British Touring Car Championship driver Jeff Smith will make his debut in the International Superstars Series at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.
The 46-year-old will race a BMW M3 entered by Team Target Competition, also new to the series. The car will be prepared by top outfit Team BMW Dinamic.
Coventry-born Smith, who is currently in his second season in the BTCC with Pirtek Racing, is eyeing an entry in 2013.
“I’m convinced that Superstars is currently one of the benchmark championships at international level and I was looking forward to enter at least one race this season,” he said.
“The round at Spa-Francorchamps is our first approach to Superstars with the BMW M3. More occasions could be on the way although this season has already got past its halfpoint and we’re focusing on lining-up in 2013.”
Team Manager Walter Grummerer said: “Smith was eager to enter a Superstars race this season, and we worked together in order to make it possible on a fascinating venue like Spa-Francorchamps.
“Our goal is to take this race as a test, with a competitive car, and work with an eye on the 2013 season. We decided to join Team BMW Dinamic also because of our relationship with Roberto Ravaglia. He put us in contact with the team and provides them with his direct support.
“Regarding the next season we are currently oriented towards the BMW brand, and at Spa-Francorchamps we’ll get a good chance to sample the M3 with the assistance of Team BMW Dinamic. For 2013, we are still deciding if developing a new car or choose one of the models already available.”
Smith is the second BTCC racer to sample Superstars this year after Tom Onslow-Cole's appearance at Donington Park.