Jerica Smith Named 2025 Crew Chief of the Year: A Testament to Dedication in Racing
When the checkered flag waves at the end of a race, the driver gets the glory. But behind every successful racer stands a crew chief who pours their heart, soul, and countless hours into making that victory possible. This racing season, we are proud to celebrate Jerica Smith for earning the well-deserved title of Ron Kerner Memorial Crew Chief of the Year for 2025 at the Indianapolis Speedrome’s Award Banquet.
More Than Just a Mechanic
Jerica Smith represents everything that makes grassroots racing special. Her story is not just about turning wrenches and tuning engines. It is about dedication, sacrifice, and the kind of genuine passion that brings racing communities together.
From sunrise to sunset, Jerica worked tirelessly on our race cars at Polk Racing. Whether it was replacing bumpers after a tough night at the track, pulling out rear ends for inspection, or fine-tuning shocks to get that perfect setup, she handled it all with expertise and determination. But what truly set her apart was her willingness to teach while she worked.
Racing can be an intimidating sport, especially for drivers still finding their footing. Jerica took the time to explain every adjustment, every decision, and every strategic choice. She did not just fix problems but made sure her driver understood why those problems happened and how to prevent them in the future. That kind of mentorship creates not just faster lap times but better racers who understand their craft from the ground up.
Juggling Multiple Roles with Grace
What makes Jerica’s achievement even more impressive is the sheer scope of her responsibilities. She was not just focused on one car or one driver. Her typical week included helping operate a racing garage, running the mini outlaws program, assisting drivers in the legend class, and serving as the sole crew chief for her primary driver (Gillian Lepaddo)’s car #0.
Beyond the track, Jerica maintains her own child’s Jr Fastkart and balances family life with the demanding schedule that racing requires. Yet somehow, she still found time to help anyone who asked for assistance. That generosity of spirit defines the best of what racing communities can be.
Always Going the Extra Mile
True dedication shows itself in the small moments. Jerica was the crew chief who would show up at the track with an extra set of gloves when you forgot yours. If your car got wrecked during a heat race, she would be right there helping you get it ready for the main event. On or off the clock, she answered phone calls from racers who needed advice, parts, or just a sympathetic ear.
She gave more than just her mechanical skills. She gave her time, her energy, and her genuine care for the racing community. Many crew chiefs order parts and call it a day. Jerica got her hands dirty, crawled under cars, and was not afraid to ask for help when a problem required it.
Building Respect in a Tough Sport
Racing demands mental toughness as much as mechanical skill. Throughout the 2025 season, Jerica helped Gillian develop that toughness while building respect among fellow competitors. Other racers noticed her work ethic, her knowledge, and her commitment to doing things right.
That respect was earned through countless hours of hard work and consistent excellence. Despite her tough exterior, Jerica faced her own challenges throughout the season. She stepped outside her comfort zone repeatedly and overcame obstacles that would have stopped others. Watching her push through difficulties became an inspiration for those around her.
In racing, the bonds formed in garages and pit areas often become as strong as family ties. For drivers far from home or without family support at the track, crew members like Jerica fill that void.
What This Award Means
The Crew Chief of the Year award recognizes more than technical ability. It celebrates someone who embodies the spirit of racing through their dedication to others. Jerica Smith represents the best of what crew chiefs can be: knowledgeable, hardworking, generous with their time, and committed to building up everyone around them.
Her success reminds us that racing is a team sport. While drivers may cross the finish line first, they get there because of the people who believe in them and work tirelessly behind the scenes. Every replaced part, every late-night setup session, and every word of encouragement contributes to victory.
Congratulations to Jerica Smith on being named 2025 Crew Chief of the Year. This honor is richly deserved and represents countless hours of work that many people never see. Thank you for everything you do for racing.
About Polk Racing
Polk Racing operates as more than just a racing team. We are a complete motorsports organization serving racers and automotive enthusiasts across multiple platforms.
Polk Racing Team competes in Outlaw Figure 8, Legends, 410 Sprints, and UPM Modified racing series. As a privately owned racing team, we sponsor talented drivers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, Indianapolis Indiana, and Southern California. Our commitment to grassroots racing runs deep because we understand how much this sport means to the people who live and breathe it every weekend. We pride ourselves on building up our drivers and maintaining a dedicated team that works together toward success on the track.
Polk Racing Auto Parts Store serves garage warriors and auto enthusiasts who need quality parts and expert advice. Whether you are building a race car, restoring a classic, or maintaining your daily driver, our shop provides the components and knowledge you need. We understand the challenges racers face because we face them ourselves every week. That firsthand experience helps us recommend the right parts for your specific application.
Polk Racing Auto Repair Shop offers professional automotive services for race cars and street vehicles alike. Our mechanics bring racing expertise to every job, ensuring your vehicle receives the same attention to detail we give our competition cars. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, we handle your automotive needs with the same dedication that earned us recognition on the track.
Visit us at polkracing.com to learn more about our racing team, explore our parts selection at shop.polkracing.com, or discover our auto care services at polkracing.com/auto-care. Whether you race on weekends or just love working on cars, Polk Racing is here to support your automotive passion.