Smiley’s delight at Silverstone experience

The 21-year-old won the opportunity to drive one of Triple Eight MG6’s after taking nine victories in the JCW Cup (John Cooper Works) Class which is runs within the Mini Challenge UK.

Smiley was entrusted with Jason Plato’s race-winning car and went on to complete three runs around the 1.640-mile national circuit, experiencing both in wet and dry conditions. Smiley completed a total of 35 laps and showed steady progression through all of the sessions.

“The day was absolutely amazing and a realisation of a dream for me, getting to work with Triple Eight was amazing.

“The MG6 was brilliant to drive and was more accessible than I’d expected, mainly due to the format of it being front-wheel-drive and turbocharged, like the Mini. But the MG took everything to the next level.”

He added: “The car gives you real confidence to push and I learned more with every lap. My pace was only seven tenths of the day’s fastest times and would of put me mid-grid at Silverstone’s round of the BTCC, which was very pleasing. I got a taste of what it’s like to race at the top level. I’ll take so much away from the day that I can use in my future career.”

Smiley recently picked up 2013 MINI Challenge Driver of the year at the Mini Challenge awards evening, held in England.