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[BTCC] Smith "on A Mission" At Mondello Park |
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Tuesday, 18 April 2006 |
SMITH "ON A MISSION" AT MONDELLO PARK
Irishman Gavin Smith says he's on a mission to win in front of his home crowd at Mondello Park when the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship races at the County Kildare circuit on 23 April.
Smith, from Rathfarnham, got his 2006 BTCC season off to a strong start last weekend at Brands Hatch, Kent with a best result of fourth place. He currently lies sixth overall in what is one of the world's most famous motor racing championships.
"I'm on a mission to win," says 28-year-old Smith, who drives for Vauxhall's title-winning VX Racing team. "Last year was my first season in the BTCC and I started off unprepared. But Brands Hatch this time around was much better for me and after my fourth place last weekend I'm confident my first podium finish of the season is close. I believe I have the pace to get podiums and possibly a win.
"I want to win every time out, but obviously a first ever win in the BTCC at Mondello in front of my home crowd would be a dream. I want to be on the top step of the podium and hear the Irish national anthem playing out loud on the circuit's tannoys."
Smith says that squeezing a fast lap time out of Mondello's technical, twisting lay-out requires a patient approach, so those drivers with a cool approach will be rewarded. He is also confident of carrying on his strong start to 2006 as his team's Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch was the dominant car at Mondello last year, winning all three races.
Smith adds: "You really have to think each corner through, be patient and let the car do the work. Be gentle and the time will come; try and
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