JAMES HYLTON

James Hylton is happy to have Brad Smith behind the wheel of his ARCA car.

A former NASCAR driver, who had a long career racing in ARCA, Hylton hired the Shelby Township resident to run in the Corrigan Oil 200 at Michigan International Speedway on Friday. Smith qualified 18^th in the No. 48 Radon.com Ford.

“He’s a lot better than what he gets credit for,” Hylton said. “He’s a good driver. Brad and I raced together for several years.

“He’s a good match for the kind of racing we have to do. I’m very proud of him.”

Hylton wants a driver who will take care of the vehicle during the race.

“It’s everything,” Hylton said. “The budget we have to race on is really unbelievable compared to the front-running cars.

“It’s a money thing. If we don’t do good, there’s a possibility we don’t go to the next race.

“Brad is the kind of guy that, because of driving his own car, and years of experience, he knows how to take care of the equipment.”

Smith has started more than 200 ARCA races.