Drake Troutman shared he hopes his partnership with car owner G.R. Smith will be “long-term” as he chases the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year award in 2025.

Speaking with the World of Outlaws, Troutman explained his strategy last year following the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, “Last year, I ran my own deal strictly off sponsorship and I couldn’t continue to do that anymore. That was one of those deals where we just tried to get through last year to turn some heads and hopefully get a ride. I’m really fortunate that G.R. reached out to me and gave me this awesome opportunity.”

As for his deal and partnership with Smith, Troutman said, “I don’t really have an option but to make it a long-term relationship. Now that we’re in this deal together, I feel like I’m a really loyal person and I like to have things long-term.”

“I don’t like to be hopping around,” he added. “Me and G.R. have been clicking really good together, he’s been awesome to work with and he’s given me everything I need to go out and compete on a national level.”

Troutman currently sits 8th in the World of Outlaws points 22 points behind current leader Ryan Gustin. He started off the season strong down at Volusia Speedway Park with a 6th place finish during the season opener. He then finished 15th, 18th, and 24th over the next three races with the 24th finish ending up in a DNF. However, he finished strong with a second place finish to a dominant Jonathan Davenport to finish off Speed Weeks.

He discussed his performance saying, “We sucked so bad all week, every year I go down there, I don’t know what I need to do to be better. I was pretty frustrated. We just kind of threw the kitchen sink at it the last night and it all worked out.”

Speaking specifically to that final night he said, “The track was more to my liking that night, I’m not really good whenever it’s wide open, stand on it and pray to God it turns. As soon as you get done Qualifying, that’s going to tell you how your night goes for the most part. Especially on a track like that, it can be pretty hard to pass sometimes, and the air plays a huge factor in that place. I knew after Qualifying we could win the Heat Race, and if you start up front, you’ve got a pretty good shot. At that point, it’s up to you and making sure everything on the car stays together.”

Troutman will continue his chase for the World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year honors when the tour arrives at Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tennessee on March 14th and March 15th.

What do you make of Troutman’s desire for a “long-term” partnership with G.R. Smith?

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