Kevin Smith Finishes Fifth in 2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Championship!
For Immediate Release: November 8, 2026
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Arkport, New York native Kevin Smith capped off his rookie campaign with a fifth-place finish in the 2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Presented By M&T Appliances & Fueled By VP Racing Fuels Championship, finishing behind fourth-place Ken Schaffer, third-place Dylan Lewis, runner-up Bryan Bernheisel, and newly crowned series champion Jon Lee.
A Rookie Season Focused on Learning and Development!
Smith completed his first full season traveling with the United Late Model Series as an Elite Driver and a contender in the Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year program.
For the young Empire State racer, the 2026 season was about far more than championship points and finishing positions. It was an opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop his driving abilities, and continue building a competitive Super Late Model program alongside his father, Mike Smith, a veteran racer from New York.
With Mike overseeing the team’s operations and Kevin behind the wheel of the #97, the father-son combination entered the season with a clear objective: learn.
From adapting to unfamiliar speedways and varying track surfaces to competing against some of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region’s most experienced Super Late Model drivers, the Smith team approached each event as an opportunity to improve.
Throughout the year, Kevin gained valuable seat time and experience, building a notebook that the team can rely upon as they continue developing their racing program.
At the season finale, Smith and his father spoke with United Late Model Series Director Trevor Zuver, reflecting on their rookie campaign and the progress they had made. The pair expressed that they had accomplished much of what they set out to do, gaining knowledge, confidence, and experience that would prove valuable in the seasons ahead.
Competing in all 11 United Late Model Series events, Smith recorded two top-ten finishes while accumulating 1,535 championship points.
In addition to his fifth-place overall championship finish, Smith earned fourth in the Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year standings, finishing behind Ken Schaffer, runner-up Bryan Bernheisel, and Rookie of the Year Jon Lee in the six-driver rookie class.
Smith concluded the 2026 season 720 points behind champion Jon Lee, establishing a foundation for continued growth as the team prepares for another full season on tour.
With their first complete touring season behind them, the Smith family has already expressed its intentions to return in 2027, continuing to make improvements to their racing operation as Kevin sets his sights on becoming a championship contender.
For the father-son team, the lessons learned throughout 2026 represent an important step toward their long-term goals, and the experience gained competing against the region’s best will serve them well moving forward.
2026 Kevin Smith Racing Season Statistics
- Events Entered: 11 of 11 (100%)
- Top-Ten Finishes: 2
- Top-Five Finishes: N/A
- Fast Time Awards: N/A
- Heat Race Victories: N/A
- Feature Victories: N/A
- Average Feature Finish: 16.00
- Championship Points: 1,535
- Race Earnings: $5,475.00
- Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year: Fourth Place
- Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Championship: Fifth Place
Championship Season Earnings & Elite Driver Benefits
In addition to his $5,475 in race earnings, Smith benefited from his participation in the United Late Model Series Elite Driver Program, saving an additional $1,650 throughout the season through complimentary pit passes when eligible and waived event fees.
These savings represent money kept directly in the team’s pocket, helping offset the substantial costs associated with traveling from one United Late Model Series event to another.
Combined, Smith’s race earnings and Elite Driver Program savings brought his total season value to:
$7,125.00 — Excluding Additional Nightly Contingency Awards!
The financial benefits highlight the United Late Model Series’ continued commitment to supporting its traveling competitors and rewarding teams that dedicate themselves to the full championship schedule.
Congratulations to Kevin Smith, Mike Smith, and the entire #97 team on their fifth-place finish in the 2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Championship and fourth-place finish in the Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year standings!
We look forward to seeing the #97 back on tour in 2027 as Smith continues building toward his first United Late Model Series Championship!
2026 Chew On This – Jerky Rookie Final Point Standings
| Pos. | Car | Driver | Hometown | Points |
| 1 | 5L | Jon Lee | Summerville, PA | 2,255 |
| 2 | 119 | Bryan Bernheisel | Jonestown, PA | 1,950 |
| 3 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 4 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 5 | 22 | Greg Oakes | Franklinville, NY | 845 |
| 6 | 1 | Matt Glanden | Denton, MD | 440 |
2026 United Late Model Series Elite Driver Final Point Standings
| Pos. | Car | Driver | Hometown | Points |
| 1 | 5L | Jon Lee | Summerville, PA | 2,255 |
| 2 | 119 | Bryan Bernheisel | Jonestown, PA | 1,950 |
| 3 | 44 | Dylan Lewis | Oakland, MD | 1,755 |
| 4 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 5 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 6 | 10S | Dave Stamm | Milmont, PA | 1,130 |
| 7 | 25Z | Mason Zeigler | Chalk Hill, PA | 980 |
| 8 | 22 | Greg Oakes | Franklinville, NY | 845 |
| 9 | 1 | Matt Glanden | Denton, MD | 440 |
2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Final Championship Point Standings (Top 10)
| Pos. | Car | Driver | Hometown | Points |
| 1 | 5L | Jon Lee | Summerville, PA | 2,255 |
| 2 | 119 | Bryan Bernheisel | Jonestown, PA | 1,950 |
| 3 | 44 | Dylan Lewis | Oakland, MD | 1,755 |
| 4 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 5 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 6 | 10S | Dave Stamm | Milmont, PA | 1,130 |
| 7 | 555 | Brock Pinkerous | Ellenville, NY | 1,080 |
| 8 | 10* | Levi Yetter | Cabot, PA | 1,010 |
| 9 | 25Z | Mason Zeigler | Chalk Hill, PA | 980 |
| 10 | 91 | Chad Homan | Penfield, NY | 855 |
2026 United Late Model Series Marketing Partners
The United Late Model Series extends its appreciation to the businesses and organizations that supported the series throughout its 26th season of competition:
Jay’s Automotive, M&T Appliances, Close Racing Supply, Chew On This – Jerky, American Racer Tire, Lias Tire Racing Division, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Accelo Racewear, Keizer Racing Wheels, Beyea Headers, Siple Racing Edits (SRE), Cousins Designs, Zarin Truck & Automotive, The Garage Crawl, and B & T Milne Photography.
The continued support of these partners plays an essential role in providing competitive purses, championship incentives, contingency awards, and opportunities for Super Late Model teams throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the 2026 championship season officially complete, the United Late Model Series now turns its attention toward preparations for its 27th season of competition in 2027.
The series would like to thank its drivers, teams, officials, sponsors, participating speedways, and loyal race fans for their continued support throughout another season of Super Late Model racing.
Interested in becoming a United Late Model Series marketing partner for 2027?
Whether you’re a small local business or a larger regional organization, the United Late Model Series offers sponsorship and marketing opportunities designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes.
Join one of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region’s premier Super Late Model touring series and become part of the excitement in 2027!
We look forward to seeing everyone back at the track!
United Late Model Series Contact Information
Email: press@ulmsracing.com
Phone: (814) 596-8150
Website: www.ulmsracing.com