Longdon-on-Tern student James Smith took a popular victory at the final round of the 2010 Kick Energy Acceleration TV Formula 1000 Junior Rally Championship, the Hall Trophy Stages recently.

James, who has endured a year ridden with bad luck and uncertainty, clinched his first victory in conditions rarely seen in the UK – the recent weather conditions leaving the stages in a thick covering of snow and ice.

The tricky conditions didn’t deter the 16-year-old however, as he exited the second of the first two stages of the event in a fine second overall, continuing the fine form he displayed successfully at the previous round of the championship, the Lee Holland Memorial Rally where he fought his way back to seventh overall, despite dropping to the tail of the 22 car field.

The Kick Energy Acceleration TV Formula 1000 Junior Championship is the only one of it’s kind in the UK, allowing drivers like James who are between 14 and16 to compete in rallies across the UK. James is one of 30 registered drivers, providing further creditability to the youngsters results.

James, who studies at New College, Telford, continued his consistent pace over the next four stages to enter the mid-day break in second overall – despite a couple of indiscretions, including a heart-stopping moment when the weather changed, and a drop in temperature turning the polished snow surface to ice, with ultimate respect needed for the seventh 3.3 mile stage.

It was this seventh stage which, unbeknown to James and co-driver Martin Cressey was to be the last of the event, saw what was described by championship officials as the ‘stage of the year’ with James taking a massive 25 seconds out of the event leader, leapfrogging himself into the lead and, ultimately the rally victory and into the top 15 overall.

In a stunning performance in the worst conditions of the day, the youngster took victory by 17 seconds.

The victory was a positive end to what has been a year of massive highs and lows for the MSA Academy driver;

“Today’s result really is a dream come true” said James. “We began the junior journey at the very first event last year and, to take my first victory on what could be my last Junior event means a lot.

“I have to thank a lot of people who have supported me this year; my family for their endless support, to all from the Formula 1000 Club and, in particular Tristan Dodd for setting up the championship.

“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity – the junior journey we’ve experienced has been phenomenal and really shows what Rallying in the UK should be like.”

With James turning 17 in January, he is eligible to begin competing in the forest revents across the UK.

If you are interested in helping James next year, please visit www.jamessmithrallying.co.uk and check out the ‘Sponsors’ area.