DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Mike Smeriglio III, a four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship winning car owner with driver Doug Coby, has announced his retirement.
Smeriglio has worked with Coby since 2014 and together the pair have practically owned the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
The combination have won 19 races together, five driver championships for Coby and four owner championships for Smeriglio. Last month the pair claimed the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title again, Coby’s sixth series championship since 2012.
Smeriglio said in an article that appeared on the NASCAR HomeTracks website that his decision to retire has nothing to do with his love of motorsports.
“It doesn’t have to do with anything in racing,” said Smeriglio, who is the first team owner in NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour history to claim four owner championships. “I’ve been a NASCAR owner for the last 21 years — eight years in the SK Modified level at Stafford (Motor Speedway), then the Whelen Modified Tour. It’s very emotional. But I’m glad it’s emotional — because it’s not an easy decision. My heart wants to race, but my head is saying that my other priorities mean more to me now. I want to be available to spend time with my wife of 33 years, my adult children and son in laws. Our time together is precious.”
According to the article on NASCAR HomeTracks, Coby has not yet landed a ride for the upcoming season as he pursues his seventh series championship. He does, however, have a sponsor as Mayhew Tools has committed to follow him wherever he goes.
“I’m really happy for him that he accomplished everything he set-out to accomplish in racing and I love him and his family,” Coby said. “What we accomplished as a team probably won’t be replicated anytime soon — if ever. There is a huge sense of gratitude for him picking me to drive the car and giving us everything we needed.”