the way are what’s the best.  Meeting people at the track you would have never known before and becoming like family is an incredible feeling!”

When asked about Buck’s favorite moment from last season, he proudly proclaimed it was the season opening victory, but not just for the trip to the Mid-West Family of Eau Claire Winner’s Circle.  "Having lost my close friend Paul a couple days prior (to the race weekend), as well as my Godmother passing away the week before, I felt that their spirits were riding alongside through all rounds of competition. It was an amazing feeling." 

Outside of kicking butt on the dragstrip, Buck works in the sales department for Medford Motors.  Additionally, he enjoys making his own maple syrup, smoking meats, and deer hunting after the racing season ends.  When we asked him about a dream competition category for the future, Buck instantly proclaimed driving in the NHRA Pro Stock category would be his preferred spot.  Us too, Buck! For the time being, he is working on plans to move from the Street Eliminator category into Pro ET.

Buck thanked his wife Dana, daughters Myah, Brooke, and Kendra for their love and support through this racing venture, and Medford Motors for donating a truck to assist in getting to and from the dragstrip.  Additionally, he thanked everyone at the track who has become an extended family.  Whether it’s assisting with racing, or sitting around the fire and chatting with, they all make a difference in his eyes.  “ Drag racing is a lot of fun but also very frustrating at the same time.  Having close friends with the same interests around makes all of the painful moments seem like not a big deal.  It truly is a great family environment, and I’m excited to see what the next season brings!”

Congratulations to your 2024 Rock Falls Raceway Street Eliminator Champion, Buck Smith!