Brady Fine(gray shirt) receiving autographs from the racing legends at SMS
Brady Fine was much like any other 10-year-old on Saturday night as he strolled through the pit area at Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tenn. The smile on his face indicated that he was having a great time taking in the sights and sounds associated with a busy pit area prior to a dirt racing event. The young man who has just begun his sixth grade year at Knoxville’s Halls Middle School was there as a special guest of the track and was given a guided tour by facility co-owner Roger Sellers.
Brady is currently battling a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation that has accelerated his aging process. Doctors and scientists are working hard to combat the condition as he has been to a facility in Texas multiple times for evaluations and treatments.
“I’m a big fan of racing, especially on a dirt track so I’d really like to see a lot of races,” Brady happily declared as he stood just outside the track prior to the cars hitting the racing surface for hot laps. “And to be able to come see a lot of professionals and for them to give me a lot of T-shirts was very nice of them.”
Along with his tour of the facility Brady got to meet numerous drivers(including some of the legendary figures being inducted in the SMS Hall of Fame on Saturday), crew members, and track officials. He also was awarded a fire proof racing jacket, got to wave the checkered flag over the Kajun Mini-Stock Series feature race, and ride in a special two-seater Late Model. And more, University of Tennessee assistant football coach Kevin Sherrer, who was on hand to take in a night at the races, invited him to a Vols football practice.
Brady Fine was given a winner’s check and a trophy following his ride in the two-seater
Brady reported that he didn’t necessarily have a favorite driver. Instead, he simply said, “I like a lot of them. I’ve met a lot of famous drivers.”
He would love the opportunity to be involved in racing someday. He is very interested in the building and maintenance of race cars. “I don’t want to say that I know a lot about it, but I do know some of it,” he explained when asked if he would like to work on one of the cars.
Even prior to the commencement of the racing action, Brady was anticipating a great night at the historic track.
“I think the best thing is going to be sitting close to the track and watching the races,” he declared. And even when it was pointed out that he might get a little dirty, he laughed and insisted, “That’s fine with me.”
And like many race fans, he was in awe of the powerful machines that were waiting to do battle that night.
“I love the sound of the cars. They’re pretty awesome.”
