Georgia Racing Hall of Fame

Legendary Georgia racer, chassis builder, parts shop owner and Hall of Famer Roscoe Smith of Griffin, Ga., died this morning after a recent hospitalization, his family reported on Facebook. He was 85.

Smith’s dirt racing cars were known for his famous No. 44 and the trademark checkered-flag pattern on the roof, a tradition his son Clint Smith carried on during a successful dirt racing career on the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series and as a four-time Southern All Star champion.

"Today is a hard day as we have lost a great mentor to this sport and someone we think of as family,” Hampton, Ga., racer Ashton Winger’s team posted on its Facebook page. “Thank you for all the good times, RIP Roscoe Smith."

Roscoe Smith’s career began in drag racing before shifting to oval track racing in 1969, winning countless races throughout the Southeast and beyond along with a 1977 start in the World 100 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. He won 100-lap races at West Atlanta Raceway and Middle Georgia Raceway.

Working with Ernie Elliott in building engines for dirt and asphalt cars, Smith later owned and operated a racing parts and chassis business for more than 25 years and assisted in the organization of Robert Smawley’s National Dirt Racing Association in the 1970s.

Smith was inducted into the National Dirt Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in 2014.

Besides son Clint, survivors include daughter Sandy Corrow (Joey) and wife Pamelia Smith, a stepdaughter, stepson, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home in Griffin and 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at Towaliga Baptist Church in Jackson, Ga. The funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Towaliga Baptist Church Cemetery.

Editor's note: Updates with survivors and arrangements.