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Denise Smith
Match
Race Funny Car Drag Racer
 Take a little bit of determination, no past driving experience, a
great teacher, and 1400 horse power and you have Denise Smith from
Cedar Falls, IA. This Iowa native wasn't always a drag racer. Denise
is also a mother of three teenage girls, a wife, and a full time
photographer.
| the Trans Am Funny
Car... | Her husband,
Kevin, first introduced her to the sport of drag racing. In the
spring of 1996, Denise became even more introduced when Kevin
purchased the 1991 Trans Am Funny Car that Denise would be driving
only two short years later.
The Smiths joined the Mid-West Funny Car Association that year
and remain members to this day. Denise's fascination and respect
with the car grew as well as her determination to want to drive the
car. Kevin realized this and decided to put her in the car for a few
burnouts. After seeing her in the car, Kevin decided to have her
licensed. Her teacher? No one but Kevin himself. With him unable to
drive it himself due to severe back problems, he needed someone he
could trust with the car.
After a few test runs required for licensing and a few practice
runs with some friends, Denise is licensed and ready to go for the
1999 season.
One year later, Denise has become only the second female driver
ever of the Mid-West Funny Car Association. Denise is also lowa's
only woman alcohol funny car driver. With their new sponsors Pepsi,
Wilwood, Simpson and Northland Oil, Smith Family Racing, after
struggling with the car all season, took fourth place in points.
Denise was supported with the knowledge of Kevin (husband and Crew
Chief) and with the help of their three teenage daughters Christina,
Meggan, and Susan. Yes, this mainly female oriented crew helped lead
their mom through her first year of racing. The three girls love
racing together and think it's cool to see their mom in the car.
| the coolest mom in the
world... | "It's fun
being on the road and being in front of a crowd and backing up the
coolest mom in the world," says 17-year-old Christina.
Denise's experience in the car is much of the same feelings. "The
excitement of going 190 mph is one of the biggest thrills in my
life."
The 1991 Trans Am funny car does pack a lot of power, for a 388
Chevy small block. Only one of two small block funny cars in the
United States, it can outrun many of the big blocks in the
association.
Denise is going places fast and is expected to be seen around a
lot this upcoming season.
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