BTC Norlin names Chris Smiley as first driver

The BTC Norlin Racing team has confirmed that Chris Smiley will return for the 2018 BTCC season when the team switches to the Honda Civic Type-R.

Smiley joined the team for its debut season in the series and scored a best finish of seventh at Silverstone in a campaign that saw him gradually move his way up the order to become a regular contender for points.

The 25-year-old will seek to maintain that progress into the new season, with the target of regularly pushing into the top ten.

“I am absolutely over the moon to be back with BTC Norlin Racing and the new Honda Civic Type-R machinery,” he said. “This is a hugely exciting time for me, the BTC Norlin Racing team and our sponsors with the Civic Type-R being a double BTCC Championship winning car.

“My expectations for the up and coming season are high after having top ten race pace consistently in the second half of the 2017 season. I can’t thank Norlin and [team boss] Bert Taylor enough for everything they have done for me and ensuring I have the best package possible for the up and coming year.”

Smiley will have a new team-mate for 2018 however after team-mate Dave Newsham elected to call time on his BTCC career, with team owner Richard Irwin quick to praise both drivers following the announcement.

“We are delighted that Chris has agreed to race again for us in 2018,” he said. “He has the character and commitment to grow year on year and I have no doubt he will be challenging for podiums at each round in the Hondas.

“I also want to personally thank Dave Newsham for last season and holding us through a very competitive first season in BTCC. His racing consistently lifted the garage, team and all our guests and he will be sorely missed by us all.”