Keith sets out to make his mark as a racing driver

KEITH SMITH will be setting out this coming summer on the road to becoming a full time motor racing driver, writes Ian Henderson.

The 28 year old accountant, who lives in Eastleigh, is to race in the Stock Hatch Series in a Mk 1 Volkswagen Golf.

Keith has always been interested in the sport and signed up for a week's racing tuition last year at the Silverstone circuit.

His father, Paul, subsequently contacted the experienced Alresford-based driver Mike Dowsett for advice and assistance and he supplied and prepared the Golf for Keith to race in.

"I've always been a motor racing fan and really feel that I want to give driving a go," he told me.

"This is the first step towards achieving my ambitions as a driver."

So keen is he that he has sold his beloved Honda Type R to finance the season's efforts in the 14-race series.

"It'll be a thrill to race at all the major circuits in England and Wales, including Brands Hatch and Silverstone," he says.

"I look on this first season as gaining experience and my aim is to finish as many races as possible. Next season, I'll be hoping for a win or two and maybe to win the series."

Keith will be driving the only Golf in the championship and will be up against a number of XRs and Peugeot 205s.

He'll have the back-up of his father as manager, while Mike Dowsett will also be lending support at some of the events and providing the facilities at his Alresford garage for post-race maintenance.

"I'm very grateful to Martyn Terry, who built the car, and for the support from my father and Mike," says Keith.

The team successfully tested the car on the 'Indy' circuit at Brands Hatch last weekend and achieved a best lap time of 1m 2.25secs.

"That's about a midfield time based on last season's racing," said Keith.

"Now we're busy preparing for the first race in the series at Snetterton over the Easter weekend."

It's an expensive business and Keith is keen to hear from anyone who might be prepared to sponsor him.

He can be contacted on 07736 136073 or via his website: www.grone.co.uk/keith.htm