Neil Newstead headed to his local track last weekend, looking forward to the fifth round of the MINI CHALLENGE at Brands Hatch. This weekend was part of the MINI Festival and would see large crowds, lots of racing from various types of MINIs and local support from Sponsors, Family and Friends. Neil took the opportunity to celebrate his Daughters, Madison’s birthday by adding stickers to the race car on the Sunday which read “Happy Birthday Madison. Love Daddy xx”.
Neil’s race car was in good shape for the weekend. The previous race at Rockingham had showed the performance was back in the car and Friday’s testing displayed good pace so Neil was confident when Saturday morning’s qualifying began. This confidence was demonstrated on track as Neil managed sixth place, just two tenths off the pole time and his best qualifying position this season.
A very hot Saturday afternoon saw the first race of the weekend for the JCW MINIs. Neil struggled with the tyres and dropped 4 places, crossing the finish line in 10th place. A good result but he knew he had the pace to improve.
Sunday would see two more races for the JCW class and the crowds were out in large numbers to watch the exciting action to come. Neil didn’t disappoint and starting in 10th, had a great start and immediately gained three places, up to 7th by the end of the first lap. On the forth lap, Neil passed Jono Brown and began hunting down Luke Caudle. Pushing hard, Neil achieved the fastest lap of the race and finished in 6th.
The final race of the weekend, Neil struggled with the start to select second gear on the cars sequential gearbox and was immediately passed by Lawrence Davey and Henry Neal. On lap 7, Chris smith pulled a great move by darting from one side of the track to the other approaching Druids and made the pass on the outside, going into Graham Hill bend. Struggling with the tyres, Neil began to lose pace and then a tap from BTCC driver, Jeff smith into Graham Hill Bend saw Neil drop another place to finish the race in 12th.
Overall, this was a great weekend for Neil and Oakfield Motorsport. It really showed what pace is in the car, and the team are at the brink of perfecting the cars set up. A few refinements are needed and with some testing prior to the next race at Oulton Park on the 20th August, it should be dialled in ready for some more exciting action.
“It was really good to have local support from friends, family, the team and our sponsors to support me and to celebrate Madison’s birthday”
– Neil Newstead.