Dylan \u2018Mamba\u2019 Smith has always had a positive attitude, whether he\u2019s working on pit road or talking racing on his podcast. Recently, though, he faced an online fan who tossed a cheap insult at his involvement in the sport. Smith didn\u2019t let it bother him. Instead, he flipped the comment into a message about what it takes to make it in racing. Sometimes, the journey starts at the bottom, and Smith knows everything about that.<\/p>\n
Why Does Mamba Smith Call Himself NASCAR\u2019s Chief Hype Officer?<\/p>\n
Smith goes by NASCAR<\/a>\u2019s \u2018Chief Hype Officer,\u2019 and he\u2019s earned the title. At big events, he brings energy, gets fans fired up before the races, and helps connect younger audiences to the sport through social media. He co-hosts the \u201cHappy Hour\u201d podcast with Kevin Harvick and Kaitlyn Vincie, mixing in plenty of laughs and banter.<\/p>\n Getting here wasn\u2019t a breeze for Smith. Back in 2008, he was running late models at Thunder Road and Airborne Speedway. A couple years down the road, Rev Racing invited him to try out for their Drive for Diversity program\u2013 a shot designed to open doors for young drivers.<\/p>\n Although Smith showed what he could do, he didn\u2019t make the team. Instead of quitting, he signed on as a mechanic, working with everyone he could, including Kyle Larson during his K&N Pro Series championship run.<\/p>\n That job didn\u2019t just keep him in the mix\u2013 it helped Smith climb through the sport. He did public relations work for MDM Motorsports, joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014, and got Haas Automation to sponsor his late model efforts. Eventually, Smith\u2019s personality made him a perfect fit for NASCAR\u2019s media team. He still keeps the option open to return to the driver\u2019s seat someday, showing he\u2019s got plenty more to offer.<\/p>\n How Did Smith Turn Criticism Into a Lesson About NASCAR?<\/p>\n So what happened with the fan? The comment called Smith the \u201cChief Floor Sweeper and Janitor at NASCAR.\u201d Instead of taking offense, Smith fired back with a clever reply. He said<\/a>, \u201cThat\u2019s actually the first job I had at @RevRacin at 18. I was willing to do whatever it took to be in the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n That\u2019s actually the first job I had at @RevRacin<\/a> at 18. I was willing to do whatever it took to be in the sport. https:\/\/t.co\/z7fqZstds7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mamba Smith (@MambaSmith34) September 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n His response wasn\u2019t just quick\u2013 it sent a message about how tough it can be to earn a spot in motorsports. There are hundreds of people grinding in shops, garages, and pit lanes, all pushing to get closer to the action.<\/p>\n Smith\u2019s comeback reminded everyone that success in racing is about more than just driving. It\u2019s about working through tough jobs, keeping your passion for the sport alive, and never losing sight of the dream.<\/p>\n Add to that some backup from NASCAR analyst Bozi Tatarevic<\/a>, who jumped in by replying, \u201cImagine thinking that it\u2019s an insult to play any part in the sport.\u201d Another fan chimed in with, \u201cBurn<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n It all shows why Smith stands out in NASCAR. He\u2019s not hiding his beginning, and actually embraces it, hoping to inspire anyone out there with dreams of breaking into racing\u2013 NASCAR or any other series.<\/p>\n\n