After a long summer break, the Super Mighty Minis Championship headed to the South East to the fast flowing circuit of Brands Hatch.

Qualifying started well for the Mini Spares Driver, Alex Comis, in the number 41 car. As the session unfolded, however, there seemed to be an issue with a lack of power: Not ideal at Brands. By the flag, Comis bagged a 4th row start. Once back in the paddock the issue was thought to be a failing coil as Comis explained:

“Well, I was obviously hoping for better but I was losing all ignition on the exit of left-handers. We think the coil is at fault but can't test this under race stress until the race”

The 1st of 2 races got underway with heavy cloud which was an unusual sight given the weather thus far this season. Comis looked to have got a good launch but, by the famous Paddock Hill bend, he was down to 9th. This was only momentary and by Graham Hill bend, he was up 2 places and challenging. By lap 4, Comis was on the boot lid of one of Greg Jenkins and soon up to 5th place. Unfortunately by this point the lead pack had broken away to the tune of 3 seconds. Whilst trying to manage challenges from Jenkins, Comis was also trying to make up lost ground. An error on the last lap through Paddock Hill saw Comis lose out to Jenkins; a disaster, given the Championship positions of the 2. Comis was all over Jenkins and maybe the pressure helped as Jenkins went wide through Clearways allowing Comis up the inside on to the start/finish straight to clinch vital points and 5th place.

Out of the Car, Comis gave his thoughts:

“I'm relieved that the ignition fault seems to have been fixed. That was a great little race, but really frustrating to not catch the pack in time. Still, it looks like rain for the 2nd race so it should make for an interesting race.

Indeed by race 2 the rain had a firm grip on proceeding. At times the rain was falling at 45 degrees to the track. Tricky conditions would be an understatement!

With the rain bouncing off the track, the race was underway. Comis again got a good launch, but then seemed to lack traction as he dropped from 4th to 6th by Paddock Hill. Again this was short lived and was up to 4th by the start of the 2nd lap and trying to challenge for a podium. With all cars tip-toeing in the horrific conditions, positions remained reasonably stable throughout the race. Comis seemed to have 4th in the back, but wasn't making enough impact on the lead 3. By the flag, 4th place would be Comis' reward. Under some shelter, Comis gave his experience:

“There really wasn't much grip out there some I was trying all sorts of lines though the corners. I was hoping the lead 3 might trip themselves up, but I think everyone thought caution was the way forward. Still, though I would have liked a couple of podiums, we've got some good points and I'm very much looking forward to Snetterton which has been good to me in the past.”

Be sure to join us for rounds 13 and 14 of the Super Mighty Minis Championship on the 9th September. With the Championship so close, it's going to be epic!

Photos courtesy of John Creech