Bathurst debut learning curve for Smith

Supercars Dunlop Series rookie Jack Smith reported his debut at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 was a massive learning curve after crashing out in yesterday’s 250km mini enduro.

The 17-year-old school boy was consumed by the mountain after he lost control at the Esses, putting his Dunlop Series debut campaign to a rough hault after smashing into the wall twice at the Coopers Dipper.

This weeekend’s Bathurst campaign was Smith’s second time ever steering Paul Morris’ Ford Falcon FG.

2014 Bathurst 1000 Champion and Nemo Racing team owner Paul Morris gave the Formula 4 driver an opportunity to sample the Supercar at the teams most recent test day in Winton.

“Overall I think racing here at Bathurst has been a massive learning experience,” Smith told Supercars.com.

“Unfortunately it really didn’t end well for me.

“I just locked the brakes coming over Skyline and hit straight into the wall and bounced off a few more.  I suppose it’s a mistake I just shouldn’t have made.”

The young racer appeared to be a shaken up after the shunt, but walked away from the incident safely with assistance from the medical team.

Morris emphasised the incident resulted in some fairly extensive damage to the teams Falcon.

“The car is getting to the worse end of its useful life anyway so it’s not that big a deal," Morris said.

“You never know how long a race car will last and that one has lasted about eight years so it has had a pretty good life.”

The Supercar will not be repaired for the Dunlop Series next round at the Coates Hire Sydney 500 and the young racer will not be competing at the event.

“At this stage it looks like we probably wouldn’t bother repairing it for Homebush,” Morris said.

“There is no point Jack going there if we are never going to race there again and that place has concrete walls worse than this place. So just no point going there.

“We are looking at new cars for next year.”

A disappointed Smith noted having a taste of Dunlop Series racing this weekend will benefit him long term if he makes the decision to compete in the Series next year.

 He is weighing up whether to race in the local touring car category or make a move overseas for the 2017 season.

“It has been an unreal experience racing in a Supercar especially here at Bathurst and if we decide to race the Series next year we will be so much better off,” Smith said.

“We haven’t got anything locked in for next year…so it’s still to come really.”