Excelr8 Team Owner Justina Williams is predicting that the team ‘could be a surprise package’ as the British Touring Car Championship heads to Knockhill this weekend.
The team has impressed in early meetings this year with its brace of new Hyundai i30 N Fastback cars, with Chris Smiley currently sitting inside the top ten in the drivers’ championship in ninth overall.
The Northern Irishman secured a maiden podium position in the season opener at Donington Park, and since then he has been in regular contention for top tens, twice finishing ninth last time out at Oulton Park.
Heading to Knockhill in Scotland this weekend, Team Owner Justina Williams is expecting the team could surprise a few in the BTCC paddock.
“Four rounds in five weeks has been a monumental challenge for the whole Excelr8 team,” said Williams.
“Thank you for those that have helped get the Hyundai’s prepared for such a quick turnaround from Oulton Park to Knockhill.
“Both Senna [Proctor] and Chris picked up some excellent results at the circuit last year and we’ll be hoping they continue their run with us.
“Knockhill was tough last year for us, but I am confident, thanks to the momentum we have shown over recent rounds and the continued support of our sponsors, that Excelr8 will be a surprise package this weekend.”
Smiley has extensive experience of the Knockhill circuit, having competed for two seasons in the Scottish MINI Cooper Cup in 2010 and 2011.
“I’ve been around Knockhill a million times when driving in the Scottish MINI Cooper Cup,” said Smiley. “So, we’re going to a track I’ve got a lot of experience on, I know it inside out.
“I’m glad I left the car all in one piece, it means our team isn’t up all night fixing it. We’re happy and can prepare for this weekend fully.”
Proctor, meanwhile, is currently 11th in the drivers’ standings after he secured a trio of points finishes at Oulton Park, including a season-best result of sixth in race three.
The 22-year-old is targeting more points finishes in the coming races, as he aims for steady progress with the team in its first season with self-developed Hyundai machinery.
“We keep moving up in the championship after not an extraordinarily strong start at Donington,” said Proctor.
“We just need to keep creeping up, get into that top ten and collect as many points finishes as we can. [We need to] keep bringing the car home and I’m confident we’ll secure strong points for the team.”