Rob Smith has a new found level of determination going into rounds seven and eight of the Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup season at Oulton Park in Cheshire next weekend, 7th/8th June, as he sets his sights on two consistently strong points finishes at his ‘home’ track.The fourth race meeting of the 2014 season takes place on the full International Circuit layout at the picturesque Cheshire track, rather than the shorter Island Circuit which has been a staple feature of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship package since the mid-1990s.Delighted to have the opportunity to race again on the 2.69-mile track, having last tackled its unique challenges in 2011 when he competed in Formula Ford single-seaters, the 21-year-old from Telford is committed to pushing harder than ever at the wheel of his turbo-powered Renault Clio as he strives to once again challenge for the podium.“Oulton has always been one of my favourite tracks, if not the favourite to be honest”, said the Evergreen Tyres, Grouptyre UK and BMTR-supported racer, “I always enjoy racing there, it’s one of the best challenges in the country, and it’s even better being back on the International Circuit.“After the last round at Thruxton I wasn’t too happy, but since then we’ve had a look at things and tried to work out what it is we’ve been missing since Brands. I’ve made changes to my approach and it seems to be working – going into Oulton I’m feeling the most upbeat, confident and well-prepared I’ve ever felt before a race meeting.”While not accruing the results he desired over the past couple of race meetings, importantly Rob has still managed to bag double-figure championship points at each round to ensure he is within just 14 points of the coveted championship top six. Currently ninth in the standings, the Team Pyro driver is also fourth in the Graduate Cup class for younger competitors.As well as that, the pace which delivered podium success at Brands Hatch was still in evidence last time out at Thruxton with a top four qualifying performance – his best ever showing there. Problems with tyre degradation, though, hampered his results potential in rounds five and six.In addition to his existing partners, Rob also welcomes Oak Tyres – the UK’s leading regional independent distributor to the fast-fit industry – into his portfolio for the Oulton Park weekend. The Haydock-based business also provided key support for the corresponding event last season.“We’re really pleased to have Oak Tyres back on-board for Oulton, they were crucial in securing the backing we’ve got from Evergreen Tyres”, added the Loughborough University student, “There will be a lot of guests coming to the track with it being our local event, I’m hopeful we can give them plenty of great racing to enjoy. I think silverware should be easily achievable.”Following the usual pre-event practice sessions on Friday, 6th June, qualifying for rounds seven and eight of the Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup will take place at 11.35 on Saturday, 7th June, with the first race of the weekend following at 16.35.On Sunday, 8th June, round eight will get underway at approximately 13.30 and will be screened live on ITV4 and ITV4 HD with live streaming online at www.itv.com/btcc2014 Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup Driver Standings (after Rd6):9th Rob Smith, 94pts2014 Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup ‘Graduate Cup’ Standings (after Rd6):4th Rob Smith, 134pts