Brett Smrz began his racing career at the age of thirteen and quickly found his way to the front of the pack. In the three years spent racing karts, Brett won nine championship titles, and in 2006, was awarded the Ekarting News “Young Driver of the Year” award.
In 2007, Brett began racing in the SCCA San Francisco Region Formula Ford 1600 series, winning his first race at Infineon raceway. Just two weeks later, Brett entered the opening round of the SCCA Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup sports car series, held at the Houston Grand Prix. Brett put it on pole, and then followed it up with a third place finish in the main event.
The following weekend would change Brett’s life forever, as an off track accident resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. After ten surgeries and months of physical therapy, Brett returned to racing with the hopes that his accident would not effect his driving.
Brett’s first race back was at the SCCA San Francisco Region Formula Ford 1600 series Triple Header round, held at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca Raceway. Brett put it on pole for all three races and followed it up with three wins. Brett finished the season with another victory in the F1600 class at Mazda Raceway, and set a new course record in the process.
For his accomplishments and determination, Brett was awarded the 2007 SCCA “Regional Driver of the Year” award.
In 2008, Brett competed for and was awarded a scholarship with the Jim Russell Race Series in their new Formula 3 cars. Brett finished the season as the 2008 Jim Russell Series Champion with 6 race wins, 7 pole positions, 13 podiums, and 8 fast lap awards.
In 2009, Brett re-entered the Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup series, as well as entering into the Skip Barber National Series. Brett was consistently running in the front of the pack in both series, and he even brought home a win at the Virginia International Raceway circuit in the Skip Barber National Series. Brett was running third in both series standings, but unfortunately had to drop out due to lack of funding.
Brett is now spending the majority of his time learning about marketing, and how he can secure a sponsor for the 2010 season. Brett is determined to make it as a race car driver, and will continue his success for many years to come.
Birthdate:
February 28, 1991
Birthplace:
Burlington, NJ
Residence:
Coeur d' Alene, ID
Height / Weight:
5' 9" / 148 lbs.
Family:
Father: Gregg
Mother: Shirley
Sister: Kelly
Pet: Maddison (Pomeranian)
Racing goals:
Indy Racing League
Most memorable racing achievement:
Winning the Team USA Scholarship
Racing heroes:
Alex Zanardi, Valentino Rossi, and Travis Pastrana
If not racing:
I work as a stunt man in the film business, play on my Xbox 360, or work on Marketing.
Favorite Quote:
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you are right. -Henry Ford
Person who was the greatest influence:
My dad and Alex Zanardi
Physical preparation:
Cycling and Modified P90X
Hobbies:
Xbox 360, RaceSimsRus Simulator, Photoshop, Photography, Poker
Favorite clothes:
Anything from Pac Sun. Except for those tight pants..
Personal vehicles:
2006 Silver Mazda 3 S Hatchback
Favorite Band:
Bullet for My Valentine and Lazarus A.D.
Favorite Song:
Haste The Day - American Love
Favorite TV shows:
Seinfeld, South Park, Family Guy
Favorite movie:
Men of Honor
Favorite actor:
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jim Carrey
Favorite actress:
Keira Knightley
Favorite book:
Alex Zanardi: My Sweetest Victory
Favorite food:
Spaghetti
Favorite drink:
Sprite
Personal cooking specialty:
Anything microwavable
Best day of the year:
Race Day
Favorite off-track sport:
Sim Racing?
