Kenna Smith redefines "Fast Forward"

Kenna Smith (U12 Missouri Rush Nike) takes her position as one of the team's forwards seriously.  So much so that she named her car "Fast Forward" after the position.  Her coach, Mitch Gentry commented after attending her Easter weekend race at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL. that, "Kenna plays and races with a lot of passion and always a smile. Her attention to detail and courage both on the field and track are amazing." Enjoy a brief Questions & Answer interview with Kenna below and come to watch her fly down the soccer field or scream down the speedway...both going 80 miles per hour.

MoRush - When was the first time you remember going to speedway.....ever?

Kenna - I don't remember for sure. But my dad has been taking me for a long time!

MoRush - When and why did you start racing?

Kenna - I started this year [2012] and because I like to go fast [except for when my dad is driving too fast..lol!]

MoRush - How long have you been playing soccer?

Kenna - I started on my first rec league the summer after 1st grade, I think I was 7.

MoRush - In which division do you race in?

Kenna - I race in the Midwest division in an 8.90 bracket. That means in an 1/8 mile, I go about 70 mph in less than 9 secs.

MoRush - How does it feel to go 80mph down the track?

Kenna - It feels very fast because I am sitting so low on the ground...it is a real RUSH!

MoRush - How did you decide to name your car "Fast Forward"?

Kenna - I chose Fast Forward because I am a forward in soccer and I have to be fast! And in racing I go forward and fast down the track. I wanted to pick something that represented me and something that linked both of the sports together.

MoRush - What your most memorable achievement or favorite moment in speedway? In soccer?

Kenna - My most memorable time was my first time down the track and how shaky I was the closer I got to the line. Also getting 2nd place on my first real race. In soccer it was getting the championship at the Emerald Cup in Kansas City.  We proved that being bigger and stronger doesn't always mean you're better!

MoRush - Who is your racing idol?

Kenna - Ashley Force because she was the 1st female to win the funny car ranks. And John Force because he is her dad and taught her how to do it. Also I like my dad because he races and helps me.

MoRush - Who is your favorite soccer player?

Kenna - I don't have a favorite soccer player. But I do like everyone on my team.

MoRush - What do you think that racing needs to do to increase its popularity with both drivers and spectators?

Kenna - I think that they do not need to have kids out till 2:30am racing when you got there at 11:30am. It was a long day. They need 4 lanes so when they are cleaning up a mess on 1 set, they have 2 more waiting! That would be good!

MoRush - Have you got any other hobbies outside of racing and soccer?

Kenna - Softball and being outside.

MoRush - Do you think racing and playing soccer have things in common? why?

Kenna - Yes you have to get across a line. [the ball in the net and across the finish line]. Also you have to stay in between 2 lines. [from the center and the wall of the track]. On the field and on the track, you try to read your opponents move and ultimately the point is to beat them at it. Also you have to work as a team in both sports and trust your team. You can’t win a race or a soccer game by yourself.

MoRush - Most memorable achievements off the track or soccer field?

Kenna - I got 2nd in a softball tournament and I got the presidential award for my grades.

MoRush - What do you want to be when you grow up?

Kenna - A vet and a soccer coach.

MoRush - Favorite thing to do when not racing?

Kenna - Play sports

MoRush - What is your favorite school subject?

Kenna - Math

MoRush - Favorite drink/food?

Kenna - steak [food], sweet tea [drink]. Unless I am playing soccer then I would have gatorade.

MoRush - Ultimate road car?

Kenna - My  ultimate road car would be a Lamborghini. But if I had to pick something I could actually afford, it would be a [new] z28 camaro.

MoRush - Who do you look up to or admire in everyday life?

Kenna - My parents, because everything I do I couldn't do without them. They support me and encourage me in everything I do. But I appreciate everyone that has a positive influence on me...my family, friends, coaches, and teachers!