The Rocket from Pahrump: RJ Smotherman
The Rocket from Pahrump: RJ Smotherman’s Racing Journey The desert winds of Pahrump, Nevada carry dreams as vast as the open sky, and for young RJ Smotherman, those dreams have always been wrapped in the thunder of engines and the smell of burning rubber.
At just eight years old, RJ found himself gripping the wheel of his first racecar at the Bullring in Las Vegas, following a path carved by his father’s own racing legacy. Those early days in Bandolero racing weren’t just about speed—they were about learning the sacred relationship between driver and machine. While other kids were playing video games, RJ was learning the true roots of racing, behind the wrenches of preparing his race car. His hands grew calloused not from playground equipment, but from wrenches and hard work. This wasn’t just racing; it was education in its purest form. The numbers tell one story: 60 wins and 7 championships in Bandolero racing. But the real story lies in what those victories taught him. Each win was earned not just with raw talent, but with the understanding that respect for your equipment translates directly to performance on the track. When you build it, you understand it. When you understand it, you can push it to its limits and respect it without breaking it.
By 2016, at the tender age of eleven, RJ stepped into the unforgiving world of Jr Late Models. The transition from Bandolero to Jr Late Models is like jumping from a neighborhood pickup game to varsity sports—suddenly, everyone is faster, better funded, and hungrier. At Madera Speedway and back home at the Bullring, RJ found himself racing against high-dollar teams with resources his family-based operation could only dream of. But limitation breeds innovation, and pressure creates diamonds. Without the luxury of multiple backup cars or teams of professional mechanics, RJ learned something invaluable: how to race with his brain instead of just his right foot. Every move had to be calculated. Every risk had to be measured against the very real possibility of going home with a pile of expensive scrap metal. “I had to learn to drive fiercely, but smart, to read the field not putting myself and my car in bad situations” RJ reflects, “but also knowing I had to bring the car home in one piece every week.” This philosophy shaped him into something rare in racing—a driver with competitive consistency. While flashier drivers crashed out chasing glory, RJ was there at the end, race after race, learning to position himself for victory when it mattered most. Three years in Jr Late Models yielded 5 wins and countless top-five finishes, but more importantly, they forged a driver who understood that racing smart often beats racing desperate. The wrecked cars belonged to other people; RJ’s car crossed the finish line.
The 2024 season marked a pivotal moment when the Smotherman family made a significant investment in a new Jackson Chassis, stepping up to Pro Late Models with equipment that could finally match RJ’s ambitions. But it was a phone call in early 2025 that changed everything. Matt Jackson himself reached out with a proposition that would possibly reshape RJ’s career: “Let’s put something together and go win some races under my new name, Gear1 Racing.” The partnership felt destined. Matt had been RJ’s crew chief through various campaigns, from the Jr Late Model days to some ARCA races, building a relationship founded on mutual respect and shared hunger for speed. “His knowledge of these cars and his motivation to be faster each race couldn’t be matched by anyone,” RJ says. “Teaming up with Matt was a no brainer for me.” The results spoke louder than any press release. From the very first race, the car transformed into what RJ calls “a bullet.” Leading laps became routine. Being the car to beat became expected. Two wins and multiple runner-up finishes painted the picture of a team hitting its stride at exactly the right moment.
But for all the success, RJ remains grounded in the fundamental truth that brought him to racing in the first place: “My goal is winning every race we can, but the most important goal of the weekend is having fun and learning more about the car and improving my driving skills in every way I can.” It’s the voice of someone who understands that the journey is as important as the destination. The dream, of course, is NASCAR’s Cup Series—the pinnacle that every dirt track kid imagines while lying in bed listening to engines in the distance. But RJ approaches this dream with the same calculated realism that marks his driving style. “The older you get, the more you realize how hard it is and how much money plays a factor,” he acknowledges. Without family money or major corporate backing, every race weekend represents a significant investment of resources and hope. Yet this is precisely what makes RJ’s story so compelling.
In an era when motorsports increasingly belongs to the wealthy, here’s a young man from Pahrump, Nevada, proving that talent, determination, and smart racing can still carve a path forward. Matt Jackson is actively seeking sponsorship to elevate the team to the NASCAR ARCA Series, understanding that RJ’s combination of skill and experience deserves a larger stage. The support system surrounding RJ reads like a love letter to grassroots racing. His parents, sister, and grandparents form the emotional foundation that makes everything possible. The Jackson’s chassis provided the “rocket ship” that turned potential into a winning performance. Sponsors like Wulfunstien Aggregates, Snowdens Landscape, Affordable Autos, and PAC Transportation, and help from Buzzee Racing, RE Suspension, Swift Springs, & AR Bodies don’t just provide funding & support—they provide belief in a dream.
When he’s not behind the wheel, RJ stays sharp with iRacing, the digital proving ground where reflexes are honed and racecraft is refined. But he also values the simple pleasure of relaxing at home or walking along the beach, understanding that mental balance is as crucial as physical preparation. “Never give up on your dreams, always appreciate what you have, and keep looking forward to what you can accomplish,” RJ says. It’s a philosophy born from desert winds and validated by checkered flags, from a young man who learned to race not just fast, but smart, not just hard, but consistently.
The story of RJ Smotherman is still being written, one lap at a time, one race at a time. From that eight-year-old boy gripping his first steering wheel to the accomplished driver leading laps in Pro Late Models, the journey continues. And somewhere in the desert air of Nevada, new dreams are taking shape, carried on the wind toward a future limited only by determination and the speed of light reflecting off a perfectly prepared racecar.
For sponsors, RJ represents more than just a driver—he’s a story in motion. His journey embodies ambition, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, aligning perfectly with brands that want to be associated with growth, grit, and the thrill of victory.
“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.
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 the team 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.
