The Mini Challenge Trophy contenders experienced widely varying fortunes at Brands Hatch last weekend, with Josh Wilby’s consistent performance propelling him to the points lead.
Pre-event favorites Leo Purches and Ashley Gregory encountered early setbacks. Gregory’s Cooper suffered rear suspension collapse due to a qualifying kerb strike, while Purches had a bent alignment after a tangle with Rhys Hurd, using his one permitted dropped score. This opened up the competition for Gabe Fairbrother, Ronnie Smith, and eventual leader Wilby.
Race one saw Fairbrother leading initially before Wilby overtook him around the outside of Druids. Fairbrother later slipped to third behind Smith. In race two, Hurd faced a penalty after slight contact with Fairbrother, elevating Alex Keens to the win.
Olivier Algieri’s engine problems marred his event, but a motor change by his Westbourne team saw him triumph in the finale. The race was briefly halted after Monroe Rennard’s incident, but Algieri dominated the restart.
Wilby’s podium finishes catapulted him to the top of the standings, escaping the turbulent weekend that many of his rivals faced. In the Caterham class, Senior emerged as the leader after a series of thrilling races featuring constant lead changes at Paddock Hill Bend.