The Scoop: Dalton Smith – More Than a Wheelman
- Daniel Sanchez
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
At just 25 years old, Dalton Smith isn’t your average Saturday night Modified racer—he’s a driver, engineer, and innovator all in one. Currently sitting second in the points at Montpelier Speedway, Smith is living proof that the grind behind the scenes is just as important as the laps on the track.
Built, Not Bought
When Dalton straps into the #05 Modified, he’s doing more than just racing—he’s piloting a machine he helped design and build from the ground up at Lightning Chassis, where he works full-time.
“Being able to work with many different racers and learn every aspect of the cars helps us tremendously at a bunch of different tracks,” Smith says. “It’s all about having a notebook and knowing what not to do—or what to do and when. Any bit of knowledge I can gain while doing something I enjoy is priceless.”
Dalton’s current ride is actually the first prototype chassis he ever built and designed using CAD software. From learning to program CNC machines to laying down welds, the hands-on experience is something that’s directly impacting performance—not just for him, but for Lightning Chassis customers, too.
The Weight of Expectation
Racing is tough. Racing when your paycheck and reputation are tied to your performance? That’s a different level.
“The biggest challenge is wanting to be successful not just for my career, but for Lightning Chassis,” Dalton admits. “When you’re relying on running well to help sell cars and make a living, it adds a lot of pressure.”
Still, he thrives in the chaos, turning that pressure into performance.
Consistency is King
Why Montpelier? For Dalton, the decision to commit to a full season here was strategic.
“Montpelier gives you a mix—some nights it’s hammer-down with character, other nights it’s slick and smooth. That variety helps us develop our cars and forces us to be good in all conditions.”
That commitment is paying off. Smith credits detailed maintenance and past notebook data as the key to his success so far in 2025. Every bolt, bracket, and bearing is inspected before race day.
“If I go over my car every week with a fine-tooth comb, it makes my night go a lot smoother,” he says.
The Road Ahead
Five years from now? Dalton sees himself doing both: driving and building—just on a bigger stage.
“I’d love to run some kind of tour if the right opportunity comes along,” he says. “And from the builder side, we’re always pushing to improve. Whether it’s offering trackside support or streamlining our manufacturing, I want Lightning Chassis to offer something truly different.”
It’s a tall order, but if Dalton Smith has proven anything, it’s that hard work, smart design, and a little dirt under the fingernails can take you a long way.
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