BRANDS HATCH INDY FIGHTBACK IN SMITH'S SIGHTSErstwhile Power Maxed MINI Challenge points leader Rob Smith says he is confident of a strong fightback during the fourth event of the 2015 season at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit next weekend, 27th/28th June, where the championship will form part of the popular MINI Festival.
Having enjoyed an outstanding start to his first full season in the ultra-competitive category with two wins and three other podiums from the first six races, last weekend at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit his title bid was dented when gearbox problems resulted in his first non-finish of the year.
Although able to chalk-up some valuable points with eighth in the first race and eighth again in race three, the latter after a strong drive from the back of the MINI F56 grid, the Telford driver’s enforced retirement from the second encounter cost him an almost guaranteed podium.
Leading the driver standings going into the Silverstone event, the 23-year-old ultimately departed the Northamptonshire track on Sunday third in the championship so is absolutely determined for normal service to be resumed just over a week from now on the category’s return to Brands Hatch.
“I’m not a big fan of the Grand Prix track at Brands, although we did take a couple of podiums when we raced there last month, but I do like the Indy Circuit and I’m looking forward to being back in action there”, said the Excelr8 Motorsport driver, “We’ve had podium success on the Indy in the past in the Clio Cup, so hopefully we can get back to where we should be next weekend.
“Silverstone was tough, the DNF was a big blow and without that we probably could have kept the lead of the championship. We know what we’ve got to do, though, and the aim is to fight to be on the podium in all three races at Brands.”
Alongside regular sponsors Evergreen Tyres, BMTR and Grouptyre, for rounds 10, 11 and 12 Rob’s MINI F56 will also be backed by Grouptyre member EG Wholesale, the wholesale distribution arm of Elite Garages Ltd which has more than a dozen outlets across the south.
Next weekend’s MINI Festival is set to be one of the biggest events of the MINI Challenge season where, in addition to the on-track action from a variety of MINI categories, there will be a host of car club stands and displays plus a stunt show from world-famous car-control legend Russ Swift.
Qualifying at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit will get underway at 09.55 on Saturday, 27th June, with round 10 following at 14.45. On Sunday, 28th June, round 11 is timetabled to start at 14.30 with round 12 expected to begin at 17.40.
Provisional 2015 Power Maxed MINI Challenge Driver Standings (after Rd9): 3rd Rob Smith, 336pts
