10/1711 - Mechanical Failure Forces Early Finish for Shanky at South Alabama

Shanky Smith came in to the Alabama Pro 200 with high hopes of a good finish. The Spring Hill, AL driver was fresh off of a 3rd place effort in the 2011 Viper Series championship standings. Shanky qualified his No. 17 Golden Sands/Paradise Homes Chevy in the ninth position for the first of the Twin 100 lap races. Clutch problems early in the race forced Shanky to pull behind the wall with 37 laps to go, resulting in an 18th place finish. The team worked hard to get the clutch problems resolved to start race #2. Unfortunately, just 30 laps in to the second race Shanky's night was done. The problems had persisted. The Alabama Pro 200 concludes the 2011 season for Shanky Racing and the team is now ready to prepare for the Rattler Weekend in March.

9/11/11 - Fast Car, Bad Luck for Smith at South Alabama

The Cottonmouth 100 at South Alabama Speedway was the final Viper Series points race of 2011. After having a tough 2011 so far, Shanky Smith was determined to put up fast times, and a great finish. Smith qualified fifth in a strong field of 17 Pro Late Models. Inversion put him starting sixth however. Smith was a strong contender for much of the race, until a damaged car on the speedway that was off the pace caused a swarm of fast Pro Late Models to bunch up. Shanky, trying to avoid a collision with another car, lost control of his No. 17 Golden Sands Chevy and backed into the turn one wall. He was able to continue, however, the damage resulted in an 11th place effort. He was, however, able to lock up and finish 3rd in the Viper Series championship standings.

8/6/11 - Shanky Records Fifth Top Ten of the Season in Copperhead 100

To say that the Shanky Racing team put in an amazing effort just to be able to start the Copperhead 100 at South Alabama Speedway Saturday night would be a huge understatement. Smith and company had sent their Pro Late Model to be worked on by Grand American Race Cars following the last Viper Series race. The team got the car back to their shop late Thursday night, and worked all day Friday to prepare the car for Saturday's race. Shanky went on to qualify seventh, and come home with the car in one piece, in the eighth position. Smith remains fourth in the 2011 Viper Series point standings with just one points race remaining.