FAIRBURY, Ill. (WCIA) — Growing up in Oakwood, Bobby Pierce didn’t think racing would be his career path.

“When I was a little kid, I told everybody I want to play football, but I’m only 5’8″ so sports wasn’t gonna be what I really did,” Bobby said.

By the time he was eight years old, the Smooth Operator was on the track, following his father’s footsteps in becoming a household name in dirt track racing.

“He never really taught me how to fish, hunt, play golf so, racing was gonna be about what it was gonna be. Luckily, I’ve had a good teacher, and I guess I’m pretty good at it,” Bobby said.

Pretty good indeed, the series point leader a winner of seven races this season, enjoying a weekend of racing close to home.

“I want to say it’s my local track. We race here 2-3 times a year so, we travel around the country, racing so much across the Midwest, you gotta build a notebook,” Bobby said. “Even your bad nights, you want to write it down so you know what not to do the next night.”

Bobby’s dad Bob plays a key role in the car’s setup and performance, grateful to be a part of Bobby’s success since stepping up to the national stage.

“They’re the best of the best, and what’s he do? He comes out the first year and wins the World of Outlaws title, and so it’s been a ride,” Bob said. “We’re just trying to keep him focused, getting better and better, and so far, we’re doing that.”

Dad’s influence has also brought benefits for Bobby inside the cockpit.

“Always eyes ahead, because he taught me from the beginning, don’t race what’s right in front of you, race what’s way ahead of you, and I think that helps out a lot,” Bobby said.

Last year’s Prairie Dirt Classic was Bobby’s first victory in Fairbury, a big relief entering this year’s race weekend.

On the first night of action, Bobby won one of four late model series showdown races ahead of Saturday night’s main event.