In 2001, John and his wife, Rhonda Hartman-Smith, were the first husband and wife to qualify in the same pro Top Fuel category at Bristol Dragway. His season was shortened after a crash in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Smith finshed a career-best 8th in the NHRA POWERade standings in 2003, with his best finish, a runner-up, coming at the MAC Tools Gatornationals.
