Former MINI Challenge race winner Rob Smith has been announced as the first British Touring Car Championship signing by Excelr8 Motorsport for the 2019 season.

The twenty-six year old makes the jump up to the BTCC after four years with the team in the MINI Challenge. Driving for the MINI UK VIP Customer Team, Rob made the switch to MINI’s halfway through the 2014 season after starting that year in the Renault UK Clio Cup.

With the deal now in place, Smith is now looking for more business opportunities to join him and partner an exciting new opportunity in the UK’s premier motorsport.

After four years of hard work with the squad. Smith confirmed that this has been a long time coming,

“It’s an absolute dream come true to be stepping-up to the British Touring Car Championship for 2019, and especially to be doing it with Excelr8 Motorsport.

“As soon as I joined the team in 2014 it was clear that we both saw our future in the BTCC, so it’s fantastic to finally make it a reality.”

Whilst new to the series. Rob has confidence in the MG package that he’ll be driving in next year,

“I have no doubt it will be a steep learning curve for both myself and the team, but continuity is key so hopefully by extending our relationship we will be able to add to the success we’ve already achieved.

“The MG6 is a proven package and one of the most successful cars of the NGTC era, so we have an excellent platform to build from and I know the team has some exciting plans for the future.”

Excelr8 Team Manager Oliver Shepherd is confident that with the signing of Smith to their new BTCC team. It’s one aspect in regards to the stresses of running a top touring car team that he can now not worry too much about,

“Rob has been with us for a number of years now so we’re well aware of his ability and the effort he puts in to be successful, so we were very keen for him to make the step up with us.

“Working with a driver we know means we have one less variable to think about while we get to grips with the demands of the BTCC.”