Wabash Valley Rodders visit Don Smith Collection
Saturday February 17, 2007
The Wabash Valley Rodders had the very unique experience of being able to visit the private car and
memorabilia collection of Don Smith.
This collection is rumored to be the premier open wheel and Indy 500 memorabilia collection in the
country. Mr. Smith's collection "maybe" second to the actual museum at the Track, but I am not so
sure.
It is obvious that Mr. Smith has three passions in his life, his family, racing and hunting/fishing and
his collection is a reflection of his interests.
memorabilia collection of Don Smith.
This collection is rumored to be the premier open wheel and Indy 500 memorabilia collection in the
country. Mr. Smith's collection "maybe" second to the actual museum at the Track, but I am not so
sure.
It is obvious that Mr. Smith has three passions in his life, his family, racing and hunting/fishing and
his collection is a reflection of his interests.
A tad bit of background, Mr. Smith is a long time banker, businessman living in Terre Haute. Mr.
Smiths business accomplishments are many, including serving as the promoter of Terre Haute
Action Track when it was in its hay day.
Mr. Smith co-founded Sumar Racing which began in 1952, the result of a partnership between Mr.
Smith and his friend and fellow racing enthusiasts, Chapman S. Root. As their wives were also
involved in the racing endeavor, the team name, Sumar, was derived from a combination of Susan,
Mr. Root's wife, and Mary, Mr. Smith's wife. Based in Terre Haute, Indiana, the partners initially
bought a KK3000 roadster that had raced at the 1952 Indianapolis 500 with Sam Hanks at the wheel.
Smiths business accomplishments are many, including serving as the promoter of Terre Haute
Action Track when it was in its hay day.
Mr. Smith co-founded Sumar Racing which began in 1952, the result of a partnership between Mr.
Smith and his friend and fellow racing enthusiasts, Chapman S. Root. As their wives were also
involved in the racing endeavor, the team name, Sumar, was derived from a combination of Susan,
Mr. Root's wife, and Mary, Mr. Smith's wife. Based in Terre Haute, Indiana, the partners initially
bought a KK3000 roadster that had raced at the 1952 Indianapolis 500 with Sam Hanks at the wheel.
On behalf of the Wabash alley Rodders, we give Mr. Smith a big "Thank You" for allowing us to visit
his impressive collection.
his impressive collection.
Thanks also to Don Gould for the pictures and information