BTCC - Rnd 1

There will have been a few that may have raised their eyebrows at the inclusion of Zak Smith in this years Associated Constructors Cup team. A virtual unknown he may be but this junior touring car driver is already showing his potential and justifying his inclusion in the team along side such well established drivers as Olly Jefferies, Andy Robson and Alan Bickerstaff. Round one of this years BTCC series was at Yatley and Zak got his season off to a flying start with his TC5, on a track, which was still wet from over night rain. Zak was second in round one of qualifying and maintained top three times in the remaining runs to line up 2nd on the grid for the Pro Stock A final behind reigning national Pro Stock champion Glen Westwood. A win in the first final and a third in leg two gave Zak second overall on the day and a brilliant confidence boosting start to his 2009 campaign. The hope is to develop Zak through the season; he will be working closely with the Associated touring car team at nationals and has tested extensively with other members of the team in recent weeks. Zak will contest the next round of the BTCC where he will team up with other Associated team drivers including Olly and Andy Robson. This event is at West London and is seen as a warm up for the first national which takes place there next month.