GORDON SMITH - 6/06/1969 -
KYAK Motorsports was created when JTG-Daughtery was rebranded, and saw a restructuring in ownership after the 2024 season - thus creating HYAK Motorsports. The team was originally founded by marketing agents Jodi and Tad Geschickter, and later brought on NBA veteran Brad Daugherty and Gordon Smith of HYAK Maritime as investors. Some info on Smith's history. He previously worked at Kirby Offshore Marine as a President - Pacific Region. Gordon Smith attended Colorado State University. During his high school and college days, Gordon Smith began his career as a deckhand diver in 1984 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Colorado State University in 1992. Due to the untimely death of his father, Smith became president of the family businesses in 1992. In 2001, through a merger of all the family entities, Gordon became the controlling owner and President of Smith Maritime, Ltd from 2001 through 2007. In 2002, Smith partnered with Bob Dorn and Wayne Sundberg to form Sirius Maritime LLC, and was Vice President of Operations until the acquisition of those companies in 2007. Since the acquisition, Smith has served as President-Pacific Region for K-Sea Transportation from August 2007 to July 2011, and more recently, served as
President-Pacific Region for Kirby Offshore Marine from July 2011 to May 2013. Smith currently holds the COB President position with Hyak Maritime from March 2012. He has more than 25 years of experience in project and program management in the maritime industry. Smith is currently a trustee for the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, a board member with the Pacific Aviation Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, and a member of the Young Presidents Organization. He holds a certificate and license as a commercial helicopter pilot, airline transport pilot, and 500 G.T. Master of Towing Vessels. Gordon was introduced to the NASCAR garage in late 2012. He started learning about the industry and about a year later decided he wanted to make a vested interest in the sport, and started leasing engines to a smaller team. It was at this time that Smith developed a deeper connection with Tad and Jodi Geschickter, and in 2016 he officially took an ownership stake in the team. Smith, Daugherty and long-time racer Ernie Cope remain as owners as is Mark Hughes, all listed in the latest release. The team will continue to run the #47, with driver Ricky Stenhouse, and longtime crew chief and competition director Mike Kelly atop the pit box. “Becoming the owner of Hyak Motorsports brings an exciting opportunity,” said Gordon Smith, Team Owner/CEO. “I look forward to building on the team’s accomplishments, investing in its future, and driving toward new successes in partnership with our fans, sponsors, and team members.” Hyak, for the record, means ‘fast’ in Chinook Jargon, the trade language of the Pacific Northwest, where Smith operates his maritime business; that builds and supplies heavy freight transport. “Our goal is to compete and win races at the highest level of NASCAR. The name change signifies that commitment and desire to be our very best.” Cope has an extensive resume in various competition roles at the highest levels of the sport. “2025 will begin a new era for this company,” said Cope. “We’re still committed to being a winning team with Ricky and the entire #47 crew. This is just the next step in elevating the team to another level.” “This rebrand is exciting for the team and myself,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr, driver for the #47 Chevrolet Camaro. “I’m excited for everyone to see the rebrand this offseason and in 2025. The team has won the most iconic of races with the Daytona 500, so this is just a continuation of building its legacy.” Kroger departed as the major sponsor at the end of 2024. Kroger went to be a major sponsor on RFK Racings car driven by Ryan Preece. While 2024 was disappointing, the team showed late-season improvement, including a Talladega win. Despite not changing manufacturers or drivers, the rebrand might lead to better performance in 2025 or the need for further changes.