Kyle Durrence Purchases NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC In Claxton, GA

CARTERSVILLE, GA – Kyle Durrence has completed the purchase of Claxton, GA automobile dealership NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC. Along with that news comes even better news that Mr. Durrence is enthusiastic about the bonus he received with the dealership, and that is the relationship he will have with Crate Racin’ USA and its competitors.

The dealership is in the process of a name change, so when you call the dealership to order a Chevrolet Performance Circle Track Engine or parts, don’t be surprised if the person answering the phone says, “Durrence Layne Chevrolet, Buick, GMC!”

“I started talking with Martin NeSmith about buying the dealership last fall,” Durrence said. “I didn’t want a dealership chain to buy this one because they would have used it for overflow. This dealership is and always has been a staple of the community, and I want to keep it that way. I’ve brought in Cole Hendrix to be the General Manager, but most of the people will stay onboard with us.”

The dealership’s involvement in racing will also remain, and if the enthusiasm of Mr. Durrence about the racing program is any indication, it could be even better in the coming years. Durrence is learning the sport, and he likes what he sees.

“Before I bought this dealership, I had been to two NASCAR races, and that was the extent of my racing knowledge,” Durrence said. “After attending a few NeSmith Racing events, I had all access to really get into it, and see what goes on. These dirt track races are exciting with close competition in a family atmosphere. I want to be a part of that!”

Durrence attended the RPM Racing Promoter’s Workshop in February at Daytona Beach, FL with NeSmith Racing Founder and CEO Mike Vaughn. Durrance had the opportunity to rub elbows with the top short track racing people in the business.

One of those racing personalities Durrance met was Johnny Stokes, the Co-Owner and Promoter of the NeSmith Racing sanctioned Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus, MS, and the NeSmith Performance Parts Street Stock Division World Champion.

“We hit off from the moment we met, and we have now become good friends,” Stokes said. “Kyle Durrence is just so easy going and easy to talk to. I’ve been with NeSmith Racing as a track promoter and racer since the series began in 2005, and I’m glad someone like Kyle Durrence has bought the dealership and is continuing with the racing program. Talking to Kyle is just like talking to one of the racers. He’s one of us.”

The dealership has been a part of Crate Racin’ USA since its first year of operation in 2005. They started out as a Hard Charger Sponsor with the National Touring Series. When the title sponsorship of the series became available in 2008, they jumped right in and they been there ever since. That will continue, and NeSmith Racing will begin to transform into Durrence Layne Racing.

NeSmith Racing, and what will become Durrence Layne Racing is unique because it’s the only short track racing sanctioning body in the country with two Touring Divisions, and four Weekly Racing Series Divisions that use Chevrolet Performance Circle Track Engines, that are built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications, as its base engines.

“I started talking to Kyle Durrence about the racing series last fall, and he is the type of person that just fits right in with the racing crowd,” Vaughn said. “We enjoyed our relationship with the NeSmith Family through the years, and they have really been a big part in branding a new affordable and exciting type of racing. Everyone knows the NeSmith Racing brand, and we are now in the process of working in the Durrence Layne brand into our racing program.”

Vaughn has announced that the newest Division under the NeSmith Racing umbrella will now be called the Durrence Layne Modified Sportsman Division. Durrence Layne will also sponsor the Durrence Layne Pacesetter Award in both the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series National Tour, and the Chevrolet Performance Super Late Model Series Tour that will go to the driver that leads the most laps in a race.

“This type of racing is more exciting to me than NASCAR racing,” Durrence said. “This is real racing that involves skill. My goal is to help to keeping it affordable by offering the racers the lowest prices possible on Chevrolet Performance Circle Track Engines and of course, we will continue with free next day delivery anywhere in the Southeast at Durrence Layne Chevrolet, Buick, GMC.”

Kyle Durrence is a fourth-generation pecan farmer, who is now one of the largest pecan brokers in the world through the Durden Pecan Company. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Pecan Association.

“Kyle Durrence is to the pecan industry what the late J.W. Hunt was to the strawberry industry,” Vaughn said. “After spending some time with him at the races, I think he has the same passion Mr. Hunt did for the sport. I am proud and excited to have him as a new marketing partner for many years to come.”

For more information and rules about the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, visit the series web site at www.nesmithracing.com, or visit the series on Facebook at NeSmith Racing. Becoming a fan of the NeSmith Racing Facebook page will make you eligible for special prizes that will be given away each month. You can follow us on Twitter @NeSmithRacing.


Durrence Layne Chevrolet, Buick, GMC of Claxton, GA is the Title Sponsor of NeSmith Racing, the Durrance Layne Modified Sportsman Division, and the Durrence Layne Pacesetter Award. Durrence Layne Chevrolet, Buick, GMC is one of the nation’s top GM Powertrain and Performance Dealers, with free delivery anywhere in the Southeast. Chevrolet Performance Parts is an Official Sponsor of NeSmith Racing. Hoosier Racing Tire is the Official Tire Sponsor of NeSmith Racing. Sunoco Race Fuels is the Official Race Fuel of NeSmith Racing. RockAuto.com is an Associate Sponsor of NeSmith Racing. Beyea Headers the NeSmith Late Model Hard Charger Sponsor. Knowles Race Parts and Bodies is the Official Parts Supplier for NeSmith Racing. Cruise With The Champions is the Official Vacation and Rookie of the Year Sponsor for NeSmith Racing. David Smith Carburetors is the Official Carburetor of NeSmith Racing. Freestyle Graphix is the Official Wrap, Banner, and Sign Company of NeSmith Racing. NeSmith Racing Contingency Sponsors for 2018 are Out-Pace Performance, CrateInsider.Com, Gresham Racing Parts, Knowles Racing Parts and Bodies, and FreeStyle Graphix. 2018 Chassis Sponsors are Trak-Star Race Cars, Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, and CVR Race Cars.