She talks about the lessons that racing has taught her—patience, confidence, mental focus, and how to communicate what the car is doing—while also opening up about family support, race-day routines, and the work most fans never see. If you love young driver stories, dirt-to-asphalt transitions, and the next generation of women in racing, this one is for you.
This episode also highlights safer garage and track equipment, plus the sponsors and support systems that help racers keep moving forward. Zoey’s perspective is a great reminder that motorsports isn’t just about speed; it’s about perseverance, community, and learning how to keep going when results don’t come right away.
Key Topics
[00:02:35] - Introduction to Zoey Smith and her background in racing
[00:04:04] - How Zoey got started: family influence and her first kart
[00:05:00] - What Zoey remembers about her first race
[00:06:15] - Learning to give feedback on car handling and setup
[00:07:00] - The encouragement and support she’s received from her dad
[00:08:16] - First-race nerves, excitement, and advice for beginners
[00:09:58] - A memorable run at Knoxville and English Creek in 2022
[00:12:11] - Transitioning from dirt to asphalt and racing legend cars
[00:13:37] - Tough seasons, losing streaks, and bouncing back stronger
[00:15:07] - Confidence, patience, and life lessons racing has taught her
[00:16:06] - The work fans don’t see: long shop nights and preparation
[00:17:47] - Mental preparation and keeping race day simple
[00:19:44] - Encouraging more girls to try racing
[00:20:47] - The challenge of moving into legend cars
[00:22:37] - Long-term goals and staying involved in motorsports
[00:23:41] - Zoey’s impact on younger girls at the track
[00:24:17] - Favorite track: Charlotte Motor Speedway area events
[00:26:09] - Favorite racing memory and the community around Charlotte
[00:27:18] - Why the racetrack atmosphere keeps her coming back
[00:27:50] - Race-day superstitions and traditions
[00:29:06] - Favorite track food and racing rivalries
[00:30:16] - Music before racing and preferred playlist vibe
[00:30:52] - Favorite place to start in the field
[00:31:52] - Car number 44 and the family connection behind it
[00:32:44] - Wins, sponsors, and where to find Zoey online
[00:35:17] - Dream events: Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout
[00:36:12] - Summer Shootout on FloRacing and closing remarks
Relevant Links
Freedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.com
Save the Girls: https://savethegirls.com
FloRacing: https://www.floracing.com
Pic Crew Creations: https://www.etsy.com/shop/piccrewcreationsshop
Women’s Motorsports Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Zoey Smith Racing on Facebook: search “Zoey Smith Racing”
Zoey Smith Racing on Instagram: search “Zoey Smith Racing”
Zoey’s story is a strong reminder that progress in racing comes from persistence, support, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether she’s chasing speed in legend cars or dreaming about the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout, her future in motorsports is already being shaped by the work she puts in today.
For young racers and families listening, the biggest takeaway is simple: don’t quit after the first rough outing. Keep building, keep asking questions, and keep showing up. That’s how confidence grows, how skills sharpen, and how a passion for racing turns into something lasting.