Pit Crew

Ron Smith, Crew Chief, Lead Handler

Nate comes from a long line of race enthusiasts. His dad, Ron, has been interested in racing for as long as he can remember. Ron has been riding dirtbikes since he was 5 and he raced in the Netra Enduro circuit in the expert class for 12 years. Ron enjoys building hot rods, performance engines, and fixing anything that goes! For the past couple of years, he has been in the Limited Sportsman crew at Thompson Speedway for Larry Barnett and wrenches whenever he can to help out. Ron is a retired career firefighter, and is currently employed as an ASE Certified Automotive Fire Investigator with NEFCO Fire Investigations. He loves hot rods, muscle cars, the ISMA super modifieds, and hanging by the campfire with Melissa and Nate.

Melissa Smith, Mom & Biggest Supporter

Melissa is Nate's mom and biggest supporter. She keeps him fed, clean, and happy. When Melissa isn't at the track, she is working her dream job as a Senior Instructional Designer. She enjoys Zumba, camping with Ron and Nate, cooking, and reading. She is also the web designer for Nate's website.

Rob Smith, Assistant Handler

Uncle Rob has been working for Peter Pan Bus Lines for over 25 years as a Senior Diesel Mechanic. His mechanical skill set is a priceless commodity to the team. He can fix ANYTHING! In his spare time, he enjoys snowmobiling, stock cars, and camping with his wife and two daughters.

Kim Smith Barnett, Team Photographer

Auntie Kim's photography skills speak for themselves. She has a wonderful eye, capturing Nate's playful personality and optimistic nature. Quite a few of the pictures on this website were taken by Kim. Doesn't she do a wonderful job? In addition to being a wonderful photog, Kim is involved in beautifying old things, working for The Providence Revolving Fund as their Assistant Director. Kim spends much time at the track cheering on her husband, Larry "Leadfoot" Barnett, a Modified race car driver in the Valenti Modified Racing Series.

Bob Smith, Fabrication, Testing and Development Specialist

Bob - AKA "Papa" - is a retired Amtrak diesel mechanic with over 55 years of experience in the building, fabricating, and welding of stock cars, hot rods, and muscle cars. Bob has extensive experience with high performance engine building. He is a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. His racing history includes: The New England Karting Series, drag racing, and he has also followed asphalt stock cars of all types for many years.

Larry "Leadfoot" Barnett, Driving Instructor and Race Mentor

Larry has had 62 career wins in his time as a race car driver, with 4 Limited Sportsman Championships at CT's Thompson Speedway. His resume boasts more than 50 track wins at Thompson alone. He is a true professional on the race circuit and is always there to lend advice and offer support to Nathan. He is a Station Electrician at Dominion Nuclear in Waterford, CT.