Aron Smith is now in his second season as a touring car driver and last weekend’s opener at Brands Hatch was something of a mixed bag.
The Irish ace finished ninth in race one, before retiring in race two and then coming from way down the grid in the reverse grid race to finish in an impressive 11th spot.
Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News, Smith gave his thoughts on what was an interesting opening weekend for his Wrotham based Airwaves Racing team.
He said: “You know it was always going to be difficult at the first race weekend considering all the teams have had so much experience with their current cars, something worthwhile noting is the fact that all the other cars are fully developed and at 100% while we’re still learning about ours. To think that our car is only still developing and is just about on the pace is very encouraging, we’ll get there!
Despite finishing in the points in race one the 23-year-old was left a little frustrated that he couldn’t quite get the best from the car.
He added: “If that was the best I thought we could have achieved then I would’ve been delighted but the frustrating thing is that I know the car is capable of much more. Top 10s are a really solid result but I think we’ve come a long way since this time last year so I guess its ok to be disappointed with results like that. The gear box issue got on every ones nerves in the team because it was really hurting us and was one of those problems that was totally out of the control of everyone at Airwaves racing.”
In race two unfortunately Aron had to retire with electrical issues and it was clear that all he wants to do is be out on track among the other drivers battling for points.
“It’s a sickening feeling sitting in the pits while the race is on-going, I can’t even put it into words when you can hear the others cars go by and you’re just sitting there watching them! Again it was a carry-over issue from the race one problem which makes it even more annoying.”
In the final race of the weekend we got to see just what the young driver can do when he made up an impressive place in the race to finish in 11th place, underlining the pace and potential that the car has.
Reflecting on his performance in race three, Aron said: I honestly think there’s a lot more to come from the car so while it was great to come from the back to 11th I still wasn’t overjoyed with the result! I think it’s an indication that the car will be very competitive but I do expect more from it and myself as the season presses on.”
There was some success at their home circuit for the Motorbase team when Liam Griffin won two out of three races in his Ford Focus ST to lead the Jack Sears Trophy, Smith was full of praise for the Addison Lee driver.
He added: “I really wasn’t that surprised in fairness! I think Liam’s pace has come on in leaps and bounds over the last two seasons. Take a look back at last year, you don’t qualify ninth at Thruxton by fluke so I genuinely believe we’ll see a lot more trophies for Liam this season… If he doesn’t win the championship I’ll be the first one on his case about it.”
We will bring you more from Aron next week in the build-up to round two of the BTCC season from Donington Park.
Pictures supplied by PSP Images