RACING DRIVER Ben Smiles, who hails from Eckington and is an ex-pupil of Prince Henry's School, has enjoyed a strong showing in the British Junior Saloon Car Championship this year. 

Across the season, Ben has had numerous top ten placings, and he was named 'Driver of the meeting' at a recent race meeting in Oulton Park. 

Smiles has been kart racing since the age of eight, and after a very successful career in the kart, he made the move to saloon car racing in March of this year. 

Smiles has taken to the track across various racing circuits across the country, competing in a "hot hatch" Citroen Saxo VTR.

Ben (right), pictured alongside his mechanic at Brands HatchBen (right), pictured alongside his mechanic at Brands Hatch (Image: Mark Smiles)

Looking back on the season, Ben said: "We had a difficult start to the season with engine and gearbox problems. My team worked hard to get the car up to speed and I gained more driving experience getting me to the front of the grid by the last round at Brands Hatch. I did not quite make it on to the podium but overall, I am very pleased with my first year of car racing. 

"My results were good enough to gain me a place on the Motorsport UK Young Driver Scholarship at Loughborough College. 

"I would like to thank my team, Chandler Motorsport, my mechanic Ray Madden, and my sponsors Munihire for the fantastic support I have received. 

"I am looking forward to another season of racing next year and would love to hear from any local companies who would like to support us and help advertise their products or services, please get in touch via Ben Smiles Racing on social media.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family and the people in my village of Eckington for their help and support."