Jeff Smith is to undergo surgery on his shoulder as the Eurotech Racing driver continues his recovery from the injuries sustained during the qualifying accident that marred Croft’s BTCC meeting back in June.

Smith was one of three drivers to be hospitalised following the accident, with nerve damage to his left shoulder having proven to be the most serious of his injuries.

Whilst the nine ribs broken in the accident have now healed, the 51-year-old continues to struggle without the use of his left arm, although specialists in London have now expressed confidence that the damaged nerves are now starting to show signs of recovery.

Surgery is now planned for next month after which Smith should be given a firmer indication on when, and if, a full recovery from the injury will be possible.

“Jeff was referred to a nerve specialist in London who is reasonably confident that the nerve damage is slowly showing signs that it will heal on its own which is good news,” an update posted on Eurotech’s Facebook page read.

“Now that a prognosis has been given on the nerve damage, Jeff’s shoulder consultant has been able to make a decision on the best way forward regarding the rest of the shoulder injuries and has now established that he will need to carry out keyhole surgery.

“This is scheduled in for early October and afterwards will require 4 further weeks in a sling, then it is a matter of time for the damaged nerves to heal (an average of 1mm per day) before it will be clearer if and when a full recovery will be made.”