Pirtek Racing, Honda Civic (Photo Credit: btcc.net)
PIRTEK RACING
No.55 Jeff Smith – No.77 Andrew Jordan
Honda Civic
It seems perverse but aged just 22, 2012 might just be a make or break year for Andrew Jordan.
A year at the close of Vauxhall's works program aside 2012 will be the first time the West Midlander has been in top-spec equipment. As well as some startling drives – his run of podiums in the early running last season for example – too often mistakes and poor luck take good finishes and points away. Now in a brand new Civic Jordan has the chance to prove his potential.
Both he and Jeff Smith are beholden to the same development schedule as the works cars – thanks to a technical tie-up the Eurotech run team should benefit from the advances on the timetable as the Dynamics squad.
Smith was one of the many 2011 rookies to surf the turbo power to early points, but slipped back as boost levels were cut over the course of the season. If the former Clio Cup man wants to become as much a fixture in the BTCC paddock as his young teammate he needs to put the top car to good use and challenge for regular points by at least mid-season, provided the car's development is on track.
Jeff Smith on….putting a year's experience into action
“It's a completely different car to drive. The Clio to the Vectra was one thing, the Vectra to the Civic is another step again. It's much more like GT car with the level of grip and how it handles so it's another learning curve. From a drivers point of view I've learnt quite a bit about the other guys on the grid so I know who I can trust going into a corner and who I can't.”
Andrew Jordan on….aiming for the title
“That has to be our aim in the car we've got and the team of people we've got. I've got some experience now in my fifth year. It's our aim and our hope. Consistent finishes is what we need to get, good solid first rounds to build on later in the season.”
