Clio Cup Newcomer Rob Smith - Photo Credit: Scott Mitchell
Total Control Racing have confirmed saloon car newcomer Rob Smith will be competing with them in the 2012 AirAsia Renault Clio Cup UK, Smith joining Nicolas Hamilton at the front-running outfit.
19 year old Smith, son of former British Touring Car Championship racer Paul, joins the Clio Cup after competing in club-level Formula Ford in the last 18 months. Smith, who currently studies Automotive Materials Engineering at Loughborough University, finished fourth overall in North West Formula Ford 1600 in 2011 and finished eleventh in the Kent-engined class of last year's prestigious Formula Ford Festival.
Telford-based Smith had maiden Clio Cup test with TCR at Oulton Park in mid-February and after most testing opportunities since, decided a switch to saloon cars and the Clio Cup was the right move for his career.
Smith said: “I'm thrilled, it's great that all the hard work we put into securing the budget over the winter has paid off and we can now commit to the Clio Cup for 2012. It's also a real boost to be working with a team of TCR’s calibre who have had so much success in the championship, which I hope we can add to this year. We've had some very positive progress in testing already, so by the time the season kicks off we should be raring to go!”
TCR team principal Lee Brookes said: “We're delighted to be able to confirm Rob alongside Nic for the new season, it's going to be a very interesting year for both of them and we're confident they're each going to do a great job.
“Rob has shown some really encouraging pace in the few tests he's done with us and we've got very high hopes for what he can achieve as the championship moves forward, he's definitely one to watch.”
