2024 MSV Miata Trophy
Rounds 13 & 14 – Oulton Park International
I’ve got to say, I do love this circuit! Testing on Friday was a blast, and I was feeling confident heading into the weekend. With a healthy lead in the championship there wasn’t a need to take any big risks, but as always, I’m here to win races and not just cruise around.
Saturday was a bit tricky with a drying track for qualifying. The lap times were tumbling all session, and I ended up third fastest – but I was only 0.03 seconds off Alex, who snagged second. It was that close!
SuperPole was drier still, and I was pretty chuffed to find the grip and clock the fastest time. Pole position was a nice surprise heading into race one.
Lining up on pole for race one in light rain, it was an even start between myself and Declan Lee, who was second on the grid. He managed to carry momentum around the outside at turn one and grabbed the lead. I stayed with him for a few laps, but as the rain started coming down harder, the field began to spread out. With the championship in mind, I didn’t want to take unnecessary risks, so I settled for second place. Still, a solid result.
Race two had a dry line forming, but we went for a ‘half/half’ wet/dry setup, which, as soon as I got out of the pits, I knew wasn’t quite right. Oulton can be a tricky circuit to read (especially from the paddock), and it’s always easier to spot these things in hindsight!
Alex had a brilliant start from third and dived up my inside into turn one, Old Hall. I stayed close behind and managed to take my chance when he ran wide at Druids. At that point, I was 2.2 seconds behind Lee, but I caught up fairly quickly, even setting the fastest lap of the race.
With the track still damp off the racing line and the championship on my mind, I knew I didn’t need to risk it all for the win, even though the temptation was real! I stayed close enough to keep him looking in his mirrors, especially on the final corner, but in the end, I crossed the line in second place again.
That’s now six second-place finishes in a row for me. I won’t lie, I’d prefer to be winning these races, but staying consistent is exactly what I need to do to secure the championship. Next up is Brands Hatch, and I’m determined to bring it home.
Massive thanks to Terry, Alex, and the team at Miller Motorsport, and of course, Dad, for all the support this weekend.
On to the next one!
Digital Programme
Results
| Position | Best Lap Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying | 3rd | 2:06.364 |
| SuperPole | 1st | 2:03.304 |
| Race 1 | 2nd | 2:10.867 |
| Race 2 | 2nd | 1:59.959 (FL) |
Full Results
Coverage
Race 1
Race 2
Gallery
Images: Ben Ball
