Aron Smith to make BTCC debut with Triple Eight

21-year-old Aron Smith will make his debut in the British Touring Car Championship in a one-off appearance for Triple Eight Race Engineering this weekend, filling the vacant seat left by Tony Gilham.

Dublin-based Smith currently races in the Renault Clio Cup UK championship, where he is currently placed second with Team Pyro, and is the younger brother of former BTCC driver Gavin Smith, who drove for Triple Eight in 2005-2006 and last raced for Paul Ridgeway’s GR Asia team in 2007.

“I’m over the moon to be making my BTCC debut with a team with such experience as Triple Eight,” said Smith.

“I’m certain that they have a very competitive package and I’m equally sure we will work very well together. To get to make my debut at Knockhill makes it even better. The track itself should suit my driving style and now I’m just dying to get out in the car. I know it’ll be a steep learning curve but with the help I’ll be getting from the team I’m sure we can get some good results.”