Back in early May, reigning eKartingNews.com’s Young Driver of the Year and defending Stars of Karting East and West Division Junior Intercontinental A (JICA) Champion Brett Smrz lost part of his left leg in an off-track incident at home. He along with FirstKart.com are happy to announce that he will be getting back into the driver’s seat for the upcoming New Castle 200 endurance race in mid-October before making his assault on the Rotax Senior class at the Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals in November.
From the moment the initial surgery was complete, hopes of Smrz returning behind the steering wheel of a kart were high from the 16 year old himself and his family. Early this month, following a couple surgeries over the summer to complete the amputation, he was fitted with his first prosthetic leg and has been in training every since.
Smrz will team with Wagner Racing Products Derek Wagner for the ever popular 200 Mile TaG Endurance Race. The duo will utilize the First Kart/Adkins Parilla package as they look to fight for victory at the New Castle Motorsports Park facility near Indianapolis, Indiana.
“This will be my first event competing in a kart since my injury,” explained Smrz in a recent phone interview. “I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of a racing kart and continue my dream.”
After the endurance event, the Idaho resident will enjoy only a few weeks off before on track action at the ’07 SKUSA SuperNationals begins. Smrz will look to claim the SuperNats title while competing in the Rotax Senior category.
“It is great to have Brett back in the sport and behind the wheel of a First Kart,” expressed FirstKart.com’s Team Principal Tony Ventresca. “Brett and his family went through some traumatic times and everyone at First Kart is happy that they were able to pull through it all. We are going to provide Brett with the best package possible in the hopes that he can bring the team another SuperNationals title.”
Brett Smrz at New Castle Motorsports Park MWSS Event 2006
