Josh Smith steps up from karts to cars with RSF backing

Reigning IAME X30 international kart champion set for 2015 MSA Formula campaign

Reigning IAME X30 international kart champion Josh Smith is to make the transition from karts to cars in the new junior MSA Formula.

The 15 year-old Brit – who has competed in UK and international KFJ class karting with RSF backing for the past two years – will race with Fortec Motorsports in the new single-seater category.

The one-make, 30-race British Touring Cars Championship support series is based on the FIA's new for 2015 F4 concept.

It will feature Mygale carbon fibre chassis powered by 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost engines with sequential paddle-shift transmissions. The series aims to provide an affordable bridge from karts to cars.

"It's a really exciting challenge for me," said Smith. "Last year in karting was a frustrating one for me which thankfully I managed to end on a high note with the IAME X30 title.

"The aim now is to put that difficult year behind me and focus on doing the best job I can for me and the RSF. I'll be racing with a top team and will hopefully be able to show what I'm really capable of."

Racing Steps Foundation founder Graham Sharp added: "It will be a tough championship for Josh to cut his teeth on with so many established Formula Ford drivers and top karters lined up for seats on the grid.

"But Josh showed last year that he has the grit and determination to dig deep and perform even when the odds are stacked against him. With Fortec - which has a superb reputation for bringing on youngsters in junior formulae - the hope is that Josh will be able to hit the ground running."


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