Árón Smith has admitted that remains optimistic of scoring strong results in Sunday’s final three British Touring Car Championship races of the season, despite rolling his car in second practice.
Airwaves Racing’s Smith collided with the barriers on the approach to Druids after taking avoiding action when Speedworks Motorsport’s Ollie Jackson went off and rejoined the circuit in front of him.
“We came through Paddock [Hill Bend] on a flying lap and I think it was Ollie Jackson who had just went through the gravel,” said Smith to TouringCars.Net. “As he came back onto the track Frank [Wrathall] just stopped. I don’t think he realised a car was behind him and I had nowhere to go unfortunately.
“I just about missed him but then I lost control and went through the gravel. It was a shame because I think we went second on our flying lap and we’d put on brand new rubber to beat it, so it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth.
“I’ve never rolled anything before I don’t think. It just stopped on its side so we’re lucky because if it lands on the roof it does loads of damage. We just about scraped away with it but it’s put a hefty old bang to our hopes.”
Smith, who will miss Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session due to the damage sustained to his car, is optimistic of scoring strong results around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit on Sunday – having scored his maiden win at the circuit in 2012.
“We were really strong this morning,” added Smith, who finished first practice in fourth and second practice in ninth, despite his shunt. “I think we were quickest until the second-last lap, so I think we have a really good chance.
“Regardless of starting at the back I think race two and three will be fun. I honestly think we can get into the top ten in race one, even starting from last, and then you’re on for a normal weekend so hopefully I can give the team something to cheer about after wrecking the car in free practice.”