Taylor-Smith triumphs with Independent hat-trick and podium at Donington BTCC
Aron Taylor-Smith delivered an impressive performance at Donington Park during the latest round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), securing a hat-trick of Independent victories and an outright podium finish.
The event, held on August 24-25, saw Hako sponsored BTCC driver Taylor-Smith continue his strong form in his Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing Vauxhall Astra.
Following a successful outing at Knockhill earlier this month, Taylor-Smith arrived at Donington with momentum on his side. The weekend marked the BTCC’s second visit to the Leicestershire circuit this season, this time utilizing the full 2.5-mile Grand Prix configuration.
From the outset, the Irish driver was among the top contenders, consistently featuring in the top eight during practice sessions. His strong pace carried through to qualifying, where he secured sixth on the grid for the first of three races.
In the opening race, Taylor-Smith faced early challenges, including a safety car intervention that left gravel scattered across the track. Despite losing a few positions after a high-speed incident at the Esses chicane, his quick reflexes enabled him to recover and finish ninth overall. More importantly, he clinched his 15th Independent class victory of the season.
Taylor-Smith continued his success in the second race, moving up to eighth place overall and securing his 16th Independent win. This consistent performance earned him a favorable position in the reverse grid draw for the final race, where he started fourth.
A strong start in the finale saw Taylor-Smith quickly move up to second, overtaking teammate Mikey Doble and then passing Osbourne’s Ford at the Melbourne Hairpin. Although safety car periods and light rain created opportunities for a potential win, Taylor-Smith focused on maintaining his position.
Despite being overtaken by Ingram in the closing stages, he secured third place, marking his second outright podium of the season and a clean sweep of Independent victories for the weekend.
Taylor-Smith’s results at Donington elevate him to seventh in the overall standings, while he extends his lead in the Independent Trophy to 59 points. With just six races remaining, he is on the verge of clinching the title, which could be sealed at Silverstone next month. His team, Evans Halshaw Power Maxed Racing, also holds a commanding 74-point lead in the Independent Teams Championship.
Looking ahead, Taylor-Smith expressed confidence as the BTCC heads to Silverstone’s National Circuit on September 21-22, aiming to maintain his strong form and possibly secure a victory.
