ST. ROSE — Brothers Glen and Gary Smith grew up near the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish and cultivated a love for motorsports at an early age.

Today, they co-own GSmith Motorsports and The Magnolia Companies of LA, LLC in St. Rose, organizations that provide an outlet for them to pursue charity work as they travel the globe to compete in motorsports events.

Glen and Gary recently competed in the annual Cannonball Run, an eight-day cross country run from Detroit to Salt Lake City that tests the physical endurance of driver and navigator teams through changing weather and road conditions.

The duo returned home with national and international awards.

The Cannonball Run kicked off with a dynamic unveiling of GSmith Motorsports’ “Because ‘Merica” Callaway Corvettes that went on to win the North American Wrap Like a King national title and achieve second place in the International Wrap Like a King competition.

The vehicles reigned supreme for their creative design and seamless chrome wrapping that colored the cars from top to bottom, according to Glen.

He said the presentation of the Callaway Corvettes was the most memorable part of the adventure.

“The cars were unveiled, and we had Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ playing in the background,” Glen said. “We had smoke coming from under the cars. It was very special to us. There were more than 500 people there, and they were all very excited.”

Kevin Kempf of PG NOLA created the expert automobile wrap after the GSmith team explained the theme. Glen said the design blew everybody away and exceeded his wildest expectations.

The Corvettes resemble American flags with streaks of red, white and blue. Since the Cannonball Run draws crowds from countries around the world, Glen and Gary wanted to represent America with two of the top selling sports cars made in the U.S.

As the team traveled to different destinations around the country, fans could track the cars to see where they would appear next, according to Glen.

Glen said the Cannonball Run is a bucket list event for him because of the friendships forged, the outstanding machinery and the incredible scenery witnessed along the way.

Several stops featured charitable events and collections, Glen said.

In the River Parishes, GSmith Motorsports supports the community through service projects each year, with many focusing on children. This holiday season, the team donated Thanksgiving meals to needy families and held a Christmas celebration gifting toys and Santa pictures for unprivileged children.

Additionally, the group collected teddy bears to present to children hospitalized during Christmas, and an annual prom dedicated to critically ill teenagers will take place in April.

Glen and Gary bring GSmith machinery to different events because of the reactions they spark in children who see them.

“The kids love the cars and the bikes,” Glen said. “Their eyes light up when they see it.”

The “Because ‘Merica” Corvettes will remain on display at GSmith Motorsports at 10567 Airline Highway in St. Rose.

Glen said he looks forward to entering the Gumball Rally overseas, which will involve a run stretching from London to Tokyo.