Champions Crowned in Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy finale
Tom Ovenden successfully wrapped up the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title during the final meeting of the 2023 season at Brands Hatch.
Ovenden was one of six drivers who could still win the title heading into the final three races of the season but saw himself outscored by main rivals Alex Solley and Nicky Taylor in the opening race – which was held in tricky wet conditions.
When Solley then suffered an unfortunate spin following contact in race two, Ovenden was suddenly in a position where he could wrap up the title with a top five finish, earning him a first circuit racing title with a race still to go.
The youngster, who no idea the championship was won on returning to the paddock after the race, and would end the weekend with sixth in the finale.
Taylor would end the year in second place, with Jack Byrne edging Solley to third by a single point.
“When I came in after race two, I was thinking about what I’d need to do in race three and I got told to stop at the podium,” Ovenden said. “I had no idea what was going on and when I got told I’d won the title, I didn’t believe it at first as I didn’t know Alex had had a problem.
“This is what I’ve been working towards since I joined the grid, and it’s an unreal feeling. The last three years with the EXCELR8 team have been fantastic and credit to everyone in the team for this success.”
On track, the three race wins would be shared by Alex Keens, Byrne and Nathan Edwards.
With the Graduate Cup title having already been won, Rhys Hurd wrapped up the Rookie Cup title, whilst Lee Pearce ended the season on top in the Directors Cup.