FORMER rally champion Mick Smith is making a comeback in 2015.

The York driver won the 2013 British Trial & Rally Drivers Association (BTRDA) RallyFirst title in a Nissan Micra, but took a year away from the sport to focus on family and work commitments.

Smith is preparing for a return to the BTRDA Rally Championship next year, but at the wheel of a more powerful Volkswagen Polo 1.6 GT.

Smith, who will compete in a rallyme.co.uk-prepared Polo, said: “It’s a bit of a step up from the Nissan Micra that I’m used to driving, and a larger engine will give me more performance.

“It’s still the same series as the Nissan. The Rally First ethos is to create a cheaper form of rallying and, except for the safety equipment and suspension, the cars are standard.

“It puts more focus on the driving ability and, hopefully, we can continue the run of form we had in 2013.”

In 2013, Smith claimed a class victory in a Micra supported by Geoff Jones Motorsport and he thanked them for their five years of backing.

“We’ve had a good package offered to us by John Goff at rallyme.co.uk and it’s an opportunity we can’t miss,” he said.

“We also have support from Avo suspension, so it will be good to help develop the car, and obviously our aim is to be in the thick of the action as we have been in previous years.”

Joining the Model Trains 4 U-backed Smith for the new season is Nottinghamshire navigator Calvin Houldsworth, who brings a wealth of experience from competing in the same series for the past couple of years.

Smith said: “It’s important to have a good relationship with a navigator.

“Obviously, I’m putting my faith in what information he is telling me, and Calvin has the experience to keep us on the pace.”

The season starts in February with the Wyedean Rally, based in Chepstow - the first of nine rounds building up to the finale in Llandudno in October.

Smith is still looking for support to help with the campaign. Advertising opportunities are available and anyone interested should email mhs106@hotmail.co.uk