Auckland teen Dylan Smith has become the 16th winner of the successful SpeedSport ‘Star of Tomorrow’ motor-racing scholarship.
“It’s a bit of a surprise really, I wasn’t expecting it with the close competition. Everyone was going hard this weekend and it’s a great feeling, I’m super proud of myself.” Said a shocked Smith.
Smith proved a contender for the $50,000 prize early on in the weekend showing impressive pace from the first practice session and cemented that prize with his final performance on track and his off track interview.
“He performed extremely well over the weekend, he improved with every session and he was a cool, calm customer and I think a very good driver.” Said Scholarship founder Dennis Martin.
The 16 year old has numerous karting titles to his name from his eight years competing in them. More recently, he has competed in Speedway racing, taking 24 wins in 24 meetings and was the 2015 Mazda Pro 7’s Rookie of the Year.
Smith will start his Formula First career in a fortnight at the first round of the Manfeild Winter Series as preparation for the national championship set to begin later in the year.
“I think he’s going to be a good qualifier and he’s an intelligent young man so he’s going to be a good racer, which with the strategy in Formula First he will certainly bode well for him.” Said Martin.
The Scholarship prize, valued at $50,000, includes a fully funded season in the Manfeild Winter Series and the NZ Formula First championship in a Sabre Motorsport Formula First car. Along with the drive comes on and off track mentoring from Dennis Martin.
“I hope that the scholarship improves me as a driver and as a person by learning and experiencing new things. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and moving forward from there.” Said Smith.
Smith will also receive a fully customised race suit from Chicane Racewear along with matching boots and racing gloves.
