Young Carrick Driver Wins Racing Award (Knockhill Young driver of the year - Saloons)
Wed 14 Dec 2011 - 21:36
Carrickfergus young racing driver Chris Smiley has ended his 2011 season in winning ways after last week being named Scotland's Young Driver of the year. The award comes to the 19 year old after only his second season racing in the Scottish Celtic Speed Mini Cooper Cup.
Highlights of Chris's season were the four victories he scored, two of which came in July at the Kirkistown double header, aptly Chris's home circuit. Overall Chris achieved a highly creditable fourth place in the championship.
Scottish F1 driver Paul Di Resta and Rookie of the Year was on hand to make the presentation to Chris at the Scottish Motor Racing Club annual Awards dinner held in Edinburgh. Chris commented "It was a great second season for me, finishing fourth in the Scottish Mini Cooper Championship with the highlights a win at the British Touring Car Championship meeting at Knockhill and the Kirkistown double". Chris's name now joins an elite list of pass winners which notably includes the likes of Gordon Sheddon and Alan McNish.
Chris's switch to 'tin-tops' came after a highly successful career in karts and he will again aim to progress his career in 2012 by competing in the UK based Mini Challenge. This step-up will see Chris competing at seven of the UK's major circuits, with a gruelling program of 20 races with two of the rounds having no less than 4 races over the race weekend. No doubt these weekends will provide Chris with a true test of his mental and physical fitness.
Chris commented "I see this series as a major stepping stone to a drive in the British Touring Car Championship, with its increased profile, reversed grids and the opportunity it gives me to learn and race on the same circuits that the BTCC visits is invaluable" Chris's racing exploits can be followed in 2012 through Chris Smiley Racing on Facebook and Twitter.
Report By Tony Gregory