GT Sponsored Mini debut @ Oulton Park
I travelled up with Jonathan Lewis (Gt Aftersales Manager) who is racing this year in the Mighty Mini race series for 2011, and together with Mini Sport, we at Greentrees and HireMe sponsor his antics. Jonny used to race mini’s 6 years ago and was the 1979 National Champion, but this weekend was his return to this series with a car he picked up from a racing colleague. The event was over one day with qualifying at 12.30 and the race later that afternoon. This was its debut outing and rumors were rife amongst the other racers that Jonny was back. Qualifying was disappointing with John only securing 12th place on the grid. This meant some adjustments were needed – new brake pads, bleeding the clutch, and some driving style changes and we were ready for the race. The 20 minute race was all Jonny had to gain his top 5 place – the target he had set himself. As soon as he left the start he began carving his way up the grid, with the half way point finding himself in 6th place.
By the time the race was finished our man had only carved his way into a fantastic 4th place! – this is with his unprepared car. Whatever can he do once he adds his Lewis magic to the engine. I thoroughly enjoyed my day experiencing just how technical even basic mini racing is – well done Jonny!
Neil Greentree