Dick Smith Killed in Plane crash

[Gordon Levy]

Who was Dick Smith?

I met Dick in the 80’s when I was in my early 20’s. I was a struggling, self employed body man and painter. I was working on a Shelby Mustang when Dick came by and asked me to look at his cobra. I restored the car and Dick and I became very good friends. Later he taught me to race and the first car I ever drove on a road coarse was #198.
Over the years I learned a great amount about his accomplishments. He is a 6 time national road racing champion, 1 time international FIA champion. He drove Can Am cars, took the Indy Rookies test, drove factory Porsches in Europe.
Dick was a pilot that got his license when he was 16. He flew P40’s in the military and later flew airliners including the MGM Grand. He was an accomplished pilot and had the opportunity to fly with him many times.
As great those accomplishments are, more important is who Dick was. As a person Dick was very down to earth. He used to say “I’m just an okee from Fresno”. He was always willing to help out if needed and truly cared for the people around him. He was a Father, Grandfather and Great grandfather. I know that they will miss him a lot as will the rest of us.
I just know the world lost a great guy and I lost a good friend.

Gordon Levy