Gavin Bristow switched from rally driving to circuit racing to take a brace of eighth places in the opening rounds of the 2006 Mini Challenge at Snetterton.
Driving a Works Cooper S, Bristow, from Cholsey, who has only previously competed in British National Rallying, managed fourth best time in free practice for the Cowley-based Oxford Associate Race Team. Some minor set-up changes and new slick tyres enabled the team to qualify 11th for round one and tenth for round two.
The top ten finishes meant that Bristow was the highest-placed novice driver beating some established circuit racers in the process.
After a positive weekend in Norfolk for the team, the next rounds of the Mini Challenge will take place at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on April 29 and 30, as part of the second weekend of Dunlop's Great and British Motorsport Festival.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article