David Smith (born March 12th, 1969) is a retired monster truck owner/driver out of Spring, Texas. He was the owner of Flame Motorsports, and the second owner of King Krunch after Scott Stephens from 2000-2018, before selling the team to Dillon Fenley. In 2024, he returned briefly to drive Skelesaurus, before re-retiring in September.
Career[]
David began his career as Scott's crew chief.
In 2000, Smith acquired King Krunch from Scott Stephens after his initial retirement from driving.
In 2004, Smith debuted a new paint scheme at World Finals V.
In 2006, Smith's Silverado was emblazoned with airbrushed flames and a horseback-riding knight figure on each side.
From 2007-2010, his truck had a "cards" theme to it, with several designs influenced by poker and card games. This was the most iconic King Krunch design under Smith.
From 2007-2011, Smith ran Nitro Fish. He also campaigned a Fiesta body at some Houston events on King Krunch and later (and more famously) on El Matador.
In 2010, Smith competed at World Finals XI, which would mark his final World Finals appearance, he would infamously wreck the truck in round 3 against El Toro Loco and was unable to freestyle. Ironically, El Toro Loco wouldn't freestyle either as the truck broke in the next race.
In 2013, David drove Nitro Hornet for two weeks before trading with Daron Basl to go back to the new black King Krunch. He owned Graffiti, which was a temporary look for Nitro Hornet. Smith also ran Lone Star for a Robby Gordon stadium show.
In 2015, David left the sport for a year, but returned in 2016 with a brand-new King Krunch on the Fox Sports Series, which was a throwback to the original black paint scheme. He had some of the best crew with Daron and Aaron Basl.
In 2018, David retired. Dillon Fenley and DRF Motorsports took over the operation in a full-circle moment as Dillon is the nephew of King Krunch's original owner: Scott Stephens.
In 2024, Smith returned to drive the new Skelesaurus for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live starting in Toledo, Ohio. He won the Titan Cup on his debut weekend in the new truck. In September, he announced his re-retirement.
"It is with mixed emotions that I submitted my resignation driving Skelesaurus. After long fought debating I have decided that I need to step away from racing to put my focus elsewhere. This was not easy, as monsters have been a significant part of my life for many many years. I wish the team continued success in all future endeavors. I want to thank Ty, John and Mike for their help along the way. I also want to say Thank You to Hotwheels for putting their trust in me. I have many friends that made this happen and made it work out for me. To those I say: THANK YOU and let see where we go from here!!! This is a set back, but never count me out. I appreciate all your support and look forward to what the good Lord has in store for the future." -David Smith
World Finals appearances[]
- 2004 - King Krunch
- 2005 - King Krunch
- 2006 - King Krunch
- 2007 - King Krunch
- 2008 - King Krunch
- 2009 - King Krunch
- 2010 - King Krunch (Did not freestyle due to a crash in racing)
Gallery[]
Further reading[]
https://web.archive.org/web/20111202065259/http://www.monsterjam.com/Bios/Drivers/David_Smith/