First he lost a sponsor.

Then he had his new and innovative bike rejected after initially claiming approval by the tech department.

Just last week he claimed a victory in the midst of the worst kidney stone attack he’s faced in his life.

First he lost a sponsor.

Then he had his new and innovative bike rejected after initially claiming approval by the tech department.

Just last week he claimed a victory in the midst of the worst kidney stone attack he’s faced in his life.

Did you really think a ten-point deficit was really going to be enough to slow down defending world champion Matt Smith’s charge to the top of the point standings?

A straw house in a windstorm would have stood a better chance than the competition did at the NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pa.

When Andrew Hines fell in the first round, Smith reeled in the lead with victories over Paul Gast, Steve Johnson, Craig Treble and for the second week in a row, Angelle Sampey in the final round.

Smith’s Reading victory represented the tenth of his career and fourth of the season. Sunday's Reading final round was the 19th time in his short career that he's reached a final round.

“This is just so cool,” said Smith. “We had the fastest bike every round today and I did my job on the tree, so it all worked out for us. I want the top spot going into the Countdown, because it is 30 extra points, which I think is huge. Hopefully we can keep this momentum keep and keep the No. 1 spot.”

Smith sits atop the point standings with a 73 point lead over Hines.

The son of famed Pro Stock racer Rickie Smith, he came from behind to capture the 2007 championship riding on a Buell sponsored by Torco Race Fuels. When Torco stepped aside, Kenny Koretsky's Nitrofish delivered with an 11th hour sponsorship to ensure his championship defense.