Restart Racing tackled the challenges of the Knockhill circuit in Fife, Scotland, for the first time ever during the seventh race weekend of the 2024 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
Despite a promising performance, the team struggled to convert its pace into results due to a difficult qualifying session and intense on-track battles.
Chris Smiley aimed to continue his strong form after an independent win at Croft but started down in 17th, whilst Scott Sumpton qualified at the back in 20th, setting the scene for a seemingly challenging race day.
Smiley bagged a trio of typically gritty overall points finishes, but this time it would be rookie Sumpton grabbing the headlines for the team.
Sumpton demonstrated a significant improvement on his grid position in the final bout in Scotland, moving up from 19th to finish 12th after a race of attrition. There would then be a final twist to the weekend too.
After post-race disqualification for another competitor, Smiley was promoted to 13th and Sumpton to 11th, which in-turn secured the team’s second independent win in as many events and Sumpton’s first independent win of his career.
Chris Smiley said: “It was ultimately a tough day. Race 1 went well; we went from 17th to finish 13th. In Race 2, we held our place after some great battles in the pack, just missing out on the reverse grid for Race 3.
“Unfortunately, in Race 3, we had an issue with the inner arch liner, which fell off. Something broke on the arch liner, causing it to come down and completely de-laminate the tyre. So, I basically drove three-quarters of the race with no tread on the tyre. We were very, very lucky to finish and still managed to get some points.
“So, yeah, a tough day with plenty of bad luck, but I'm looking forward to getting back to where we should be at Donington Park.”
Scott Sumpton said: “In races 1 and 2, we got some really good results, but a five-second penalty for being out of my grid spot in Race 2 put me at the back for Race 3. However, I'm really, really happy with Race 3.
“I came from last up to 12th, so eight positions were made. Overall, I'm happy and looking forward to Donington Park.”
