NASCAR driver Garrett Smithley shares his heroic father is aiding the officials with wildfire extinguishing efforts

NASCAR Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 - Qualifying - Source: Getty
NASCAR Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250 - Qualifying - Source: Getty

NASCAR driver, Garrett Smithley, has revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that his father, RK Smithley is currently flying the DC-10 Air Tanker to California. He will be aiding the ground crews with the support they need for relief from the wildfire of Los Angeles.

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Garrett was born on April 27, 1992 in Ligonier, Pennsylvania and drives the #14 Chevrolet Camaro for SS-Green Light Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Smithley's defining moment in NASCAR came in the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series while driving for JD Motorsports. JD Motorsports is a mid-tier level team with limited resources and at the 2016 Daytona race, the Pennsylvania native finished eighth. This marked him as a driver to watch out for. Over time, he has carved out a reputation for being a steady and reliable driver for NASCAR teams.

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On X, the 32-year-old posted that his father, a former military serviceman, RK Smithley was heading to California on the DC-10 Air Tanker- Tanker 914, to help the ground crews in their fight to contain the wildfire taking place in Los Angeles.

"Dad is heading to Cali right now with @10Tanker Tanker 914 is flying now, he should be on scene tomorrow morning with tanker 912. Hopefully they will give the ground crews some much needed support to fight these awful fires," the driver wrote.
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The fans wished the former millitaryman well and called him heroic for this act.

"Looking forward to cheering for him during the news highlights!", one wrote.
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They are sending in their prayers for the effort against the wildfire.

"Praying for him. On my way down there too from NY," another wrote.
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They also extended grattitude for RK Smithley and people who are involved in the support to the ground crews in fighting this calamity.

"California thanks you and everyone that is helping. I just wish people that are already trying to put blame and give their opinion of what should have been done would direct that energy into helping the people that need help now. That should be the 1st priority," another posted.
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The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least 10 lives and injured over 20 individuals, with officials warning the toll could rise. The fires, fueled by dry, windy conditions, have destroyed homes and prompted thousands to evacuate. Efforts to contain the blazes have been challenging due to high winds and difficult terrain.


NASCAR legend Clint Bowyer shared horrifying image of Los Angeles wildfire from an airplane

NASCAR legend Clint Bowyer recently shared a chilling image from his airplane while flying over the Los Angeles wildfire, capturing the devastating impact of the blaze. In a stories post on Instagram, Bowyer expressed his concern for those affected by the fire.

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"Scary sight to fly in on," captioned Bowyer.
Screenshot via Instagram - @clintbowyer
Screenshot via Instagram - @clintbowyer

Emergency services are working tirelessly to manage the crisis, while residents are urged to seek shelter and stay informed.

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Edited by Tushar Bahl
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