Taylor-Smith battles challenging rounds in BTCC
Aron Taylor-Smith (#40) has showcased his resilience and determination in the 2025 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season thus far, despite facing significant setbacks and challenges along the way.
During his latest outing, Taylor-Smith faced a series of hurdles, starting with an incident at the Island hairpin during the first contest. This unfortunate moment shuffled him back to P13, though he quickly demonstrated his characteristic tenacity by working his way forward again in subsequent races. In the second race, his performance was particularly noteworthy as he climbed the order to reach as high as ninth place. However, luck was not on his side, as an engine failure just a few laps before the finish dashed his hopes of a strong result. The mechanical failure forced Taylor-Smith to retire from the race, leaving him as a spectator for the remainder of the contest while hopes for redemption had to be postponed.
In the aftermath of the engine issue, the Speedworks Motorsport crew faced what can only be described as a herculean task: attempting to repair the #40 Toyota Corolla GR Sport in just a one-hour turnaround. Unfortunately, the extent of the damage was too severe to overcome in such a short time, leaving Taylor-Smith unable to compete in the final race of the day. His teammate, Gordon Shedden, ultimately secured a victory in the final race, highlighting the untapped pace and potential of the car.
Reflecting on the weekend, Taylor-Smith did not shy away from expressing his frustration but remained resolutely focused on the positives. He reaffirmed that the team was making tangible progress with the Toyota Corolla GR Sport, evidenced by competitive runs in practice, qualifying, and the early stages of the races. While the engine failure was a setback, Taylor-Smith praised the dedication and efforts of the #40 car crew for their hard work under immense pressure.
Looking ahead, Taylor-Smith emphasized the importance of regrouping and returning to the circuit with renewed determination. With the next BTCC event scheduled for 3-4 August at Croft in Yorkshire, the team will aim to build on their improvements and capitalize on the summer break to address any lingering issues. Taylor-Smith remains optimistic about showcasing the car’s potential in the races to come.