Wildcard delivers Supercars debut for Smith
GOLD Coast up-and-coming motorsport talent Jack Smith will make his Supercars debut next month after his Brad Jones Racing team announced a one-off wildcard entry for him at the Tasmania Super-Sprint.
Smith is still just 19 years of age but is already in his third season in the second-tier Super2 Series, in which he is currently ninth in the standings.
A former student of The Southport School, his maiden Supercars round will take place at Symmons Plains near Launceston across April 5-7.
It was there that Smith recorded his first Super2 podium last year and he can’t wait to test himself against the best in the business.
“I’m excited about racing against the main game guys,” he said.
“I’ve been watching and analysing the way they do things for a long time now and know there is a big challenge ahead of me.
“I know the circuit but all the other elements of the weekend will be new for me. Longer races and managing the tyres, pit stops, the qualifying format, it’s a lot to take in and learn. That kind of experience is invaluable and is what helps young guys transition between the two series. There are no expectations going into this in terms of results; this is about getting next level race experience and learning as much as I can.”
Smith’s entry will complement the three regular BJR cars driven by Nick Percat, Macauley Jones and fellow Gold Coaster Tim Slade.