It was only a year ago that Furniture Row and Regan Smith were running a part time schedule. The organizations choose to focus on select races in 2009 versus running every race.
They then announced they would run the full schedule in 2010 and now they are seeing the benefits of focusing on getting better in 2009.
The team which is based in Denver, Colorado is far away from the center of the NASCAR community but that has its benefits.
Smith who is currently 30th in the point’s standings has shown signs in recent weeks of things to come for this organization.
At Charlotte and California, Smith scored his best finish of the season with a 12th at California and a 13th at Charlotte.
Smith had a disappointing 31st place finish at Martinsville after getting caught up in Scott Speed and Sam Hornish, Jr.’s wreck. Smith had a decent car and they were moving forward at the time.
Smith said after the race, "We didn't start off the race as we had hoped, but we were making the right adjustments and the car was definitely improving."
He nearly won this upcoming race at Talladega in 2008. In fact he took the checkered flag but NASCAR awarded win to Tony Stewart.
Smith passed below the white lines which on restrictor plate tracks is an illegal pass.Smith was scored in 18th and Stewart took home the trophy.
Now he looks to get back on track and improve his seasons best on Sunday at Talladega.
In April, Smith finished 38th here but that was after an engine expired. Up until the engine issues he was running top 15.
Smith drove at what is now Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing until the end of the 2008 season. His move to FRR was surprising but Smith’s move is beginning to pay off.
While they didn’t make the Chase in 2010; Smith and his team have learned a lot this season.
Smith signed a contract extension through 2012 earlier this year see's where this organization is headed.
"Furniture Row Racing is a team on the move. I feel we've made some big gains this season and we are all encouraged about the future. I really admire the behind-the-scenes work ethic and commitment of each and every member of this team. They want to win as bad as I do and I am proud to be their driver."
Now as the season winds down this team is looking toward 2011 and the possibilities to come.
Smith and FRR are proving that with a little patience success is possible for smaller organization in the Sprint Cup series.
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