Taylor-Smith ends record-breaking BTCC season with career-best finish
Árón Taylor-Smith concluded his standout season in the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) with a series of impressive performances at Brands Hatch, securing his 20th Independent win and a career-best 7th place in the overall standings.
The Hako sponsored driver entered the final weekend at the famous Kent circuit having already clinched the Independent title after a stellar showing at Silverstone. Driving the Vauxhall Astra for Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing, Taylor-Smith’s form continued as he remained a front-runner throughout the weekend, performing strongly in practice before excelling in qualifying. He comfortably made his way through the knockout rounds, securing a fifth consecutive ‘Quick Six’ appearance and lining up fifth on the grid.
Sunday’s action saw Taylor-Smith battle among manufacturer-backed teams and overall championship contenders. He secured two sixth-place finishes in the first two races, with his Race 2 result marking his 20th Independent victory of the season.
The reverse grid draw set Taylor-Smith on the front row for the final race alongside Josh Cook’s Toyota. However, a chaotic start caused damage to his Vauxhall Astra, hampering its performance for the rest of the race. Despite this, the determined 34-year-old managed to fight back to finish in 12th, ensuring he scored points in all 30 races of the season—an achievement no other driver matched.
Reflecting on his remarkable season, Taylor-Smith expressed his pride: “This season has been everything I’d dreamed of since I was a small child. To win any championship in the BTCC is no easy feat, and what we’ve achieved, both as Independent champions and challenging the manufacturer teams, is the highlight of my career.”
Taylor-Smith also paid tribute to his team and supporters: “I’m so grateful to my entire partner network, my family, and Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing for providing me with such a superb car. My aim is to keep improving, win races overall, and eventually fight for the overall title.”
With the 2024 season now behind him, Taylor-Smith is already looking ahead to 2025, eager to build on his successes and push for even greater achievements in the BTCC – and Hako will be with him every step of the way.
