Jack Smith Takes Out BNT V8s Championship

Australian driver Jack Smith has taken out the 2018/19 BNT V8s Championship at Hampton Downs this weekend.

Smith had taken a third placing in the opening race of the weekend on Saturday, however a post race 30-second penalty for contact with Nick Ross relegated him to eighth place. He followed up a fourth place in race two of the weekend – giving him enough points to clinch the title before also grabbing a second place in race three.

His teammate and team owner, Lance Hughes had a stellar weekend clinching wins in all three races of the weekend.

For the young Australian however, it was the perfect end to a perfect season.

“It’s a great feeling. We secured the Championship in race two today, so we could go out and have a bit of fun in race three,” said Smith.

“Really cool to see Lance get the ‘clean sweep’ of the weekend. A formation finish over the line in that last one was really great too.”

In his first season of the championship, Smith claimed rookie of the year honours, before returning this season to claim top honours.

“The second year in the Championship was always going to be the year for us. We had a lot of things to get on top of last year and we were super confident coming into this season.

“The team did an amazing job in the off-season, they put a lot of effort into both cars and this was the intention. Feels really good to be able to give it to them.”

The Class Two title went to Justin Ashwell, who had a fierce battle all season with Matt Podjursky.

Caption: Australian driver Jack Smith has won the 2018/19 BNT V8s Championship at Hampton Downs this weekend.

Media release: Freddy Foote