Charlie Butler-Henderson enjoyed a ferocious return to the MINI Challenge UK Series at Oulton Park yesterday (8th August), to continue his winning streak. Despite an absence from the series at the last round, Charlie continued from where he left off, on the top step of the podium.
A speedy time during Friday’s testing left Charlie feeling there was more to come from his Gen 3 Class Mini Challenge racer. As qualifying arrived he wasn’t disappointed, when he steered his way to pole position for race one, reducing his time from the previous day.
A slip to second at the start of race one saw Charlie chase his way out of Old Hall (turn one) and down the Avenue on lap one. Race pace was soon abruptly paused when a heavy incident brought out immediate red flags. After a lengthy stoppage, the race was restarted with Charlie getting the better start this time around.
As he leapt towards Old Hall side by side for the lead, he was able to hold his ground, to give him the advantage. Charlie held on for the remainder of the shortened race to claim yet another race victory.
A reversal of the top five for race two saw Charlie slot into his fifth place grid slot. Another speedy getaway saw him squeeze his Mini F56 down the right hand side of the pit straight, to immediately steal third place.
Another incident that sent multiple cars spinning in avoidance caused carnage on the circuit, to bring out the safety car. After trailing the safety car at neutralised pace for a number of laps, the action resumed, with the top three able to break away from the chasing pack.
Engrossed in a top three tussle, Charlie soon saw his opportunity to steal second place, with a late braking manoeuvre into Old Hall. As he slipped up the inside he advanced to second, to claim yet another strong result and points haul.
“What a day! I can’t thank the Oakfield Motorsport team enough, they have given me a great car,” said Charlie. “To come back after missing the last round with that sort of dominance was brilliant. Yes we were strong in the first half of the season but it was fantastic to be just as strong on our return.”
Whilst the current championship standings are yet to be confirmed, Charlie looks set to have progressed up the order courtesy of his Oulton Park performance.
Charlie is still very much running on a race by race basis and desperately needs any extra help he can get. “I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been supporting me this far, I wouldn’t be here without you, but it is still tough to go race by race. Any extra help is greatly appreciated,” he said.
Charlie hopes to be at the next round, set to take place around the Donington Park Grand Prix circuit on 19th-20th September, to continue his battle for championship honours.
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