MINI Challenge racer Rob Smith is targeting a graduating into the British Touring Car Championship with Power Maxed Racing next season, having completed a test in one of their Chevrolet Cruze machines at Snetterton last Wednesday [19th October].
Smith, who currently lies seventh in the popular 255bhp MINI series after a podium-laden campaign, was initially in line to drive Hunter Abbott’s car at the mid-season Dunlop tyre test at the same Norfolk circuit, though budget restricted his involvement. A deal was made, however, for the 24-year old former Clio Cup racer to prove his worth at the end of the season.
A day’s worth of running on the 300 layout used by the BTCC in competition has only hastened Smith’s desire to realize a career ambition of moving up into the UK’s most popular tin-top category.
“It was all I expected and more, it’s been a long held ambition of mine to drive a BTCC car”, said an elated Rob, “The day went superbly, it showed what a great job the guys at the MINI Challenge have done as it’s prepared me so well for the touring car. I was ready inside five laps, able to acclimatise to the car quickly and feel at home. It was a fantastic first test.
“The lap times were good, I was very happy with the progress we made and the day went pretty much faultlessly. The team did a great job and made the transition even easier, everyone was so helpful. I really liked driving the Chevrolet and I definitely want to be on the BTCC grid sooner rather than later – we’ll be working hard to try and raise the sponsorship to run with a top team like PMR.”
Smith stands as an example of the strong ties forged between Power Maxed’s brand and the MINI Challenge, and by the team’s evaluation did himself no harm in the search for a race seat in 2017.
“Rob performed in a very professional manner, settled into the car straight away and it quickly seemed a natural environment for him”, reflected Power Maxed Racing team manager Martin Broadhurst, “He followed all of the right procedures, behaved like a true professional should and made good gains throughout the test even though we were a bit unfortunate with the weather.”
Smith will take part in the final round of the MINI Challenge at Snetterton next weekend [28th-29th October].