Veteran Pro Modified and no-prep drag racing competitor Wayne Smozanek, 60, succumbed to a lengthy battle with Covid-19 on Saturday, it was confirmed by his wife, Wendy.

The Florida native owned and operated the Performance Center Auto Repair, founded in Jupiter, Florida in 1988. Throughout the years, he drove monster trucks competitively and was a regular at heads-up drag racing events in and around the south in a series of supercharged doorslammers. In recent seasons, he competed with the “Street Outlaws” franchise in its No Prep Kings, Mega Cash Days, America’s List, and other spinoff programs behind the wheel of his supercharged Ford Probe.

Smozanek had been in intensive care for seven weeks, dating back to early December, valiantly fighting the illness. Wendy had reported promising signs of improvement in the days leading up to his passing, giving his family and his many fans around the country great hope.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have to let our family, friends, racers and fans know that Wayne has passed away,” she posted on Saturday evening. “We are truly devastated and heartbroken. He is already missed, and I promise his legacy will live on.”

“I have been racing with this gentleman for years,” said fellow competitor Stan Allen. “We pitted beside each other and helped one another along the way. We had lots of fun together. In the final show for NPK we raced against each other and he won (he actually kicked my butt). To my teammate and fellow racer, you will be missed. Prayers to Wendy, Will and team at this time. Our deepest condolences. Love you guys.”

“We are a family of racers and this hits home hard. We will miss a good man from this day forward,” said fellow NPK racer Mike Murillo, as Scott Taylor added, “Rest in peace my friend! You were a good man, father, husband, friend and fellow racer.”

“I will miss my buddy, Wayne. ‘Team X’ will miss our partner,” said NPK teammate Robin Roberts.