All four Mini classes combined for the latest double-header in Kent in early
May, on the ‘undercard’ to the GT World Challenge Europe series, with huge
grids and many drivers tackling the daunting 2.4332-mile GP ‘rollercoaster’
circuit for the very first time.
So, busy lap charts, and mirrors!
There was drama even before Sunday afternoon’s opener, as having claimed
pole position in Saturday’s qualifying session Jeff Smith then brought out red
flags with a heavy off into the barriers, putting his car out of action and himself
into hospital with broken ribs. Ouch!
Promoted Miglia ‘polesitter’ Ian Curley
made the early running before fellow Kent ‘local’ Aaron Smith came through
from the 5th row to be in front before a beached car at Paddock Bend then
brought out a safety car until the chequered flag was waved, with Kane Astin
completing the podium ahead of Phil Bullen-Brown after frontrunner Rupert
Deeth dropped to 7th. Julian Proctor secured Libre spoils ahead of Phil Harvey
as others ‘fell off’.
Starting several seconds later, the smaller capacity hordes were equally hectic,
Ross Billison eventually taking the Se7en win from Damien Harrington and
Spencer Wanstall after numerous position changes, just ahead of the furiously
dicing S-Class frontrunners, headed by Matthew Page from elder sibling
Jonathon, reigning titleist Matt Ayres and 2024’s top novice Ollie Birkett.
Less than three hours later the second race closed the weekend’s action with
Curley predicting a reversal in the Miglia finishing order. He was proved right
too, getting back in front after an early safety car ‘lull’ to remove another
gravel-bound machine and after 11 laps crossed the line in a fabulous four-car
blur of himself, Deeth, Astin and Smith, all covered by less than an incredible
0.143s… wowzer!
There was recompense too for Ian Fraser who made up for his
earlier spin to take a second Libre victory of the season, ahead of Proctor in 2nd
and Harvey 3rd.
Down among the Se7en and S-Class ranks, place changes were dizzying to keep
track of, but through it all Billison again manoeuvred himself to the front when
it mattered to head Harrington, Wanstall and Daniel Munro, with the unlucky
Glen Woodbridge off course for a second time having been in the mix too.
Ayres took his third S-Class victory of 2025 after late drama saw Jonathon Page
go off at Stirlings, brother Matthew thus taking the runner-up spot from Joel
Wren a little further back.
New lap records were set by Aaron Smith, Wanstall and Jonathon Page in
Miglia, Se7en and S-Class respectively.
Not long to wait for the next thrilling instalment, as on 7-8 June the Silverstone
GP circuit hosts rounds 5 and 6 in the Goodyear Mini Challenges supported by
Mini Spares. It’s all shaping up nicely for a cracking season!
RESULTS: Brands Hatch GP 3-4 May 2025
Round 3 (10 laps)
1st 0 A Smith (M)
2nd 5 I Curley (M)
3rd 11 K Astin (M)
14th 595 J Proctor (L)
16th 2 R Billison (7)
17th 29 D Harrington (7)
18th 73 S Wanstall (7)
19th 709 M Page (S)
21st 710 J Page (S)
22nd 701 M Ayres (S)
Round 4 (11 laps)
1st 5 I Curley (M)
2nd 23 R Deeth (M)
3rd 11 K Astin (M)
11th 127 I Fraser (L)
15th 2 R Billison (7)
16th 29 D Harrington (7)
17th 73 S Wanstall (7)
18th 701 M Ayres (S)
19th 709 M Page (S)
21st 741 J Wren (S)
Words: Rich Williamson
