RONNIE SMITH DELIGHTED BY ROOKIE TITLE

Ronnie Smith admitted his delight at securing the rookie cup title with two races of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season still to run.

Smith has been the man to beat amongst the first year drivers throughout the campaign having taken the step into the Cooper class this season with the Chandler Motorsport squad.

Heading into the Brands Hatch season finale with one hand on the title already, Smith was able to finish ahead of closest rival Leo Purches to put himself out of reach in the standings.

It means Chandler Motorsport successfully defends the title it won last year with Rhys Hurd.

“I’m really pleased as it’s not been easy at times, but I just tried to make sure I stayed positive,” Smith said.

“We’ve been consistent and there have been times that it has been better to sacrifice a move in order to bag the points. It’s been important to think about the long game as there are drivers who have won races but have ended up lower down the standings because they haven’t had the consistency that we’ve had.

“I think we’ve made the right decisions as the season has gone on and hopefully we can finish the year strongly across the final two races.”