8/14/2025
Port Royal Speedway
Mark Smith to Be Honored as Port Royal Speedway’s 2025 “Living Legend”
Port Royal, PA -- This Saturday night, Port Royal Speedway will shine the spotlight on one of central Pennsylvania sprint car racing’s most versatile and accomplished competitors as Mark Smith is honored as the 2025 “Living Legend” during the 19th Annual Living Legends Dream Race presented by Mike Cleck Paving & Sealcoating. The special recognition will take place amid one of the year’s biggest sprint car events on The Speed Palace schedule, featuring a $20,000-to-win 410 sprint car main event and super late model supporting action.
The Living Legends Dream Race was created to celebrate the careers of standout drivers and contributors to the sport who have left a lasting mark on Port Royal Speedway and the wider racing community. Past honorees have included some of the sport’s most decorated names, and this year’s ceremony will recognize Smith, alongside Barry Camp, for his decades of success across multiple sprint car disciplines. Fans can also look forward to giveaways, Jr. Fan of the Night sign-ups, and other special promotions throughout the evening.
A native of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, Smith has earned a reputation as both a fierce competitor and an innovator. With success spanning 410 and 360 sprint car competition, Smith finds himself in the midst of the sport’s greats and holds the 12th most all-time wins at Port Royal Speedway in 410 sprint car competition. Known for his mechanical knowledge and ability to set up his own cars, Smith has been a threat to win anytime he unloads.
“This isn’t an honor or award I ever thought of trying to win. Even up to getting chosen, I never thought of myself as a “Living Legend.” I just unload the car and get ready to race every weekend.”
Smith’s career highlights include numerous United Racing Club (URC) victories, wins with the Empire Super Sprints and Patriot Sprint Tour, and a strong record in national events with the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series. In 410 sprint competition, he has found success in Central Pennsylvania against the toughest weekly fields in the country and has also ventured to high-profile races across the nation.
With his name going alongside many of the other legends that have been honored in the sport, Smith reflected on racing against one Port Royal driver who seemed to be just a bit more frustrating than others.
“Keith Kauffman sticks out probably more than anything. When I first started up there, there was so many nights that I was leading and leading, and Kauffman would pass me on the last damn lap every time. I could never just get that first win because it was always his fault because he would pass me at the end.”
With his successes coming everywhere it has, there is one race that alludes Smith that he still is trying his hardest to win.
“The Tuscarora 50. I’ve had that thing won, I don’t know how many times, and just never got it done. Something stupid always happens. That’s just one race that’s always gotten by me. I think I’ll that opportunity the next few years to try and do it.”
Through the years and countless laps on numerous tracks, Smith wants fans to remember him as a hard driver, but a fair one as well.
“I raced people how I was raced. I was pretty aggressive in my younger years, but I usually ended up crashing myself.“
The 19th Annual Living Legends Dream Race presented by Mike Cleck Paving & Sealcoating will feature a $20,000-to-win 410 sprint car main event along with the super late models.
Fans can also enter to win a Frigidaire Mini Fridge inside the general admission gates in the “Port Royal Speedway Ministries Fan Zone,” sign up for the monthly Vizio Smart TV drawing, and kids 17 & under can register for the Jr. Fan of the Night program. One hundred shirts will be given away courtesy of Baker’s Archery of Halifax and Kish Bank.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission: $30
Student (Ages 13–17): $20
12 & Under: Free
Pits: $40
Times:
Pits Open: 4:00 PM
Gates Open: 5:00 PM
Hot Laps: 6:00 PM
Racing: 7:00 PM
Fans are encouraged to join the celebration of Mark Smith’s career while enjoying one of the most exciting nights of racing on the Port Royal Speedway schedule.
While at the track, fans can also partake in an autograph session featuring the two "Living Legend" honorees Mark Smith and Barry Camp from 5:15-6PM that will take place just inside the general admission gates.
Photo Credit: Christopher Hockley
Article Credit: Brad Strawser
Submitted By: Brad Strawser
