SMITHJR LANDSTHE BIGONE

WHAT: BRITISHCHAMPIONSHIP WHERE: BELLEVUE,MANCHESTER WHEN: JULY1,2018

Stuart Smith Jr’s 2018 was one of triumph and tragedy. For much of the season, Smith was the man to beat and, at one stage in the season, it looked as though he might become the first driver in the history of the series to win the World, European, British and National Shootout titles all in the same season.

The British was the first title up for grabs. Smith trailed race leader Mat Newson, who had taken the initiative from the green flag, by a couple of car lengths going into the final turn. Smith barged Newson wide and won the drag race to the line.

Smith said: “Newson had the faster car, his car was the best it had been all day in the final and mine was not as fast as it had been. I just had to do it; I am not one for settling for second, I never have been.

“The fans come here to watch good racing and it is down to us to entertain them, that is something that I always have in the back of my mind.”