Smith looking for triple "Grand" success
BriSCA F1 Stock Car superstar and National Series Shootout winner 390 Stuart Smith JNR will be looking to enter the history books on Saturday 24th March by becoming the first driver to have ever claimed a hat trick of F1 finals in successive meetings; in doing a hat trick; a bonus will take the final winner purse up to £1000!!
Stuart’s success started at the end of 2017 when he took the win in both of the National Series meetings here on 23rd September and then again 21st October when he beat rivals 445 Nigel Green and 55 Craig Finnikin to the flag
In the past 288 Simon Panton won both finals at a Speedweekend in 2004 before 380 Steve Cayzer won the last final of 2004 and the first of 2005 and 55 Craig Finnikin twice got a brace of final wins in both 2010 and 2012 whilst 515 Frankie Wainman Jnr came close to the elusive “triple” here in 2016 when he won the first two finals of the year but in the history of F1 racing at King's Lynn - which can trace its origins back to 1955 when Dereham's Bob Reeve won the first ever final to take place at Saddlebow Road - no driver has ever claimed a hat trick of wins.
Keith Organ caught up with Stuart to find out what he was thinking before his season debut Saturday.
KO: “How’s the Winter been? Have you done much to the car?”
SSJ: “At the end of last year I said I believe the Winter period is too short. Only because the time needed to prepare again for a season that’s getting longer and the Winter shorter. If you think, we have our Drivers Do at the end of November, then give yourself one week off, you only have 10 or 11 weeks; minus any commitments to NEC, NZ, Christmas with the family etc.. Remember we’re not professionals. After this Winter, I’ve stripped down both the cars, rebuilt both engines, done maintenance on the transporter plus the extra work needed for the rule changes. I’m still not ready! You have to do all this whilst trying to run a business and make sure my kids recognise me too. Anyway, back to your question; yes we have been busy!”
KO: “As no driver has ever won three King's Lynn F1 finals in succession before; will that make you more determined? Or is it a case of every win is determination enough?”
SSJ: “As last year, I will just concentrate on my job at hand and that is to be the best I can and hope it is enough on the day to win, but if I have a chance come the latter stages, I will become very determined!”
KO: “Of course the £1000 will be nice too?”
SSJ: “Of course, and that is a very nice touch from the promotion”
KO: “A number of drivers have won twice in a row, but never three; FWJ came close in 2016, but fell short in the third final coming home 4th in the main race; after he seemingly had a target on his back, will there be a game plan at all? Get them before they get you?”
SSJ: “Well if Frank can’t do it, then no one stands a chance do they? Anyone who wants to take races away from me are welcome to, but will know the repercussions. As long as it’s a good, fair Stock Car race, fair enough.”
SSJ: “I would like to say thanks to the Team, fans and sponsors for being on board again and we are all determined to make it a memorable year for us. Thanks, Stuart.”
Thank you to Stuart for taking time out of his busy schedule and we wish him luck for Saturday.
Will Stuart be enjoying grand success and making history - only one way to find out on 24th March!