Oakfield Motorsport’s Neil Newstead claimed the 2015 Power Maxed Mini Challenge JCW Championship at Snetterton after producing a sensational drive in Race 1 of the weekend.
Going into the weekend Newstead had a comfortable lead of 142 points on his title rival Hamish Branden, however with dropped scores this reduced to a 102 point lead, but with 171 points available over the weekend the pressure was still on Newstead.
On a damp drying track qualifying commenced, it was going to be all about the last lap during the 15 minute session .Up to the penultimate lap Newstead held pole, however with traffic on the last lap Newstead was caught out and saw his worst qualifying of the season qualifying forth on the grid.
Newstead said “I now feel charged and pumped full of adrenalin for Race 1, I need to have a perfect start and ensure I come round in the lead on the first lap to maximise my points”.
Race 1 Newstead aced his start and launched his Oakfield Motorsport JCW Mini up the straight into Richie’s (corner 1) and went to P3, he then drove a perfect line round the outside of Montreal (turn 2) and exited ahead of Adams and Brandon leading the race, he then gapped the rest of the pack giving himself a comfortable lead, doing exactly what he said he needed to do. Team mate Steve Ruxton-Cocker passed Adams and Branden putting himself into P2, Newstead even more confident knowing his team mate was behind him and he would not need to be defending his position. This showed evidence with Newstead achieving the fastest lap on lap 8 of 2:12.886. Branden was involved in an incident causing damage to his car which resulted in him not finishing the race giving Newstead the Championship. Newstead took the chequered flag maximising all points available and delivering another lights to flag victory.
“I am so happy, what an amazing day and an amazing finish to this year, so much work and commitment has been put into this year, not only by me but Oakfield Motorsport as well, the team around me, led by the “Mini Legend” Bill Sollis . The team is so experienced, committed and dedicated without them none of this would be possible. What really has made this day even more special is my family being here to celebrate this victory with me, I am so passionate about my racing and enjoy it so much so to be able to have my daughter share the podium with me meant so much. Clearly I am looking forward to the presentation evening where we can all enjoy ourselves.
My thanks go to my partners and sponsors: Best of British partner Corbeau Seats, Chandlers of Hailsham, Oakfield Estate Agents, SDS Builders & Decorators, Stu Lane.com and Teng Tools.”
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