MINI CHALLENGE REPORT: Brands Hatch

MINI Challenge 2016 Brands Hatch GP Circuit
7th-8th May 2016
Words & photos David Young

After the snow at Donington Park last weekend, with very cold tyres, the MINI Challenge JCW class moved onto the Sun Drenched Brands Hatch GP circuit with very warm tyres. Being the support races for the Blancpain GT series sprint cup the Coopers and “S” were not running.  Lots of very expensive cars ranging from Ferraris, Bentleys, Audi A8, BMWs, Lamborghini’s etc.  The JCWs were in fine company.  

Luke Caudle and Charlie Butler-Henderson
leading the pack around Surtees

Only two race races this weekend, one each day with qualifying on Saturday morning.  A total contrast to the compact timetable of the opening rounds at Donington two weeks ago.  Some of the JCWs that were damaged at Donington did not appear as well as some drivers just not turning up! Neil Newstead and Jono Brown's cars had been turned around after the momentous incident at Donington. Mark Steward’s car looked new too.  A great testimony to the professionalism of both Oakfield Motorsport and Excer8. 23 JCWs made the start and 23 JCWs made all the races through to the chequered flag. No incidents the whole weekend.

Qualifying was cut short due to an excursion onto the kitty litter at Paddock Bend, the only real incident of the weekend.  Jono Brown (Excelr8) showing great form in getting the quickest time, 1:38.912 alongside Nathan Harrison (Coastal Racing), Chris Smith (Excelr8) and Rob Smith (MINI UK ViP). The fastest times of the weekend.

Jono Brown leading at Paddock Bend

Race 1 was a lights to flag victory for Jono, all the while the rest of the field had their own battles, exciting to watch. Chris Smith and Nathan Harrison (2nd & 3rd) had a great squabble showing great race craft by both drivers, Chris being left the smallest of openings going into Surtees, squeezed through and stayed in front to the flag. Charlie Butler-Henderson (MINI UK ViP) had moved up to 4th followed by team mate Rob Smith (MINI UK ViP) & Brett Smith (Eurotech). The results being used for a reverse grid on Sunday from 4th gave Charlie pole followed by Rob Smith, Chris Smith & Nathan Harrison.

With race 2 scheduled to start at 3.30pm the Sunday morning was a bit like a show and shine show, all the JCWs were cleaned polished and all sparkly.  MINI UK had lots of guest who were shown around the ViP team with Charlie Butler-Henderson showing guests around his race car.  The background sound of GTs was superb too.

Charlie Butler-Henderson pulling away
from Nathan Harrison at Hawthorn Hill

Race 2 saw Rob Smith dart into the lead with Charlie close on his tail. By the 2nd lap Charlie got past Rob, with Nathan Harrison also slipping past to 2nd place, the cars then all stayed in a solid line for most of the race.  12 laps and the top 5 did not change. Brett Smith and Luke Caudle had a good fight with Lawrence Davey in the middle, all very well behaved. Neil Newstead was still suffering from handling issues despite new shock absorbers and springs.  Their car still looked great in metallic green, very photogenic! Chris Smith had a great weekend with a 3rd and a 4th; Nathan Harrison 4th & 2nd, was on fire all weekend, one to watch.

With the end of race 2 all the drivers and teams packed away and departed Brands after a very warm incident free weekend. Roll on Silverstone 3 weeks away!

The Podium L-R Nathan Harrison, Charlie Butler-Henderson, Rob Smith

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