A podium with pace!

2 May, 2026

2026 MSV Miata Trophy

Rounds 5 & 6 – Brands Hatch GP Circuit

If you ask most UK-based racers, they’ll tell you that taking a tight left at Surtees and flooring it as you head onto the Grand Prix circuit is about as good as it gets. We have been lucky enough to have raced on the GP track several times over the last few years and it’s always special. This weekend was extra special, as we were again supporting the GT World Challenge, so the place was packed!

Qualifying was difficult; I ended up ninth and 1.35 seconds off the pace. We had been changing the car setup and making progress in testing, but this was disappointing. I was trying too hard and coaching with Paul O’Neill afterwards showed up a few things I could change; mainly that I needed to just go back to my natural driving style.

As well as those tips, we made a couple of setup changes for race one, which did help. However, we also discovered a breakthrough on the engine side. These things combined meant I had my most competitive race to date this year, running much closer to the pace throughout and being able to fight for positions. This felt good! Once it all settled down, I ran in fifth for a lot of the race but got pipped at the end. Sixth place, only 0.5 seconds off the fastest lap and in sight of the winner was still a bit of a breakthrough!

Once again for the second race the weather was looking sketchy, but Dad and I chose a good setup for the conditions. Starting seventh on the partially reversed grid, I drove better and with a balance of urgency and patience I hit the front at the halfway point. It was the first time I had led a race for a long time! Leading was tricky as the circuit started to dry; I was the guinea pig but even though I was overtaken by Coussins with two laps to go I was pleased to see he didn’t just drive away. Not only that, I attacked to regain the lead but in the kerfuffle dropped to third. I was happy to be on the podium at Brands Hatch once again and we were encouraged by the pace (0.3 seconds off the fastest lap this time).

There are still things to work on, but this was a great way to finish the first part of the season. There is a huge three-month break now until we head to Anglesey on 1st August. Looking forward to it!