Taylor-Smith celebrates brace of Independent wins at BTCC season opener
Hako sponsored driver Aron Taylor-Smith made a resounding start to the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, showcasing his prowess with two Independent victories at Donington Park.
The Dubliner, driving for Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing, arrived at the East Midlands circuit brimming with confidence following a productive winter of development on his Vauxhall Astra challenger.
The weekend’s action commenced with the introduction of the BTCC’s inaugural ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format, akin to Formula 1’s knockout system. Taylor-Smith shone brightly during the qualifying sessions, impressively navigating through eliminations. Despite narrowly missing out on the pole position shootout by a mere three thousandths of a second, his seventh-place starting position signaled a step forward for both him and the team.
Undeterred by Sunday morning’s torrential rain delays, Taylor-Smith delivered a gritty performance in the opening race, fending off relentless pressure to maintain seventh place. In the subsequent contest, minor damage relegated him to eleventh overall but secured another Independent class victory, underscoring his tenacity and skill.
However, luck eluded Taylor-Smith in the final race as he grappled with a midfield start, ultimately finishing fourteenth. Nonetheless, his consistent points-scoring finishes leave him in a commendable tenth place overall in the standings, while leading the Independent Championship ahead of teammate Mikey Doble by three points. Additionally, Taylor-Smith’s performances have bolstered Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing’s position at the top of the Independent Teams’ standings, fostering optimism for the season ahead.
Looking ahead to the next race at Brands Hatch’s Indy circuit, Taylor-Smith exudes confidence, buoyed by the team’s positive pre-season testing at the venue. He acknowledges the continuous evolution of the Vauxhall Astra package and remains optimistic about uncovering further improvements.
In conclusion, Taylor-Smith’s impressive start to the season not only highlights his driving prowess but also underscores the competitive edge of Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing in the 2024 BTCC campaign.
Before all the action started, Hako’s MD Sylvie Giangolini and UK Sales Director Craig Metcalf enjoyed a sponsors event including a tour of the garage by Taylor-Smith.