Dick Smith #198

[Heather Smith]

Hi there - This is Heather Smith - widow of Dick Smith #198 CSX3035. I need some help from all you car enthusiats. I am gathering information and pictures of Dick's racing history to put into a book. If you have any stories or pictures you would like to share, can you please contact me??? I would love to hear them. Dick was such a great person and touched a lot of lives. Thanks so much,
Heather Smith
I also have a facebook page for him. Dick Smith Cobra - become "Friends" .

[computerworks]

Hello Heather.. and welcome.

I met Dick many times at SAAC events... indeed a great guy.

Good luck with the info hunt.

[Jamo]

Heather...as I noted at the FFR Forum, I will get you the pics I have from over the years.

[CowtownCobra]

Hello Heather. I never met Dick directly, but you could say he left an impression on me that has lasted a lifetime. I grew up in Fresno, and when I was 13-14 (around 68 or 69) he started showing up in #198 (there was no numbers on it then but it was red) to visit his buddy across the street, a CHP officer named Joe Garrison (I'm pretty sure on the name) who restored wrecked Austin Healeys, the big ones like 3000's. That car was the first cobra I had ever seen and it seemed almost dream like, it really left its mark and is the reason I built and own a replica today. My dad went over and talked to Dick and informed me he was Smitty of Smittys Bail Bonds, which everyone had heard of in the then small town of Fresno since there was this catchy Smittys jingle ad played on the radio for years. I'm sorry I can't offer more, but that is my story. Good luck and God Bless you for your loss.

[cobrajeff]

Hello Heather!
Welcome to clubcobra! I met you only once, at the SAAC Convention at VIR, I think - you were riding around in a golf cart with Dick. I used to see Dick nearly every year at SAAC Conventions. All of us at SAAC miss Dick a lot. He was a great ambassador for the sport of motor racing. A hard-charger, talented driver, and a genuinely a nice guy.

Good luck with your project.

regards,

Jeff Burgy

[Ibr8k4vetts]

Heather,
It was such a honor to meet Dick at W.S.C.B. and listening his story's! I will look to see if I have some pic's.

[Secret Squirrel]

Heather,

I met Dick at the 2006 Western States Cobra Bash in Sparks, Nevada. I was not able to go on the scheduled morning cruise for the event. If I had gone, I would not have met Dick in person. I had read about Dick and saw some videos of him in the years before and I was thrilled to meet him. I asked him if he would take a picture with me and my car. He did not hesitate at all and said yes. He was really interested in my Backdraft, since he said that he had never seen one before.

He truly was a nice guy, he told me a few stories and jokes. It was an honor to meet a man of this caliber.

I have some pictures of him on that day. These two are in my gallery. I may have more.

[RICK LAKE]

Heather Smith Heather I will look and see what I have of Dick. There should be some pictures here from the Run&Gun. The SAAC guys and FFR should have alot. Again Sorry for the loss of Husband and son. Maybe some day the FAA will know what happened. Great pilots don't make mistakes like that and there where 2. If you can find the photo guys they still would have the negs or on disc. bdougr//Automotive/historics2003 has some great pictures. Try and contact him. Try www.tailisweb.com for Bdougr. A am gald you are doing well. Gald to see you are doing a book. I would like a copy when done PLEASE. You both are in my heart and thoughts. Dick was to the cobra world what John wayne was to horse world, PERFECT. Rick Lake NJ pest. Ps How and where is CSX3035? would like to see it again when we come out to Cali. Do you still have the wine farm? Place over seas??