Multiple Power Maxed MINI Challenge race winner Rob Smith is determined to continue his sensational start to the 2015 season when the second event of the championship gets underway at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit this coming weekend, 9th/10th May.
Embarking on his first full season in the hugely popular one-make category this year, the Telford racer set his stall out impressively during the championship curtain-raiser just over a week ago with two victories from three races and a hat-trick of podiums.
With pole position in qualifying and fastest lap in rounds one and three, Rob certainly underlined his title challenging credentials from the outset and is confident of maintaining his terrific momentum when the MINI Challenge supports the UK round of the Blancpain Sprint Series just a few days from now.
That said, the Evergreen Tyres, Grouptyre and BMTR-supported driver is by no means getting carried away and with a long season still ahead Rob says he is going to maintain a realistic approach in the ultra-competitive championship.
“In one way I want to stay fairly realistic after Donington but, at the same time, I want to try and go out there at Brands and do the same again”, said the Shropshire racer, “I know the circuit relatively well, our pace was good in the JCW MINI there last year and I finished on the podium in the Clio Cup on the Indy Circuit.
“I’m feeling confident but we can’t get carried away after the Donington results, if I can come away with three trophies from Brands – in whatever podium position – I’ll be happy as we’ve got to look at the long game and the championship as whole.”
Off the back of such a tremendous start to his MINI Challenge bid, the Excelr8 Motorsport driver is relishing being back behind the wheel of his MINI F56 so soon which, at Brands Hatch, will feature boosted support from Grouptyre Wholesale.
Additionally, the Loughborough University graduate is looking forward to racing on the same card as the Blancpain Sprint Series, which features some of Europe’s premier sportscar drivers and teams, on its annual visit to British shores.
“It’s going to be good racing on the same package as Blancpain and it’ll be nice to have a big crowd which should rival the ones you get at the touring car events”, added Rob, “Hopefully we can keep the momentum going and take three good results there.”
MINI Challenge qualifying will take place at 09.00 on Saturday, 9th May, with the opening race of the weekend following at 14.05. On Sunday, 10th May, round five will start at 13.05 with round six set to begin at 16.40.
Provisional 2015 Power Maxed MINI Challenge Driver Standings (after Rd3):1st Rob Smith, 158pts
