Harrogate’s Isaac Smith is hoping for a career as a professional touring car racer after a successful season so far.

Mr Smith, 20, finished second in the latest round of the Touring Car Championship UK at Brands Hatch in Kent last weekend, hitting speeds of up to 135mph.

He’s currently second overall in the championship after three of seven meetings. He’s also leading the Tom Walker Trophy for newcomers.

Touring car racing features heavily modified road cars. It is considered much fairer than Formula One because the engine capabilities of the cars taking part are far more even, making it more of a test of driving skill.

Encouraged by his petrolhead father Mike, Mr Smith, from Blubberhouses, started racing go-karts at the age of 10.

He moved to senior racing when he was 17 and hopes to become a full-time professional.

Isaac Smith

He aims to race on the European circuit and then compete in the World Touring Car Championships.

Asked what he enjoys about the sport, he said:

“There’s nothing else that gives me a kick like racing. It’s always a battle out there.”

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