Chris Smiley vows to ‘bounce back’ into touring cars

Chris Smiley insists he has ‘unfinished business’ in the BTCC and has vowed to make a return to the series despite losing his seat with Team HARD.

The 24-year-old will drop down to the Renault Clio Cup from this weekend’s meeting at Snetterton having run into sponsorship problems, with former British GT champion Michael Caine replacing him at the wheel of the TLC Racing Toyota Avensis.

Having made the move into touring cars with an impressive resume that included race-winning performances in the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, Smiley will now join Jamsport’s Clio Cup team for the remainder of the year with his target being to return to the BTCC in future.

“My first season in the BTCC hasn’t gone the way I had hoped,” he admitted. “I need to get back to enjoying my motorsport and Team HARD have been very helpful in putting this deal together.

“I had a first run in the JamSport car at Donington Park last Friday and felt right at home. The UK Clio Cup car is a lovely piece of kit and felt great to drive, plus I was able to put in an identical time to Ant which is encouraging.

“Make no doubt about it – I feel I have unfinished business in the BTCC and being back in a tourer is what I want longer-term. The UK Clio Cup gives me the opportunity to prove myself again and work towards getting back there.”