Regan Smith a new father

Regan Smith

It's not often that a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver opts out of competing in a race.

But Regan Smith, who normally drives the No. 7 Chevrolet for Tommy Baldwin Racing, obviously made the right choice by doing so Sunday when he elected to skip the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.

Smith did so to be by his wife's side for the birth of their daughter, Eliza Grace Smith.

The driver introduced her to the world via a Twitter post.

Ty Dillon, meanwhile, subbed for Smith in the race at Chicagoland and came home in 27th.