Brands GP for rounds 3-4
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 nSpencer 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!