Three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle national event winner Joey Gladstone will step in for six-time world champion Matt Smith at this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee.
Smith, who is recovering from several recent medical procedures, including gallbladder surgery, has selected Gladstone to ride the Denso Buell for Matt Smith Racing (MSR). Gladstone’s stint with the team could extend beyond Bristol, with the possibility of competing at the upcoming Norwalk event and the Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout race in Sonoma.
Smith remains optimistic about returning to competition for the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and the six-race Countdown to the Championship.
“In the grand scheme of things, we had two factors that led to putting Joey on the bike,” Smith explained. “At Maryland, our initial plan was to have MSR crewmember Michael Ray make a qualifying pass and earn the points, but that wasn’t the best option. We reached out to Joey because he’s already at every race with the KB Titan Pro Stock team. He was willing to help, but he didn’t have a riding suit with him, so Chip Ellis stepped in.”
Smith noted that Gladstone’s opportunity is also tied to long-term discussions involving sponsor Jim Whiteley of J&A Services, who has previously expressed interest in helping Gladstone return to full-time competition.
“We still think Joey is a great choice and deserves a shot,” Smith said. “This gives everyone a chance to see what he can do.”
Under NHRA’s medical replacement policy, substitute riders can earn points on behalf of an injured competitor. Chip Ellis earned points for Smith at the recent Maryland event, and Gladstone will continue that role in Bristol.
Smith also provided an update on his health, revealing he recently underwent surgeries related to gallstones and kidney stones and plans to address a hernia issue in the future. Although he has returned to work maintaining the team’s four motorcycles, he admits he is not yet operating at full speed.
“The biggest thing I want people to understand is that we have to take care of ourselves, especially as we get older,” Smith said. “The Kyle Busch situation really put that into perspective. NHRA has a medical replacement policy for circumstances like this, so there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks. Do what you need to do now so you can continue racing for years to come.”
Smith hopes to be fully recovered by Indianapolis and has not ruled out a possible appearance at the Sonoma Callout event if his recovery progresses faster than expected.
“I know I won’t be ready for Bristol or Norwalk,” he said. “I’m excited to see how Joey performs. He hasn’t raced a bike in a while, and we won’t have any testing beforehand, but I don’t think he’s lost his touch.”
Smith currently sits third in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Pro Stock Motorcycle standings, just 48 points behind leader Richard Gadson and 22 points behind his wife, Angie Smith, winner of the most recent NHRA Potomac Nationals presented by JEGS.
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