Aron Smith was part of an ambitious unveiling by Team BMR just a few short weeks ago now as he announced his British Touring Car plans for 2014.

Smith moves from Wrotham based Airwaves Racing to move to the newly formed Team BMR with Warren Scott, with Kent’s Tony Gilham co-ordinating the operation.

Speaking about making the move to Team BMR, Aron said: “It is good news and to be fair this plan has been hatching for a little while. My engineer from 2012 and the second half of 2013 has moved across to Team BMR.

“I kind of had an insight of what was going on behind the scenes and the decision wasn’t made lightly to leave Airwaves as I have had two fantastic years with them. I was just trying to arm myself to be in the best possible position to hopefully be able to fight for the championship this year. I think with what Team BMR have already put in place, it is going to be something special.”

With Aron’s engineer Geoff Kingston having moved to Team BMR that played a factor in the move, as that kind of relationship can’t be easily replicated.

He added: “It is one thing that I have learned over the last few seasons, I honestly think that 90% of the drivers on the grid can drive a car relatively quick. It is the other 10% that can work with engineers that can develop the car and go even quicker again.

“I think that is where my relationship with my engineer Geoff Kingston comes into play and he knows exactly how I like the car. Staying with him means that we can come out on day one fighting really strong.”

Aron is joined by a whole host of strong drivers in the team for next season with Jack Goff, Warren Scott and the returning Alain Menu behind the wheel.

Talking about his fellow teammates for 2014, Smith said: “It is another big draw having Alain there, he is arguably the most renowned Touring Car driver in the world. I think Warren has done a fantastic job in getting him into the team.

“I know that I will learn things from him because of his experience, and having him there this season will really help us out, I am looking forward to working with him.”

The team will be running two VW Passat’s and two Vauxhall Insignia’s and Aron will be taking to the track in a Passat, which will be a bit different to the Focus that he raced last season.

He added: “I am in the Passat alongside Alain and Jack and Warren are in the Insignia’s. I have already been teammates with Jack Goff, back in the Clio Cup days. He is a great driver and proved that in the latter part of last year.

“I feel now with the constant developing of both the Insignia’s and the Passat’s, these two cars will be among the strongest come Brands Hatch.”

Aron is now looking towards being on the podium on a more regular basis and start challenging for championships as well.

“Now I am armed with the ammunition that I have always needed and the resources that are behind us in Team BMR, there is no reason why we can’t go to Brands and expect to be able to win.

“We have a rigorous testing plan in place to start around the end of the month, and between my NGTC experience and the experience that Alain brings from all his Touring Car years, I think we will be able to do something pretty incredible and be right up the front.”

With Warren racing on a weekend Aron believes that there is a strong team in the pits led by Tony Gilham who can ensure the team’s success.

He said: “There is so much behind the scenes in the engineering department and with Alan Cole as Team Manager and with Tony looking after the co-ordination of things there is a hell of a lot going on behind the scenes.

“In fact probably more so than at most teams and I think that is what is going to get us the victories and make us the force to be reckoned with.”

Smith can’t wait to get behind the wheel and start racing when Brands Hatch comes round towards the end of March.

“The announcement couldn’t come quick enough once we signed up and now the fitness programme ramps up to make sure that I am 110% ready. Now it all gears towards the first qualifying of the year on the 29^th March.

“Everything is shaping up nicely for that, Brands Hatch has always been kind to me and we have always been really quick around there. Of all the tracks I think I am probably more confident going there.”

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