MINI Challenge

Whorton-Eales Wins Double Red Flagged Memorial Race

2 Mins read
Credit: MINI UK

It would be a chaotic end to the MINI Festival, with Ant Whorton-Eales winning the third race, that only saw ten laps, which were split into two parts due to a double red flag.

Rain would be the flavour of the day, as the heavens opened on the lead up to the headline Michael Walsh Memorial Race from Brands Hatch. The slippery Indy circuit proved to be a hazard for many of the drivers, with AW-E surprising many with his opening lap confidence and raw speed ensuring even a reverse grid could not stop him.

The reversed top six put the race-winner on the third row as rival Nathan Harrison took the lead into Druids. Not to be outdone, AW-E scythed around the outside of four cars, putting wheels on the grass, but still sliding his way into second by the end of the opening sector.

Harrison would make it easy for the JamSport Racing driver, as a mistake through Clearways put him at a disadvantage on the run down the main straight, dropping him to second.

After a red flag period, AW-E led the field away, setting the fastest lap on his way to a a clean sweep of victories in the JCW, with Harrison following him home as another red flag ended the Memorial Race.

It’s never the way you want to win a race, under a red flag, but it’s still be a mega weekend,” said Whorton-Eales. “The start was the key for me. I just kept my foot down and stayed wide, it turns out these Dunlops wets are pretty good on wet grass too! The championship goes on to Donington, but that’s no bad thing.

The red flag had been caused by Jake de Haan‘s crash at Druids, as polesitter Lewis Brown also retired.

Continuing his form with another podium, was Dan Zelos. The MINI rookie had clearly not been the quickest in the conditions, though proved his experience, holding off three other cars for his second piece of silverware of the day.

In this queue of cars had been Jack Davidson and Henry Neal, both of which sign off a strong weekend of results that will help in going into the final round. While Jordan Collard had already locked down sixth after the first red flag period.

Lawrence Davey and Luke Caudle completed the top eight as the red flag was due to the worsening conditions.

Credit: Nick Smith / TheImageTeam.com
1347 posts

About author
Single-Seater Specialist who worked for TCF from 2015-19. Come finding me wandering the paddock.
Articles
Related posts
BTCCF4 British ChampionshipGinetta GT4 SupercupGinetta JuniorMINI ChallengePorsche Carrera Cup GBPorsche Sprint Challenge GB

TOCA announces August start for 2020 BTCC and support categories' season

1 Mins read
TOCA has unveiled a tentative 27-race calendar for the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and all support categories, set to begin in August
BTCCMINI Challenge

MINI Challenge champion Gornall set for BTCC debut with Trade Price Cars Racing

2 Mins read
Reigning MINI Challenge Champion, James Gornall is the latest driver to make his debut in the 2020 British Touring Car Championship with Trade Price Cars Racing
MINI Challenge

MINI Challenge switches to Goodyear tyres ahead of TOCA debut

1 Mins read
MINI Challenge aligns itself with BTCC ahead of its debut as part of the TOCA support package in 2020.