21/08/2023
Once again on the front row for the National Championship, is lady racer #16 Courtney Smith. Last year, she scored a third place in this race and looks to improve on this performance.
So Courtney, youâve not won a heat or final so far this season, but your great consistency, which has carried over from last year, has put you on the front row. Youâll be lined up alongside fellow racer and brother #761 Matt Smith. How does it feel to be in such a vulnerable position, on the outside of row one?
16 â I have been unfortunate this year, luck hasnât been on my side at all to be honest. When we are going well, places are usually high, which makes up my points. With that being said, I'm lucky to have even gotten anywhere near the front row. But with the outside it is what it is, I will have the pack behind me but hopefully we can force our way through and see how it goes.
You and your brother are known to put on a good fight against each other, and sometimes trip over yourselves. Who do you think will come out victorious in the National Championship, and who could be an underdog who avoids the ever present action and take the win?
16 â Me and Matt have gotten better this year for sure, but obviously, I donât know how he does it, but he's a lucky sod! There's some tough competition this year, everyone on the grid is more than capable to win. It really is anyone's race, after all, Yarmouth posts aren't forgiving! For the dark horse, either Craig, Duncan or Andy. Andy loves Yarmouth and if he gets away; he'd be a hard one to catch.
Last season, you managed to be the wrong way up multiple times, and have, fortunately, only rolled once this year. What goes through your head as something like that happens?
16 â I'm not really sure what's going on, if it wasn't for bad luck I'd have none at all! But as dad says âYou make your own luck in life!â It happens so quickly, usually I'm just thinking, âThis is a joke now.â My first words to the marshalls are âCan I get out then so I can get my car back over!â
You had a stunning new car for this year, which was proudly displayed at the Motorsport with Attitude show in February. Unfortunately, early on in the year, you took a tumble (which you are now well known for) at Northampton. However, you have suffered hardly any trouble flying through the field, towards the front. Do you feel as though some lapped traffic may affect the outcome of the race?
16 â Thank you, we may be biased, but by far the prettiest we've built yet.
Well it did last year, which was surprising really, because it's rare we lap people. 99% of people are well on the pace. But again it did last year, just have to keep our head down and race a normal race.
You do so much work off track to help others who have damage, you also do loads of work behind the scenes for the Super Twos and we are all really appreciative of your help. Is there anyone who you want to give a special thanks to?
16 â I do try. As always dad, heâs created a formula and the passion for it is like no other. Firstly, Iâd like to thank all my sponsors for their support, also my family, Char, obviously my biggest fan. To everyone really, everyone that believes in me in everything I do, the support doesnât go unnoticed and we appreciate all the support we get as a formula. You guys are all amazing people as much as we do behind the scenes and work the formula wouldnât be what it is without all the drivers and their families support so thank you guys for that.
Thank you Courtney for taking the time to talk to us. We wish you the best of luck in the National Championship.