Photo: PSP Images

Brett Smith secures full-time Eurotech drive

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Brett Smith will graduate to the BTCC on a full-time basis in 2018 after Eurotech Racing confirmed that the MINI Challenge champion will complete its driver line-up for the season ahead.

Smith replaced father Jeff for the second half of 2017 after he was sidelined as a result of the injuries he sustained in the multi-car qualifying incident at Croft.

With his father also ruled out of action for 2018 as he continues his recovery, Smith will now contest a full season in the BTCC for the first time alongside the already confirmed Jack Goff.

Matt Simpson will also race as part of the Eurotech line-up after switching from Team Dynamics over the winter.

“Obviously the circumstances around me coming into the BTCC weren’t ideal,” he said. “It would have been great to share the grid with my Dad as I have done in the MINI Challenge, though we are all still hoping that can be realised with a swift recovery!

“Nevertheless, it’s always been a dream of mine to race in the BTCC. It has a rich history, and it’s an unrivalled spectacle but for me it’s the challenge of beating 31 other drivers who on their day are also capable of beating you.

“There are very few other championships in the world which can lay claim to that and it’s my intention this year to build upon the steady progress I made between Snetterton to Brands Hatch and to be towards the front, challenging for podiums and, with a little bit of reverse grid luck, possibly even a win in 2018.”

Team boss Jeff Smith said he was sure Brett could have a strong season on track and tipped him to run towards the front of the pack.

“The BTCC is a monumental step up from any other UK championship,” he said. “With Brett having had no testing in the Honda Civic Type R, we were initially quite conservative on car set up.

“Whilst I have always been aware of Brett’s natural talent as a driver, I like many others were taken aback by just how quickly he got to grips with BTCC. As we saw in Free Practice at the final race weekend at Brands, he was fully committed.

“Unfortunately in qualifying, he was caught out by the rapidly changing conditions. Had this not happened, I’m sure he would have been right at the sharp end and would have got his maiden podium. Given this success, I see no reason for Brett not to be challenging very hard this year and look forward to seeing him on the podium.”