Gear1 news & highlights

RJ Smotherman and Gear1 Racing Victorious in 2026 Return at The Bullring’s Night of Fire Championship Night

Las Vegas, NV (June 30, 2026) – RJ Smotherman delivered a phenomenal performance behind the wheel of the Gear1 Racing Chevrolet, charging to victory in front of a packed house of excited fans in the NASCAR Star Nursery Late Models feature during The Bullring’s Night of Fire Championship Night on Saturday, June 20, 2026. In Gear1 Racing’s first race return of the 2026 season, Smotherman made a powerful statement of strength and perseverance. He qualified an impressive 2nd-quick and went on to battle wheel-to-wheel in a heated duel with longtime rival Kyle Keller, displaying exceptional car control, racecraft, and determination to win the second feature of the night.

“We feel a team is made up of great people behind the scenes,” said team owner Matt Jackson. “RJ drove an outstanding race under pressure — exactly what this program is built on. We’re proud of the entire crew and grateful for all their hard work and the strong support from our sponsors. A strong team is also made up of great partners behind the scenes. Gear1 Racing would also like to thank its valued partners for their exceptional support: Buzzy Racing, RE Suspension, Swift Springs, Wilwood Brakes, Jackson Chassis, AR Bodies, and Scott Lynch Media.”

The Night of Fire event, a highlight on The Bullring calendar at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, drew a large, energetic crowd of excited fans for championship battles across multiple divisions and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. Smotherman’s win adds another chapter to Gear1 Racing’s longstanding legacy in West Coast motorsports.
Gear1 Racing & RJ Smotherman would like to thank Kevin Harvick, Tim Huddleston, and their staff for all their hard work and effort at The Bullring. We’re looking forward to the new layout and the bright future of The Bullring.

Gear1 Racing, led by Matt Jackson, is a West Coast racing team with deep roots in NASCAR regional series, chassis development through Jackson Racecars, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the track. The team is actively working on 2027 plans to compete in series including the ARCA Menards Series West and CARS Tour West while continuing to develop young talent and build strong industry partnerships. For more information, visit gear1racing.com.

“A Night of Fire” Perfectly Sums Up Smothermans Weekend"

July 3 2025 – Adversity, resilience, and raw strength defined RJ Smotherman and the Gear1 Racing team’s weekend at the Bullring during the twin Pro Late Model main events. With some of the toughest competition on the West Coast in town—including 2024 Cars Tour West Champion and former Bullring champion Jeffrey Peterson, along with west coast standout Kyle Keller—this was the showdown Smotherman had been waiting for.

From the start, Wednesday’s practice sessions made it clear that the top contenders would be Keller, Peterson, and Smotherman. But, the Gear1 team focused on long-run pace. RJ’s consistency stood out, and his confidence was sky-high. “This car is a BULLET—don’t touch it!” he told Matt and Dave Jackson after stringing together some of the most consistant laps of the night.
 
Then came Thursday—and the challenges begun.
In their only scheduled practice, the Gear1 team discovered that their transponder hadn’t been turned on, meaning no official lap times were recorded. As a result, RJ was forced to qualify first out of the 17-car field—far from ideal. Still, he was confident. After his qualifying lap RJ stated “the car felt perfect”, and his lap was stellar one of the fastest he’d ever run.
 
But adversity struck again: the track’s timing and scoring system wasn’t turned on. No lap time was registered.
 
With a now hot engine, hot tires and tires passed there peak performance, RJ had to re-qualify under far less favorable conditions. Frustrated, but focused, he dug deep and delivered—posting the third-fastest time, just 0.120 seconds off the pole. A performance that sent a clear message: even when the odds are stacked against him, RJ Smotherman and his Gear1 Racing Jackson chassis are a force to be reckoned with.
 
The first race of the night went green with an electrifying three-car battle between Kyle Keller, Jeffrey Peterson, and RJ Smotherman. The trio raced hard but clean, swapping positions, showcasing fierce competition and mutual respect. By Lap 12, RJ muscled past Keller to take the lead—and once out front, he began to stretch his advantage. Managing a steady four-car-length gap, RJ looked poised for victory, smartly conserving his equipment for the closing laps.
 
But with just 10 laps to go, disaster struck. In a cruel twist of fate, the rearend failed, forcing RJ to pull off into the infield, heartbreakingly watching a sure-win slip away.
 
Adversity Builds Champions
During the short break between races, the Gear1 Racing team went to work. In a moment that captured the true spirit of racing, teams from all over the pits rushed in to help—offering tools, parts, and manpower. It was a beautiful show of community and camaraderie. Still, the repairs were anything but easy. Robert Smotherman and Matt Jackson discovered the damage was more significant than expected, but after an all-out thrash in the pits, they managed to complete the job just in time to make the call for Race Two.
 
Starting Last. Finishing Strong.
With repairs complete but due to finishing last in the first race, RJ had to start deep in the field of 15 cars. Meanwhile, his stiffest competition Keller and Peterson rolled off from the front row. When the green flag dropped, RJ charged forward—aggressive yet calculated. A daring three-wide pass vaulted him into fifth place by Lap 5.
 
