California’s ongoing wildfires have thrown the state into a catastrophic situation. Firefighters are battling tirelessly to contain multiple blazes that have burned over 35,000 acres, destroyed homes, and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents. Areas like Malibu, Calabasas, and even the iconic Mount Wilson Observatory remain under threat.

However, among the many stories of bravery emerging from this disaster, one has struck a chord with NASCAR Fans and the community.

Despite some progress, like 98% containment of the Lidia fire and 80% containment of the Kenneth fire, others, like the Archer fire, remain entirely uncontained. The devastation has already incurred damages exceeding $50 billion.  As the Palisades fire continues to ravage Los Angeles County, NASCAR driver Garrett Smithley revealed that his father is taking part in the relief mission. Notably, Smithley’s father is a former military man and a trained pilot. The 32-year-old driver took to Twitter to inform fans about his father’s involvement.

“Dad is heading to Cali right now with @10Tanker. Tanker 914 is flying now. He should be on the scene tomorrow morning with tanker 912. Hopefully, they will give the ground crews some much-needed support to fight these awful fires,” the driver wrote. Hours after the news, some fans shared the video of Senior Smithley dropping red flame retardant around the LA Hills. Sharing one such video, Smithley wrote, “There he is! Nice drop.”

This effort from Smithley’s dad received a lot of applause from netizens. Some called senior Smithley a “bada**” while praising his piloting skills. While his father battles wildfires from the skies, Garrett Smithley is no stranger to overcoming challenges in his career. The 32-year-old driver recently secured a full-time contract with SS-Greenlight Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Smithley, who last completed a full racing schedule in 2019, expressed optimism about his return.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be a full-time driver at SS Greenlight Racing. I haven’t been full-time since 2019, so beyond excited to get to work with Bobby and Jason Miller. Daytona can’t come soon enough!” The statement quoted Smithley. Notably, Smithley is not new to SS Greenlight as he has been their driver in the past. In 2020, he participated in 11 Xfinity races and had a top-10 finish at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Smithley’s NASCAR journey spans over a decade, with 180 starts in the Xfinity Series. Despite modest career statistics, including five top-10 finishes and one top-5 finish, his experience makes him a valuable asset for SS-Greenlight Racing. As the NASCAR community celebrates Smithley’s career milestones, the focus has temporarily shifted to his father’s heroic contributions. Fans have been quick to express their admiration for both the driver and his family.

NASCAR Fans laud Smithley’s father

Fans took to social media to applaud the bravery of Smithley’s father and the aerial firefighting crews. Messages of gratitude and admiration flooded Garrett Smithley’s posts, with many acknowledging the risks involved in aerial firefighting. One fan wrote, “Always thought these pilots were so brave. Amazing that’s your dad! Tell him thank you.” This wouldn’t be the first time a NASCAR driver has come to the rescue in times of crisis. Just a few months ago, as Hurricane Helene ravaged across Southeast United States, it was Greg Biffle firing up his helicopter and piloting it to provide aid. These gestures are just a small reminder of what drivers do to pay back to the community that has given so much to them.

It’s worth noting that firefighters and pilots need to maneuver extremely slowly and low to hit the targeted area. This involves a lot of risk, especially in dry air and heavy fire situations. Echoing the same sentiments, one fan wrote, “Really, your dad is an angel with a different set of wings. Make sure you tell him we all say hello and thanks—and stay safe.” The threat of piloting vehicles during a fire is intense. According to Greg Biffle, the winds reach up to speeds of 98 mph that blow embers everywhere, putting pilots at risk.

As California battles one of its most destructive wildfire seasons, some fans celebrated his father’s daring skills. “Your dad is a b*** for sure.”  Another added, “Fantastic piloting, brave people in those planes. Heroes.” For Garrett Smithley, 2025 marks a significant chapter in his racing career. But for now, the spotlight shines on his father, a true hero with a set of wings that serve a higher purpose.

We at Essentially Sports also extend our gratitude, and prayers and salute everyone involved in firefighting missions.