Taylor-Smith shines at Brands Hatch
Aron Taylor-Smith continued his dominance in the Independents Trophy and showcased his race-winning prowess as the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) roared back to life at Brands Hatch Indy last weekend [11-12 May].
Following his impressive double victory and strong points accumulation at the season opener in Donington Park, Hako sponsored Taylor-Smith, representing Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing, arrived at the renowned 1.2-mile Kent circuit determined to capitalise on his recent success.
From the outset, Taylor-Smith displayed promising form, topping the time charts in the opening practice session aboard his Vauxhall Astra challenger. Despite fierce competition on the grid, his qualifying performance positioned him in P14, setting the stage for three thrilling races witnessed by a packed audience at the venue and millions more tuning in via ITV4’s live coverage.
In the first race, Taylor-Smith’s lightning start propelled him up the ranks, ultimately securing a commendable tenth-place finish after a daring overtake maneuver. The second race underscored his resilience as he recovered from heavy contact to salvage another top-ten result, despite the challenge of less-favored Medium compound tires.
Starting from the front row in the finale, Taylor-Smith showcased his reflexes by briefly leading the race before settling for a hard-fought second place. Despite setbacks, his performance highlighted the significant progress made by Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing over the past year.
Taylor-Smith’s consistent podium finishes throughout the weekend propelled him ten points clear of his teammate Doble at the summit of the Independent Trophy standings. Additionally, Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing extended their lead in the Independent Teams’ standings, boasting a 22-point advantage over their closest competitor.
Looking ahead, the BTCC caravan moves to Snetterton’s 300 circuit in a fortnight [25-26 May], where Taylor-Smith aims to build upon his recent success.
Reflecting on his performance, Taylor-Smith expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and his championship lead, affirming their readiness to capitalise on future opportunities. With determination and a clear strategy, Taylor-Smith remains poised to continue his winning streak and cement his status as a force to be reckoned with in the BTCC arena.