Defending champion Tom Ovenden delivered a statement of intent from the outset, securing a commanding hat-trick of victories to leave the East Midlands at the summit of the early championship standings.

Race One

Ovenden wasted no time in laying down a marker, producing a controlled drive to claim the opening win of the season.

Podium:

1. Tom Ovenden
2. Sam Gornall
3. Nathan Edwards

Race Two

Race two proved a more combative affair, but Ovenden once again emerged on top to make it two wins from two starts.

Podium:

1. Tom Ovenden
2. Max Edmundson
3. Charlie Hand

Race Three

The final race of the weekend saw Ovenden complete a perfect sweep with a lights-to-flag victory, underlining his status as the driver to beat in 2026.

Podium:

1. Tom Ovenden
2. Sam Gornall
3. Nathan Edwards

JCW Sport delivers close competition

Alongside the headline JCW class, the JCW Sport category produced its own share of competitive action across the weekend, showcasing the depth of talent within the MINI CHALLENGE paddock.

Alfie Garford was in dominant form, winning all three races of the weekend at the wheel of his Wera Alliance Racing Academy-run car. Mackenzie would end up just 1.4s behind in second spot as he repeated his results from the earlier two races, with Murray Richardson once again taking third.