Fadden Racing - Driver: Jonathan Smith

#16 Chevrolet - NASCAR Camping World East Series

Jonathan Smith is the newest addition to Fadden Racing as the driver of the #16 Chevrolet’s. The 23-year-old driver resides in Beacon Falls, Connecticut and is part of the Drive for Diversity Program.

Jonathan started his career at the age of five when he started racing dirt bikes. Quickly deeming motorcycles too dangerous, his parents set him on BMX bicycles, where Jonathan was crowned state champion in his first year of competition.

The Smith crew opted to step up their game after so much success and this time turned their attentions to go-karts. Jonathan proved a quick learner and commenced his career with a second place finish at the prestigious Lime Rock Park. He later added events at Poughkeepsie Speedway in New York to his resume and finished second in both series’ championships. Smith backed up his successful rookie season by winning the championship at Poughkeepsie in the Stock Light division – the track’s most competitive class.

Smith took time off to focus on his studies, but quickly returned to the track following graduation. This time, Smith entered the Late Model division at Stafford Motor Speedway where he finished runner-up in the Rookie-of-the-Year competition. Jonathan's talent did not go unnoticed, and the young driver was selected by NASCAR Camping World East veteran Barney McRae to pilot his Motion Racing car in NASCAR’s top development series for the 2007 season. Smith scored a top-five finish in only his second race behind the wheel.

In 2008, Smith returned to the Camping World Series East but with a new team – Troy Williams Racing with Sean Watts. Bad luck struck and the team struggled with mechanical failures throughout the season. Jonathan finished a disappointing 19th in the points in 2008.

This year, Smith and Fadden Racing have teamed up to give the driver a solid chance at a championship run.

Jonathan Smith   (Ken Spring Photos)

Smith's Fadden Racing #16