Jack Smith joins 2020 grid in expanded BJR line-up

Brad Jones Racing will expand to a four-car programme in the 2020 Supercars Championship after announcing plans to run series newcomer Jack Smith.

The 20-year-old, who has competed for BJR in both Super3 and Super2, contested four events as a wild card with the team this year and also raced in the Pirtek Enduro Cup with Matt Stone Racing.

He will now make the move into the series full-time after his father Peter purchased the Racing Entitlement Contract that had been leased to MSR from Jason Bright.

MSR has already secured a pair of RECs to use next year from Kelly Racing and GRM after both teams revealed changed programmes for 2020, with Kelly Racing downsizing from four cars to two, and GRM electing to leave the series.

“I am very excited about 2020, my first year as a full-time Supercars driver,” Smith said. “Over the past four years I’ve experienced many highs and lows in various categories, but it’s all been a lead up to next year, when the real work begins.

“BJR has been my home for the past three years and I feel great about competing in my first full-time year with them.

“There are a lot of aspects of this sport that I’ve learnt, and I’m looking forward to continuing that learning next year. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and it’s going to be a big year for myself, family, team and sponsor group.”

Nick Percat has already been confirmed as part of the BJR line-up for 2020, with Macauley Jones named at the wheel of the Tim Blanchard Racing entry that is also operated by BJR.

It leaves the #14 Holden Commodore currently vacant, with speculation over the future of Tim Slade.