Junior Nate Smith has a passion a sport, but not just any sport. His passion is racing ATVs.


Since 2005, he has been deeply influenced by his family and friends to race.
He competes at local races, in southern Missouri as well as Paducah, KY and Du Quoin, IL. Not only is he competitive at races, he is also competitive with friends on his family’s ranch.
“At the races, I think I’m pretty good at it, since I won my first big race at Paducah last year,” 17-year-old Nate said. “Racing is like something you see that you want, and you go get it…Each time I see the finish line, I want to go faster each time.”
He prefers a flat speed track racing because gives him freedom to go faster and choose his own path, so he can get to the finish line quicker. Nate’s father, Steve Smith, is the young racer’s biggest help. Steve takes Nate to the races, buys the parts and helps Nate tune up his bikes before races.
“I help him maintain his bike, the motors, the tires, and there’s gas.” Steve said. “It’s expensive but I am happy for Nate to be involved in something he’s good at.”
Nate schedules his own races and usually spends 12 weekends racing during the wintertime. The races he attends are mainly held in Du Quoin because it’s convenient for Nate and his family to travel to the races.
Nate chose not to get sponsored by racing companies because he wants to be known for himself, not the sponsors. He believes his example will encourage other racers to promote themselves.
“I keep myself motivated with racing because it’s a better thing to do for myself.” Nate said. “It’s like another world for me. I also like to think of how I can make myself better with racing.”
Nate doesn’t know where his racing will go in the future, but for now, he will keep himself racing on the competitive circuit and riding with his friends. Whether Nate makes a decision to go pro or end his racing career, Steve is behind him and fully supportive.
“When Nate is out there racing, his mom and I are very proud of him.” Steve said. “It’s what makes him happy and he earned it.”