Watson-Smith

cos · 11 Apr 2004, 20:58 (Ref:936729)

I was really impressed with Shaun Watson-Smith today - he was running strongly in all three races until various incidents (not his fault) took him out of races 2 and 3. He could well be a big surprise this season - anyone else agree?

**Craig** · 11 Apr 2004, 21:03 (Ref:936732)

Not really a surprise - he's been racing near the front for years and is a damn good driver.

redshoes · 11 Apr 2004, 21:05 (Ref:936733)

You beat me to it, I was just about to post the same. I have to admit I don't know a huge amount about him but from what I'd seen he's been fairly handy in the South African the last few years.

Reminds me a little of Patrick Watts - running in what is clearly a less than first class car, a couple of times in the second race he made a save from what seemed like an impossible angle.

Difficult to see the Proton on the podium at this stage, but with the reverse grids and weight ballast anything is possible. even if he's not a race winner he's definatly going to be worth watching.

ADnet · 11 Apr 2004, 21:09 (Ref:936740)

dont doubt the proton, i think that today shows they will be on the pace this year (except for Huiruman) and id expect race wins as there realistic targets, not top 5...

**touringlegend** · 11 Apr 2004, 21:22 (Ref:936756)

He certainly impressed me. Never knew too much about the guy, so wasn't expecting much of him, but it was nice to see the Proton fighting the VX Junior car of Bentwood. I think Shaun will get faster and faster as the year goes on. Nice one.

ATF · 11 Apr 2004, 23:54 (Ref:936852)

Can't wait to see Shaun race for real - he looked awesome on TV today! Hope for a podium? I think there would be quite a lot of interest for a SWS fan club?!

kristof14 · 12 Apr 2004, 02:12 (Ref:936908)

The Proton defintely kept pace with the front runners until the accident in race 3. I think we could definitely see some surprise results this year and if they return next year with Watson-Smith, having a years experience of UK tracks, they could be real challengers!
How long beofre Alex Yoong ends up in a Proton?

touringcarnut · 12 Apr 2004, 09:54 (Ref:937155)

He certainly has a good style of racing, he really pushes the car and sticks the nose of it along side the rest.

His driving style reminds me of Steve Soper.

cos · 12 Apr 2004, 10:02 (Ref:937158)

And he set the 2nd fastest lap in race 2!

egomeister · 12 Apr 2004, 10:56 (Ref:937187)

Before the season started I did wonder what Proton was thinking employing these people I had never heard of, bnut SWS really impressed me yesterday. He showed himself to be a talented and agressive racer who dragged a performance from the Proton that was far better than the car deserves.

I look forward to seeing him race again!

the_tsar · 12 Apr 2004, 11:45 (Ref:937241)

He impressed me too, I think we caught a glimpse of a future race winner for sure.

**BertMk2** · 13 Apr 2004, 09:06 (Ref:938004)

Very impressive drive - I'd never heard of him before he signed up for Proton but clearly he's a very good driver. More of the same please.

Kicking-back · 13 Apr 2004, 09:19 (Ref:938014)

Amazing level of ignorance if so called motor-racing "fans" had never heard of Shaun.

touringcarnut · 13 Apr 2004, 11:09 (Ref:938108)

Quote:

Originally posted by Kicking-back
Amazing level of ignorance if so called motor-racing "fans" had never heard of Shaun.

In all fairness, there's not exactly a lot of worldwide touring car coverage on TV for people to know who drivers are.

Alfa Fan · 13 Apr 2004, 11:16 (Ref:938116)

I think he did fantastic job

Kicking-back · 13 Apr 2004, 11:43 (Ref:938160)

Quote:

Originally posted by touringcarnut
In all fairness, there's not exactly a lot of worldwide touring car coverage on TV for people to know who drivers are.

If you look at the internet, or even Autosport magazine, you'd have known who he is.

N I Tram · 13 Apr 2004, 12:00 (Ref:938186)

I tend to only follow local championships and those which are screened on TV. I only had a vague clue who he was before this season, but I'm certainly a fan now. He's had that car more competitive than David or Phil, and on circuits he didn't know. He always looked to be on the limit, and did well to avoid crashing (of his own accord) in a very difficult car to drive.

Neil Adams · 13 Apr 2004, 12:58 (Ref:938264)

Yep very impressed, hairuman on the other hand - all i can say is the btcc is not the place to learn, he aint quick enough or experienced.

**BertMk2** · 13 Apr 2004, 13:07 (Ref:938276)

Quote:

Originally posted by Kicking-back
If you look at the internet, or even Autosport magazine, you'd have known who he is.

Well I look on here and read Motorsport news on a fairly regular basis and I'd never heard of him. So that knackers that theory.

Edit: That sounded a bit too confrontational, what I mean is that I'm a fairly 'casual' touring car fan, I'll watch the BTCC and think the DTM is great. ETCC, Aussie V8's and beyond I don't really know much about, I pick up bits and pieces from Motorsport news or wherever but SWS isn't a name I'd come across before.

**touringlegend** · 13 Apr 2004, 14:58 (Ref:938403)

I suppose if you read every square inch of Autosport every week your bound to find his name...

The Bear · 13 Apr 2004, 15:01 (Ref:938408)

Quote:

Originally posted by Kicking-back
Amazing level of ignorance if so called motor-racing "fans" had never heard of Shaun.

Childish and unnecessary remark.

Kicking-back · 13 Apr 2004, 15:38 (Ref:938446)

Quote:

Originally posted by The Bear
Childish and unnecessary remark.

It's not childish, nor un-necessary.

The word "ignorance" simply means a lack of knowledge - it's not criticism, merely observation.

Neil Adams · 13 Apr 2004, 15:56 (Ref:938456)

do south africans know who james thompson is?

rdjones · 13 Apr 2004, 17:30 (Ref:938543)

I was very impressed with him, still not sure about Hairuman

touringcarnut · 13 Apr 2004, 19:39 (Ref:938693)

Quote:

Originally posted by btcc-thunder
do south africans know who james thompson is?

Good question!

Despite the Internet and Autosport and others, a name on a written article is no comparision for seeing a driver in action.

Someone driving as well as he did on Sunday is enough for anyone to certainly know who he is now!

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