Solid end to the season

2023 MSV Miata Trophy

Rounds 11 & 12 – Brands Hatch Indy

We headed to the last round of 2023 and were greeted by – surprise, surprise – rain! There was no chance for me to get a top position in the championship after my adventures in recent rounds, but I wanted to end the year on a high. Alex was second overall, so it would be nice to help him if the opportunity arose.

Qualifying started wet but the track was drying as the session went on. Everyone set their fastest at the end, with my last lap good enough for third. I made a small mistake in SuperPole by running deep into Druids, but still ended up third – the front row was on the cards.

After a super get away from third on the grid in race one I got boxed in and actually dropped to 5th by the time we arrived at Druids. It took a few laps but eventually I pulled a nice move round the outside of Clearways to go fourth. There was a gap to the top three, but my pace felt good and I thought I could catch them. It wasn’t enough though and fourth was probably the right result given my pace.

I started third again in race two and with another super start I was able to get up into second place this time. Aiden Hills was quicker than me up front and as he edged away I was fighting with Michael Knibbs. He slid wide at Clearways around half distance, which gave me some space. However, he was quick and caught up, then overtook as I was blocked by two cars we were lapping. It was pretty unfortunate and I don’t think there was much I could have done. I stuck with him but again lost out in traffic where I couldn’t overtake another back marker due to a yellow flag. Third place was where I deserved to finish, so I can ‘t be too disappointed. It was great to go up on the Brands Hatch podium once more! The bottom line is we need more wet pace at Brands Hatch.

Overall it was a fun race weekend. It’s always nice to have partners, friends and family at the circuit and we get lots of support as Brands is our home circuit.

As for the season, thank you to MSV for running the Miata Trophy. In it’s first season it has definitely been a huge success. Well done to Declan Lee on becoming the inaugural champion, I just wish I could’ve made his life a bit harder! Huge thanks must go to Terry for his prep and weekend work running us, as well as Alex and the crew at Miller Motorsport.

Another big ‘thank you’ goes out to my partners. Their support is critical and it’s great to work with them in the various ways we do.

Finally, thanks to Dad – none of this would be possible without him.

2024 starts now… follow my social media for updates throughout the winter!

Digital Programme

Results

Full Results

Coverage

Race 1

Race 2

Gallery