Smith steps back from full-time Supercars racing
Supercars
20 Nov
Jack Smith to step back from full-time Supercars racing
Smith debuted as a wildcard with BJR in 2019
BJR has already re-signed Andre Heimgartner, Bryce Fullwood for 2024
Jack Smith will step back from full-time Supercars racing at the end of 2023, Brad Jones Racing has announced.
Smith, 24, will make his final full-time Supercars race starts at this weekend’s VAILO Adelaide 500.
Tuesday’s news brings an end to four seasons in the main game for Smith, who has raced for BJR since his debut back in 2020.
Smith debuted in the main game as a wildcard in 2019 at Symmons Plains, having raced though the ranks with BJR after joining the Albury squad as a 17-year-old.
In 2017, Smith won the Australian V8 Touring Car Series crown in the category now known as Super3. Later, Smith enjoyed a successful stint in New Zealand, culminating in victory in the 2018-19 V8 Touring Car Series.
Smith finished 10th overall in the 2018 and 2019 Super2 seasons, the latter campaign seeing the then teen score some main game seat time.
With Smith moving on, BJR has a vacancy in its line-up, with Andre Heimgartner and Bryce Fullwood having signed on with the team.
Details for the 2024 SCT Motorsport Supercars program will be released in due course.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve come to lightly, Supercars have been such a big part of my life,” said Smith, who brought up 50 Supercars round earlier this year.
"I came into it when I was quite young and have really grown up in the paddock. It’s just the right time for us now to take this step back.
“I can’t thank everyone from the SCT Logistics crew and the team at Brad Jones Racing enough for everything over the last seven years.
“We all set out on this ride together and it’s been quite a learning experience for us all and I’d like to thank all the fans who’ve supported me.
“I’ve been with BJR for basically my entire career, and they’ve been an amazing team to work with and guide me on my journey.”
Team owner Brad Jones paid tribute to Smith, citing his V8 Touring Car title in Newcastle as a highlight.“It's hard to believe it's been six years with Jack in the team,” Jones said.
"I remember when I met Jack when he was quite young — he was quiet, polite and always willing to listen, over the years that never changed.
“We have been fortunate enough to win a championship together which you don’t get to do every day.
“I hope we will still see plenty of Jack at the circuit and I would like to wish him well for the future road ahead.
“Jack and his family have been incredibly loyal to me and that’s a rare trait to see in this industry, they have all been a part of our own family over this time and we’ve enjoyed a great relationship."
Track action at the VAILO Adelaide 500 will commence on Thursday.
