Sun, 27 Jun 2010, 10:52 AM In Battle of Smiths in Pro Mod

Courtesy of NHRA Communications Rickie Gets First Round Win at Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals

NORWALK, Ohio --

Rickie Smith

Veteran drag racer Rickie Smith beat three-time NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series winner and current points leader Von Smith in the first round of competition Saturday at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

The upset -- Rickie was No. 14 and Von was No. 3 in the eliminations bracket -- was one of several notable upsets in the first round. No. 15 qualifier Brad Personett upset No. 2 Melanie Troxel, No. 11 qualifier Mike Castellana beat No. 6 Scott Ray and No. 10 Danny Rowe took out No. 7 qualifier Joe Baker.

In other rounds, top qualifier Raymond Commisso beat Rick Stivers, Pat Musi outran Troy Coughlin, Burton Auxier beat Mike Knowles and Ed Hoover beat Gainesville winner Kenny Lang.

Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series eliminations continue Sunday at approximately 1 p.m.