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The Mini Challenge Trophy UK kicked off last weekend after a long offseason, and Pembrey was the track that would host the season opener. This is the first time in many years that Mini Challenge have hosted a race on the Welsh circuit so for many drivers Friday’s testing was the first time they got to drive the circuit, which levelled the playing field.
My preparations for this event went excellent. I had spent quite some time on a race simulator learning Pembrey and many evening’s in the workshop preparing the car, which meant by the time we got to the circuit I felt more ready than ever.
The weekend kicked off on Friday with testing. We spent most of the day tweaking the setup of the car to suit the narrow bends that Pembrey offers, as well as doing some qualifying simulation runs to ensure we could maximise our qualifying and get as high up the grid as we could. By the last test session, I felt really comfortable with the car and the circuit which helped me go into Saturday’s action with 100% focus.
Next up was qualifying and with clear skies and cool temperatures, it was looking like it was going to be a perfect session. I headed out for my first attempt to set a time but I couldn’t get a clean lap in with traffic so I headed back to the pits to let the car cool before going out for my second attempt. Unfortunately, a red flag shortened the session and my second attempt was hindered as I caught a car on the last corner, so I would be starting race 1 from P11. I was still happy with this result from my first Mini Challenge qualifying and I knew anything could happen in the races.
We then lined up for race 1, and when the lights went out I made a clean start maintaining my position. After a fierce 20 minutes of racing I came across the line in P12 overall and winner of the Rookie race. This race really opened my eyes to the quality of racers and the sheer competition of the Mini Challenge.
I started race 2 from P12 and make a clean start off the line once again. I wanted to make my way up the standings but this was made very difficult by the narrow nature of Pembrey. After attempting every move I thought possible, I made up 4 places to come across the line in P8 overall and once again the Rookie winner.
My advances in race 2 meant I would start race 3 from P8, and I wanted to push up the order even more. I battled hard all race long and managed to grab P7 overall and another Rookie win making it 3 from 3. I also had the third fastest lap in the race which shows how strong our pace was and we will be pushing for a top 5 in three week’s time in Thruxton.
We currently sit P9 in the overall championship and lead the Rookie championship after a good points haul. As always I want to thank the amazing team I have around me, as well as my loyal sponsors for their support. Without them I wouldn’t be able to race and perform as we did last weekend. Hopefully with their support I can bring home some more trophies throughout the year and keep working towards the front of the grid.
O’Brien Cement | West Wales Rally Spares | David Byrne Auto Repairs | Park 100 Fire & Security | Slaney View Motors | James Travers Garage |
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