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Paul Smith Goes For ARDS Test

 

We have recently started building a EP3 Civic Type R to race and enter into the Civic Cup. As such we have given the driver’s seat to Paul “Smokey” Smith. Being a motorsport series, entering drivers must use a car that meets the MSA and Civic Cup requirements, and the drivers themselves must hold a current racing licence.

While Smith has a background of motorsport and is currently leading the Maxxis British Drift Championship, he needed to head to Teesside Motordrome to try and get his licence. The Civic Cup team are very supportive of new drivers and help to arrange the test days. So we sent Paul Northbound with some of the Civic Cup crew to see how he fared up.

The ARDS (Association of Racing Drivers Schools) test is essentially in two part test which involves a written examination and knowledge of all the standard racing flags, followed with a practical test. This requires the driver to take to the track with a qualified instructor in the passenger seat, were they will then be assessed for their control and ability. The final segment to gain the National B licence is a medical test which is conducted by an appointed motorsport doctor.

Smith had duly “dropped and coughed” for the doctor and passed the medical and went onwards for the written test. With the flags named and the questions answered, the examination was soon out of the way and it was time for him to head trackside to check out the days vehicle. A 160bhp MG with FWD is a world away from the 500+bhp RWD S15 that he drifts in the BDC but he wasn’t behaving like a fish out of water, he grabbed the MG by the scruff of its neck and wrung it around Teesside!

Paul’s driving clearly impressed the instructors and he easily passed the ARDS test. This is a vital part in our mission to build an race a Civic completed, so it’s full steam ahead with the build. We will reveal all very soon and it will also be published in Fast Car Magazine. Smith sported a happy grin as he waved his stamped up and passed paperwork.

Keep an eye on www.teamjapspeed.co.uk for the latest developments and look out in the newsagents for the upcoming feature in Fast Car Magazine. We have to take a moment to give special thanks to our sponsors and partners. KW Suspension UK, Maxxis Tyres, Samco Hoses, Exedy, Corbeau seats and Hose Technik

For more information on the Civic Cup, check out their facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/TheCivicCup?ref=hl

Not forgetting the official website- http://www.civic-cup.co.uk/