But, it was up front, Keller and Peterson were checking out, building a massive gap over the field. But RJ wasn’t done. By Lap 9, he’d moved into third, although the leaders held large lead advantag. With his head down and relentless focus, RJ began to slowly shorten the gap.
With just 10 laps remaining the team knew what they needed—a caution to have a chance. With fourth place almost a straightaway behind, the call from the pit box was clear: preserve the points, don’t risk it and hope for a yellow. That never came. RJ held his line and brought home a hard-fought third-place finish—a remarkable recovery and a championship-caliber drive.
 
RJ Smotherman, Driver – Gear1 Racing
“I had so much fun racing door-to-door with two of the best on the West Coast—Keller and Peterson are true professionals, and I look forward to battling with them again.”“I also want to thank all the drivers who raced me clean as I worked through the field in the second feature—I really appreciate the respect out there.”“Our Gear1 Racing Jackson Chassis was an absolute bullet tonight. Its short- and long-run speed made it a dream to drive, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance.”
 
Gear1 Racing Team Statement
After all the adversity, we couldn’t be prouder of RJ and our entire team’s resilience. RJ’s focus and sheer determination under pressure put the Gear1 Racing Chevrolet in position to win in the first race—and in the second race a valiante effort to fight back for a third-place finish from the rear without a scratch is a true testament to RJ’s maturity and racecraft. We stood toe-to-toe with some of the best Pro Late Model talent on the West Coast and proved our strength. For us, this third-place finish feels like a win in every way: for our team, for our driver, and for our incredible partners who make this all possible.
 
We would like to congradulate Prolate model twin race winners Cody Brown & Kyle Keller.
 
RJ & Gear1 Racing would like to personally thank everyone that helped us in the time of need… we can’t thank each and everyone of you enough.
Mark & Kylie Ith
Tony & Anthony Jackson
John & Johnny Spilotro
Ashton Leanord & family
David Quortaro
Mike Garcia
If there is anyone else that we forgot to list please know we do appreciate you
 
Gear1 Racing would like to thank our valued partners for their continued support:
Jackson Chassis
Affordable Autos
Snowden’s Landscape
Jim Wolfenstein
Swift Springs
Buzze Racing
RE Racing
AR Bodies
Scott Lynch Media

Smotherman Seizes Second Victory in Heart-Pounding Bullring Battle

June 7 2025 – RJ Smotherman, behind the wheel of his Gear1 Racing Jackson Chassis Chevrolet, emerged victorious in one of the fiercest five-car showdowns the Las Vegas Bullring has seen in recent memory. The 50-lap main event had fans on their feet from start to finish, with relentless side-by-side, door-rubbing action that kept the outcome in doubt until the final turn.

The racing was so tight, you could’ve thrown a blanket over the top contenders—RJ Smotherman, Cody Brown, TJ Roberts, Spencer Gallagher, Jonny Spilotro, and Gaven Ray—as they swapped positions corner after corner, lap after lap. Each driver showcased not only their raw competitiveness and hunger for the win, but also impressive patience, professionalism, and respect for one another—an outstanding testament to the talent and sportsmanship of this young group.

RJ Smotherman battled fiercely with the competition, his raw determination and relentless, never-give-up attitude driving him forward. In the end, it was that unwavering grit that carried him across the finish line first, earning a hard-fought victory in front of a roaring hometown crowd.

RJ Smotherman Soars to Victory in Just His Second Outing with Gear1 Racing

RJ Smotherman is making waves in the racing world with a stunning victory in only his second race with Gear1 Racing. The young driver showcased incredible skill and composure to take the checkered flag, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with and a valuable addition to the Gear1 Racing team.

After joining team Gear1 just recently, Smotherman quickly adapted to the new environment and his new Jackson Chassis. His debut race showed flashes of potential, and he clearly used that experience as a springboard to success. This win is a testament to his dedication, the team’s preparation, and a powerful combination of talent and teamwork.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said a beaming Smotherman after the race. “The Gear1 Racing team has been incredibly supportive, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to drive for such a professional team.”

The race itself was a thrilling spectacle, with Smotherman battling fiercely for position. He demonstrated impressive overtaking maneuvers and maintained his focus under pressure, ultimately securing the lead in the final laps. This victory is undoubtedly a major confidence boost for both Smotherman, the Gear1 Racing team and our sponsors.

“We knew RJ had talent, but to see him win so quickly is truly impressive,” said Matt Jackson for Gear1 Racing. “He’s a quick learner and a fantastic teammate. This win is a great reward for all the hard work everyone has put in.”

This victory marks a significant milestone in Smotherman’s career and sets the stage for an exciting future with Gear1 Racing. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see what he can accomplish next. With his natural ability, combined with the resources and support of Gear1 Racing, RJ Smotherman is poised to become a major star in the racing world. The future looks bright for this promising young driver.