Guy Smith Spa race report

Guy Smith claimed 11th place on his return to the premiere LM P1 sports-prototype category in the second round of the Le Mans Series at Spa-Francorchamps today (10 May).

Smith, 34, from Beverley, shared a brand new Team LNT Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S with Robbie Kerr and team owner Lawrence Tomlinson in the 1,000km Belgian race.

Despite a near three-year absence from LM P1, the Yorkshireman quickly showed the enormous potential of the Ginetta-Zytek by moving up from seventh place -- Kerr's qualifying position -- to fourth place in the 50-car field within seven laps.

But "new car" gremlins, a power steering problem and then a mechanical issue at the rear of the car, cost the Ginetta-Zytek precious time in the pits.

"The Spa race was a learning exercise for Team LNT's Le Mans 24 Hours race entry in June," reflected Smith. "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience -- the car has huge potential.

"I must thank Lawrence and Team LNT for giving me the opportunity to drive their car. It was a great experience driving in Europe again and specifically the Le Mans Series."

Guy now returns to American Le Mans Series action next weekend when he competes in the fourth round of the series aiming to steer his BP Lola-Mazda Coupe to a maiden LM P2 class victory in the heat at Salt Lake City on Sunday (17 May).

-credit: gs