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LEWISTOWN -- Carl Smith was never one of the best dirt track race car drivers, but that didn't matter to him. What stood out for the Lewistown native were the memories and best friends he made along the way.
A former Mifflin County School District teacher and dirt track driver, Smith writes about his experiences inside the car and some of the shenanigans he and his buddies performed outside the car in his new book, "Junkyard Jockey," which was published in June.
"Most times we only read about the guys who are superstars or, sadly, the ones who suffer a major tragedy," Smith said on why he decided to write the book. "It's rare to hear about or remember those who just loved their sport and tried to do the best they could with the resources they had."
"Junkyard Jockey" tells tales of old-school racing at Port Royal and Hesston Motor Speedways from Smith's time in the car spanning 1966-1974. Smith was known for his journaling, something he did after every race night. It's how he knows everything in his 214-page novel is accurate. Every heat and race finish, individuals involved and joking around were documented as soon as he got home.
After stepping away from racing following the 1974 season, Smith wanted to turn his journaling into a book for himself and his close racing friends. In the late-1970s, he did just that and until about three months ago, the book was languishing in a drawer, never seen by the general public.
"I never had any intention of publishing. I wrote it back in the 70s and made copies to give to a few of the guys who were heavily involved when I raced," Smith noted.
"Junkyard Jockey" was not available to everyone. But luck and persuasion intervened. The wife of Smith's good friend, Steve Swarmer, stumbled upon one of the original copies of the book in a desk drawer a few months ago. She could not stop reading. Swarmer demanded Smith let her publish the book, and after a little bit of convincing, he gave in.
"After Cathy [Swarmer] convinced me to publish, she handled all of the paperwork and details, which she is still doing," Smith said. "This would have never happened if she hadn't read the original copy that I had given to her husband, Steve."
Following his racing career, Smith wrote "Junkyard Jockey" about the good times on the dirt. He wanted his friends to have a memory of those times. As seen in his dedication section of the book, Smith has always valued his close friends and others around him.
Back in 1966 during his first race, Smith found out who his best friends were. The original group of buddies included Smith, Don Goss and Barry Smith. In 1969 the group of misfits expanded with the additions of Mike Criswell and Bill Page. Also in the tight group was Steve Swarmer, the son of racing legend Pete Swarmer.
Fifty-seven years later, that same group still gets together every week at Smith's camp. Those best friends and Smith's wife, Danna, have been the support system that has made Smith's time in central Pennsylvania a dream come true.
As mentioned in the dedication page, Danna was always supportive of Smith's racing career, allowing him to make lifelong memories and more importantly, lifelong friends.
It has always been about Smith and the guys. "Junkyard Jockey" tells the story of where it all began. The beginning of a journey that is 57 years strong and still going.
Interested buyers can purchase "Junkyard Jockey" in two ways. The book is available on Amazon.com, $25 for a hardcover and $14.95 for a paperback option. Those who prefer not to go through Amazon can go to Cathy Jane – Author on Facebook and fill out the J. J. order form to purchase the book.
In September, 2023, Carl Smith and Cathy Swarmer will be at the Juniata County Fair selling and signing books as well.