2025 INEX Pro Asphalt Final Points Standings
CHAMPION: JOEL SMITH - Mooresville, North Carolina
TEAM: Joel Smith Racing
STARTS: 36
WINS: 11 (Auburndale Speedway [2], Veterans Motorplex at the Rim [1], Wake County Speedway [8])
PODIUMS: 20
2025 INEX LEGEND CAR ASPHALT NATIONALS FINISH (The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway): 5th
SERIES CHAMPIONSHIPS: Bullbash Pro Champion
PREVIOUS INEX NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2020 INEX Bandolero Bandits East
What is your favorite moment or memory of the 2025 season?
Going into the Asphalt Nationals race, I truly thought I had a car capable of winning, and that was my goal. But once it was over and I was driving to tech, hearing that my finish was enough to make me the National Champion was unreal and a moment I’ll never forget in my life.
What was the biggest challenge you faced this season?
Honestly, just running by ourselves against some of the biggest and most experienced Legend Car teams in the country. They’ve got tons of data and multiple cars. It’s just us trying to learn and match their level, so every result meant a lot and is something I’m really proud of.
Who are the people who helped you win in 2025?
My dad, first and foremost. Without him, none of this would be possible. He does everything to help me be successful, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
My mom, who is always supporting me, at every race and doing so much behind the scenes, and of course my brother Jack.
Dennis Lambert, the absolute G.O.A.T. of Legend Cars. He’s pushed me, challenged me, taught me, and supported me every step of the way. We even got 2 wins and 3 Poles together down in Florida, which is really special to me and something I won’t ever forget. I wouldn’t be where I am today without everything he’s done for me.
Todd McCollum, was there for anything we needed this year, anytime we needed it. We got a win together at Spring Nationals, and I’m really grateful for that.
Can’t forget the 860 crew, always there with parts and help when we needed it. Grateful for all the support this year.
Lastly, I want to thank the partners who helped make this season possible. Simpson Race Products has been with me since I was 9 years old, and winning a championship with their name on my car means a lot. Huge thank you as well to Elite Performance Industries, Mardon, and Weaver Wealth Management. I’m incredibly grateful for every person who believes in me and helps me keep chasing this dream.
What is one lesson you learned in your first two years in the Pro Division that prepared you for 2025?
My first Pro race was in February 2023 at Citrus County. I qualified pole in my first ever Pro start and led the first 13 laps. On a restart, even though my guys had coached me on what to do in this exact situation, 13-year-old me messed up. I got crossed over, moved out of the way, and lost the race. I could have won that one, and it stung.
But I learned a lot.
I learned how to restart, how to defend, and how to stay calm.
The next year at Citrus, I pulled off a couple of perfect crossovers and won the race because of what I learned from that loss. I’ve been able to carry that with me throughout the last few years.
I also learned that being successful in Pro means working way harder. These guys are the best. I had to learn how to maximize every race even when my equipment wasn’t perfect. I used to think the car had to be dead-on perfect every run. Now I know how to make the most of what I have.
What does it mean to win your first INEX Legend Car National Championship?
I honestly can’t even describe it. I’ve tried so hard to do this before, but it just never came together. Winning the National Championship is unbelievable. It means everything to me and to my family. They sacrifice so much for me and pour everything into my racing, so I’m incredibly grateful that we could accomplish this together.
What’s next in your racing journey?
I wish we could say we have everything planned out, but we don’t yet. If money was not an issue, I would be running Late Models full-time next year while still racing Legends with my brother Jack. We are working on sponsorship and funding to help us move up.
Realistically, we’re hoping to make several Late Model starts and definitely continue with Legend Cars, trying to win as many races as possible next year. I’m also really excited to crew chief my brother Jack next year as he gets into a Legend Car, coaching him, working on his car, and helping him learn.
For now though, I’m just soaking it all in and I’m incredibly grateful for this National Championship and everyone who has helped me get here.