Chris Smiley

Chris Smiley, born on April 6, 1992, is a British racing driver hailing from Northern Ireland. Currently, he competes in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for Restart Racing. Smiley's career began in karting back in 2000, and he progressed through various series, including the Ginetta Junior Championship after winning a junior scholarship in 2007. In 2013, he clinched the Mini Challenge GB title with an impressive record of nine wins and 14 podiums.

Smiley made his BTCC debut in 2016 with TLC Racing, driving a Toyota Avensis. After a partial first season, he joined BTC Norlin Racing in 2017, piloting a Chevrolet Cruze and steadily improving. 2018 marked a breakthrough year as he secured his first BTCC victory at Rockingham with BTC Norlin Racing, along with a second-place finish at Donington Park, ultimately finishing 13th in the championship. In 2020, Smiley moved to EXCELR8 Motorsport, driving a Hyundai i30 Fastback N and achieving a podium finish in the season opener.

After a hiatus from the BTCC, Smiley returned in 2022 to win the TCR UK Touring Car Championship driving a Honda Civic Type R TCR (FK8) for Restart Racing. In 2024 he returned to BTCC with Restart Racing driving a Cupra Leon. Throughout his career, Smiley has demonstrated consistent pace and competitiveness, making him a respected figure in the British racing scene.