The historic Donington Park was revisited for the final rounds of the 2012 Super Mighty Minis Championship. Unlike any other UK sprint Championship, the penultimate round was to be a night race – as if this championship needed further excitement.

The Mini Spares Driver, Alex Comis, was in good spirits to end the season on a high after some unfortunate reliability issues earlier in the season:

“The car’s looking good for these two races. We’ve made some set-up changes since Snetterton which we hope will calm the twitchiness of the rear of the car through high speed corners”.

Indeed these changes were obvious from the first qualifying session as Comis bagged two 5^th places for the Night race and finale.

“I’m thrilled with the handling of the car, the balance is just right; it’s so easy to drive now. I’m a little disappointed with the lap times, but on the plus side, I think there’s more pace to be found in the races”.

The floodlit pitlane had an eyrie air of the unexpected as the cars were called to the grid. With lights ablaze, it was like a nocturnal Italian Job with a swarm of Minis.

At the green light, Comis made a strong start and was deep in the fight for the first corner. As the lap unfolded, Comis found himself in 4^th and challenging for 3^rd. Contact between the two main championship contenders elevated Comis to 2^nd! Things were looking good as he and leader, Elliot Stafford pulled away from the pack. By half distance, Comis was closing down on the lead but by this point a recovering Chris Morgan was soon back with the leader. Comis briefly dropped to 3^rd for a lap before timing a brilliant move on the exit of the chicane to regain 2^nd. Heading to Redgate, Comis ran wide handing the position back: This was an epic race! As the race entered the final lap, all 3 cars were in contention. Heading to the final chicane, Stafford went defensive and Morgan followed while Comis opted for the wide racing line.

As all 3 approached the apex, Comis gained on 1^st and 2^nd who made contact. With nowhere to go, Comis found himself having to back of: it was all down to the drag to the flag. Only 4 tenths of a second separated 1^st to 3^rd. Nail bighting stuff, and in the dark!  

In Parc ferme, Comis was clearly elated: “It’s so good to be back on the podium: this is the 1^st time I’ve raced in the dark and the car was just a dream. I’m gutted I didn’t get the win, if I didn’t have to lift though the chicane, I would have had it, still, a fantastic race!”

After such a good result, Comis was looking forward to the finale on Sunday, Unfortunately racing was delayed due to thick morning Fog, but once this had lifted, conditions again were perfect. Another solid start saw Comis in the lead fight for Redgate corner. With the lead 6 cars changing position apparently every couple of seconds, it was almost impossible to keep up with the changes. By mid distance, Comis was still in the fight and made a move for 4^th place through the exit of the old hairpin. On the turn in to McLean’s, there was contact and Comis was pitched in to a massive sideways moment. This was gracefully recovered as he took to the grass, but by this point the pack had got away. As the race continued, Comis was closing down on the pack and had just got back in touch with them as the chequered flag fell on the race, and the season. A valiant recovery late on in the race saw Comis cross the line in 6^th.

“It’s been a brilliant weekend: the car’s working just the way I like it. Yes, the contact at that stage of the race was always going to make recovering difficult, but to get a podium and be competitive all weekend makes things look very good for next season!”

Be sure to join us for the 2013 season, where Comis is sure to be in contention!!