by Ayers Ratliff, for Raceway Park

Toledo, OH — Tyler Smtih drove five winners on Sunday (June 9) at Raceway Park.

Smith’s winners included Ella’s Lil’ Cam ($2.80) in race one, Eagle Jacob ($3.20) in race two, Barley Pop ($2.20) in race four, Upheld ($4.80) in race five and He’s All Hawaiian ($5.80) in race eight.

Smith started driving in 2009 and has since garnered 883 career victories and is approaching $5 million in purse earnings.

If Smith continues to rack up the victories he could be the youngest driver is harness racing history to win 1,000 races. Doug McNair currently holds the record for being the youngest to reach the 1,000 win milestone.

“I think I can do it,” explained Smith. “I have won about 20 races just this week. I seem to be getting really live horses right now and things are just working out.”

Smith needs 117 more wins less than two weeks before his 21st birthday to beat the record set by McNair. Tyler turns 21 on Jan. 23.

He is currently driving a torrid schedule which has him in the sulky competing seven days a week. Sunday Smith drives at Raceway Park, Monday usually at Northfield Park and Tuesday through Saturday at Hoosier Park.

“That (to become the youngest person in history to win 1,000 races) is why I am coming to Raceway and driving seven days a week,” said Smith. “But honestly I am really glad I started coming; the people (at Raceway) are really nice and laid-back — it is really a good and fun place to race.”