Triple Eight BTCC squad tests club racer Chris Smiley

Smiley won the test in a Triple Eight MG6 after taking nine victories in the British Mini Challenge this season.

He had three runs at Silverstone, in both wet and dry conditions, under the guidance of BTCC race winner Sam Tordoff.

"The day was absolutely amazing - the realisation of a dream for me," said Smiley. "To get to work with a team as professional as Triple Eight was amazing.

"The MG6 was brilliant to drive. It was more accessible than I'd expected, mainly due to the format of it being front-wheel-drive and turbocharged, like the Mini. But the MG took everything to the next level.

"It gives you real confidence to push and I learned more with every lap.

"I got a taste of what it's like to race at the top level. I'll take so much away from the day that I can use in my future career."

Smiley is likely to continue in British club racing next year, but team boss Ian Harrison said: "Chris was very impressive to work with. He wasn't daunted by the day at all and jumped at the chance to try everything we suggested.

"He got on with the MG6 very well and, although the day wasn't really about times, the laps he put in were very close to the pace.

"He has the potential to be competitive, no doubt."