Qualifying

The Mini headed out for the qualifying session sporting some new engine components that had been fitted for this meeting as a ‘field test’ prior to being cleared for large scale production. As ever the early part of the session was used to give the car a shakedown and to get the tyres up to operating temperature. Once happy that all was well the Mini increased its pace and began to turn in some fast lap times as it found clear air and avoided falling foul of the traffic on the busy circuit.

With some quick times in the bag the Mini spent the remainder of the session providing some coaching to another driver by observing their lines through the corners and then leading them around the circuit for a number of laps showing them the lines and braking points. As the session drew to a close the Mini returned to the paddock having set the fastest time and claiming pole position!

Race 1

The Mini lined up at the front of the grid alongside a spaceframed Starlet and immediately ahead of a pair of Caterhams – fast starting cars with a power advantage over the Mini. As the lights went out the Starlet immediately pulled ahead of the Mini with one of the Caterhams following the Starlet through, however the Mini successfully fended off the second of the Caterhams and went into Chessons in 3^rd place. As the cars reached the end of the first lap the Mini had successfully caught the Caterham ahead and was beginning to apply the pressure. It wasn’t long before the Mini pounced and snatched 2^nd position from the Caterham with a well executed pass.

The Mini now set off in pursuit of the race leading Starlet that had managed to build an advantage over the rest of the field whilst the Mini battled with the Catherham. In clear air the Mini proved to be the fastest car on the circuit and soon closed down the Starlet. The Mini hounded the Starlet and looked for an opportunity to pass the spaceframed machine, eventually the pressure told and the Mini passed the Starlet to take the lead of the race. The duel wasn’t over however as the Starlet fought back and retook the race lead as its power advantage gave it the edge in a straight line.

The lead soon changed hands again with the Mini once more snatching the advantage as the two cars continued their tussle. As before the Starlet fought back and once again used its superior power to pass the Mini and grab back the lead of the race. The Mini took this in its stride and redoubled its efforts once again passing the Starlet at the hairpin with a well executed manoeuvre. The Mini was then able to take advantage of the traffic encountered to extend its lead and pull away to take the chequered flag and a well deserved victory.

Race 2

The Mini lined up on Pole position once more with the Starlet alongside although this time the Caterham threat failed to take the start. As the lights went out the Starlet once again powered away from the line and took the lead, the Mini slotting into a comfortable 2^nd place. The Mini was soon hot on the heels of the Starlet as the two protagonists continued their epic duel from the first race. The leading pair were in a class of their own and pulled out a large gap over the rest of the field as they drove each other onwards.

Lap after the lap the Mini ducked and weaved behind the Starlet as it attempted to find a way past but the Starlet held its line and used its superior power to maintain the advantage over the marauding Mini. Several times the two cars were side by side as the Mini strove to make a decisive move but the Starlet just held on to its slender advantage. The two cars flashed across the line to take the chequered flag separated by a tenth of a second after a superb cleanly fought duel that lasted from lights to flag with the two cars never being more than a few car lengths apart.

The team can be very satisfied with their weekends work, the Mini taking Pole position, fastest lap, a race win and a second place as well as providing useful feedback on the components being tested. The Hire car also performed faultlessly again in the hands of Geoff O’Nion who once again turned in a solid performance throughout the meeting. Also of note were the performances of Tristam Barden and Mary Grinham in BRR fettled machinery – each of them setting their own personal best lap times around the Lydden Hill circuit.

To read all Bill Richards' race reports, view his website here .