Improvement has Smith Energized for Dover Cup Race

Regan Smith and Furniture Row Racing have a renewed spirit due to recent performances in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. After enduring a four-race slump, Smith and the Denver-based team feel the ship has been righted as the circuit heads to Dover (Del.) International Speedway for Sunday's running of the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks. Smith's finishes of 14th (Darlington) and 17th (Charlotte) might appear to be so-so, but in reality the 15.5 average is indeed miles better than his 28.5 average in the previous four races. "Of course we want better finishes than 14th and 17th," said Smith. "But right now it's about showing improvement and that's what we're doing."Though Smith is looking for better results, had he secured a 15.5-average finish in the first 12 races of the season he would have accrued enough points (342) to be positioned in 13th place in the driver point standings. Instead, he has a 22.00-average finish and sits 23rd in points ...