After a brilliant 2nd place and win at Castle Combe, Alex Comis in the Mini Spares came to Donnington looking to maximise the momentum at the midpoint of the season.

Again, the weather for the weekend was set to be stunning, particularly for the sun worshippers, possibly not so ideal under 3 layers of fireproof overalls in a hot cockpit. Qualifying saw Comis putting in top times from the off. Pole was on the cards, however, in the closing stages Dave Rees pipped Comis to pole.

“I'm pretty happy with that.” Commented an up-beat Comis. “I think I could have gone quicker with a bit more [aerodynamic] toe, but there's not much in it between the top 5. The race should be good!”

Lined up on the Grid, the lights went out and the raw of Minis launching signalled the start. Comis got a reasonable start, but was soon being challenged in to Redgate. As the pack jockeyed for position through the oh-so epic Craner Curves, it was quite the sight to behold. By the end of the 1st Lap, Comis was in 2nd but it was impossible to keep up with the number of overtakes. At the mid-point, it was looking to be Comis' or Rees' race. Neither were giving an inch. On to the penultimate lap Rees made a dive up the inside at the Melbourne Hairpin and made the move stick. Back markers were now in play and obviously difficult to predict. On to the back straight and Comis was just too far away to make best use of the tow. With Rees on the defensive the status-quo would remain to the flag.

Race 2 and the usual reverse grids would make for even more entertainment. Comis, starting from 7th kept position but soon found himself in 8th place by the Old Hairpin and 9th by the end of the first lap. Comis soon got into his stride and started picking off places. By lap 2, 6th place. Lap 3, 4th place. By lap 5, he was leading. This was epic stuff. The race was far from over and Comis was soon back down in 4th. With the last couple of laps to go, it was a battle between Rees, O'Brien and Comis. On to the Last lap and a move by O'Brien on Rees at the Old Hairpin compromised their exits. Comis was now up to 2nd and closing on Rees. Rees got loose on the exit of McLean's and Comis was up the inside and in to the lead. Down the back straight for the last time and Comis went defensive. Very defensive. In to the Esses for the last time and Comis had the measure. On to the start-finish straight and the flag was Comis'…..or so we all thought. News then came through that a 5 second penalty had been applied for exceeding track limits putting Comis in 4th place.

Once the dust had settled, Comis gave his thoughts;

“I think that's one of the hardest races I've ever been in and I'm totally gutted with the decision. Looking at the in-car footage, I definitely had a case but the appeal process is quite costly. Still, on the positives I've come away with 2 fastest laps, a lap record and a 2nd and a 4th which puts me in a good place for the Championship. The momentum seems to be building and I'm looking forward to Thruxton and the 2nd half of the season.”

Rounds 9 and 10 take place on the 7^th and 8^th July. Be sure to be there for more heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat racing!