The BriSCA F1 World Championship Semi Final; the last step in the road to the World Championship event in September. The highest points scorer from the qualifying rounds given the choice of Semi Final; Stuart Smith (390) had that task and chose here. The road to the gold roof hots up now and nobody wants to crash out at this stage; particularly Smith.
Ahead of the meeting Saturday, Stuart took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for Keith Organ.
KO: “How’s the season been for you and the team?”
SSJ: “Good we have started where we left last year, i feel good and the cars are too. The team are feeling the strain as normal at this point in the season, lots of championships and things to aim for so all is good really.”
KO: “Ahead of the Semi Final; what are you doing to the car to prepare it for the race?”
SSJ: “Well, after having to race at NIR on Sunday to help with qualifying points for the European to be run World Masters day in September; (because of the conditions) we now have to strip the car down and clean everything, just so we don’t have any breakdowns. Plus it was bumpy too, so a strip down of the drive train is needed i.e.: gearbox, diff, half shafts and shocks etc…we have lots to do.”
KO: “How are you feeling about the race Saturday?”
SSJ: “I’ve competed in lots of Semis now and just treat them as a normal race really. There is always an air of worry due to the nature of what’s at stake, but that’s kind of out of my control. If we have prepared correctly and i do my job right, there is no reason to not win.”
KO: “Was it a tough decision over Birmingham to go King’s Lynn and did the grids have any basis on your choice. I.e. putting drivers in a certain Semi Final or just your own choice?”
SSJ: “Not at all, l just made the decision based on myself; what would better suit me and give me the best chance of a front row start.”
KO: “You will be starting one of the favourites, you must be confident going in to the race?”
SSJ: “Yes really confident; i know I’m good enough and so is the car; at the end of the day we all know just being up near the front at Skegness might just be enough; where as last year i knew i had to be on the first two rows to stand any chance of the win, but as it turned out, it didn’t help at all really.
KO: “Do you have a any game plan? Do you want to be front row at Skegness or do you feel further back is more advantageous?”
SSJ: “I think front row is always the best, but it seems to be the case these days the race always tries to get won in the first couple of laps; it seems to be less of an advantage especially at Skeg. So, who knows? One thing is, my game plan is to get qualified first!!”
KO: “So, who will be your biggest challenger?”
SSJ: “Anyone can try to be honest. Everyone is in with a chance, it’s a Stock Car race! I hope that it’s a boring flag to flag for the pole sitter (ha ha!)
KO: “Anyone you want to thank or anything else to add?”
SSJ: “Yes mainly the team and all my sponsors. We have a great package this year and i really just want to win for them so they can experience the joy of winning. Also my Wife and Family that don’t really see me enough due to the dedication needed. Finally, my supporters, its really nice to do it for them and send them home with a smile as and when i can!
Thank you Stuart for taking time out to help with the above, we wish him and the other 23 competitors well for the big race, this Saturday 4th August from 5pm.