Aron’s on a roll with winning team

DRIVER
Aron Smith has signed a deal with British Touring Car Championship winning team
888, a team that has seen the crowning of such champions as Fabrizio Giovanardi
and current WTCC champion Ivan Muller.

Aron
was presented with this opportunity when news broke that their current driver
Tony Gilham was unable to compete in the final four rounds.

“Once
a seat became available I was approached by Ian Harrison, 888’s team manager,
and offered this great opportunity which I couldn’t refuse,

? he said.

Aron
was testing at Donnington Park to get a feel for the race winning Vauxhall
Vectra that he will be racing, ahead of his debut BTCC race weekend at
Knockhill, something that he has always aspired to do since he started karting
in Ireland.

With
the Clio Cup championship still on the line, as just nine points separate Aron
from the championship lead, his plan is to give his full commitment to
finishing the championship and complete all the remaining rounds.

“At
the moment this is just a one off round with the view to build towards a full
BTCC campaign in 2012,

? he explained.

“From being with Pyro Racing Team in the
Clio Cup Championship for the last two seasons I believe that I have learnt the
necessary skills to compete at this high level. Don’t get me wrong, I know this
will be a steep learning curve but it is something which I’m really looking
forward to.

?

The
Knockhill circuit is one of the few tracks on the BTCC calendar that offers
such close racing. Aron compared the track to that at Thruxton in that it
challenges every aspect of a driver’s skill, from slow to brave corners.

“Knockhill
is an amazing track and to get to go there with 888 makes it even better,

? he
enthused.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all my sponsors for their
support and of course Motorsport Ireland for their continued help and support.

“At
this moment in time we’ve secured 50 per cent of the budget for next season so
hopefully we will be able to persuade some more potential sponsors.

?