Today, Smith wanted to thank Evan Knoll for giving him the opportunity over the last few years to let others know that he’s still got it.

An emotional Rickie Smith accepted the award from Torco's CompetitionPlus.com as the greatest mountain motor Pro Stock racer of the last 30 years.

Today, Smith wanted to thank Evan Knoll for giving him the opportunity over the last few years to let others know that he’s still got it.

“Evan gave this old man a chance,” said Smith.  “I could have never been able to accomplish the things I have accomplished over the last few years if it wasn’t for him and I have to thank him dearly for that.  He let this old man go out there and race a few more times with the youngsters and that means more to be than he will ever know.  I got to watch my kid win his first ever professional championship and neither one of us could have ever imagined that the last few years would have been this great.”

The elder Smith finished 8^th in the IHRA Pro Stock ranks this year while the younger Smith went on to claim his first NHRA Championship in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. 

“I know things are tough right now for Evan,” said Smith.  “But he will be okay.  He will come out on top of all of this and be ready to Rock and Roll real soon.  I just can’t thank him enough for allowing me to live my dream for just a few more years.”