Jack Smith’s Adelaide Supercars swansong
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 20 November 2023
This weekend’s VAILO Adelaide 500 will be the last Supercars race for Jack Smith as a solo driver after announcing he will not be on the full-time grid in 2024.
Smith has 131 starts next to his name since his debut in 2019 and achieved a best result of 10th at Sydney in 2020.
His first race came in a wildcard at Symmons Plains, Tasmania before becoming part of the main game full time the following year in car #4 for Brad Jones Racing.
Jack Smith driving the SCT Logistics Camaro at Albert Park where he scored his equal best result this year. Image: Mark Horsburgh
Smith has been a regular fixture since in the SCT Logistics machine and currently sits 25th in the standings with a best result of 14th in the Gen3 era, achieved three times at Albert Park, Townsville and The Bend.
It opens up a spot within the four-car Brad Jones Racing stable which has been unchanged since 2021.
Smith has grown up around the Albury based team as a 17-year-old before rising through the ranks in Super3 as champion in 2020 and NZ V8 Championship before hitting Supercars.
But after four full-time seasons Smith believes it is the right time to “step back”.
Jack Smith with BJR crew members at The Bend.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve come to lightly, Supercars have been such a big part of my life,” he said.
“I came into it when I was quite young and have really grown up in the paddock.
“It’s just the right time for us now to take this step back.
“I can’t thank everyone from the SCT Logistics crew and the team at Brad Jones Racing enough for everything over the last seven years.
Jack Smith on Supercars debut at Tasmania in 2019. Photo by Dirk Klynsmith / LAT Images
“We all set out on this ride together and it’s been quite a learning experience for us all and I’d like to thank all the fans who’ve supported me.
“I’ve been with BJR for basically my entire career, and they’ve been an amazing team to work with and guide me on my journey.”
BJR team owner Brad Jones said it brings an end to a long association between Smith and the team.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years with Jack in the team,” Jones said.
“I remember when I met Jack when he was quite young, he was quiet, polite and always willing to listen, over the years that never changed.
Jack Smith’s first full time car in 2020. Photo: Supplied
“We have been fortunate enough to win a championship together which you don’t get to do every day.
“I hope we will still see plenty of Jack at the circuit and I would like to wish him well for the future road ahead.
“Jack and his family have been incredibly loyal to me and that’s a rare trait to see in this industry, they have all been a part of our own family over this time and we’ve enjoyed a great relationship.”
The VAILO Adelaide 500 will be held this weekend.
On this week’s Auto Action RevLimiter, we ramble on about Supercars. Why the finances don’t need a boost! What’s wrong with the calendar! Plus more!
Listen to our latest episode on your podcast app of choice or here
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