from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Ohio trainer/driver Jeff Smith, the father of top driver Tyler Smith, is in Ohio State University Hospital after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Smith’s wife Kathy reports that he will undergo surgery on Friday and that the family is hopeful that everything will be fine.

We will post additional updates when more information is available.

Jeff Smith, of Washington Court House, Ohio, has been in the sport for nearly four decades and has won 978 races as a driver, with his mounts earning $2.77 million. As a trainer, he has 593 victories and earnings of $4.59 million.