Donington Park was the venue for the latest round of the Mighty Mini Championship on the 2nd and 3rd June 2018. With the races being held on the iconic GP circuit it was one not to be missed by competitors and spectators alike.
Races seven and eight would mark the half way point in the 2018 Mighty Mini Championship and Lisette was determined to put in a good performance and consolidate her top 10 position overall giving her a solid base as the season moved into its second half. Things had not gone to plan last year when she raced at Donington for the first time, on a rain soaked circuit Lisette had slid effortlessly from the track as she approached Craner Curves into the waiting gravel trap, rolling the her car. She was fine, just a bruised ego and some lighter than expected damage to the car.
By the time the first cargo plane thundered overhead on the Saturday as it approached East Midlands Airport, shaking the motorhomes below, the sun was already rising setting the scene for a gorgeous midsummer weekend. Not a rain cloud or rain drop in site, just what Lisette was hoping for as she prepared to face Donington once again.
Qualification went well and she soon mastered the tricky Melbourne Loop. Even a small foray into one of gravel traps didn’t dampen her enthusiasm or resolve to do well and she was pleased to get a top 10 position. That was it for the Saturday, both races would be on Sunday.
Sunday like Saturday started early as the first cargo planes roared overhead and the sun burst through the camper van window. Excitement was steadily building ahead of the first race. Lisette got away quickly from the line and should have made more of her good start as the Minis swarmed into Redgate three and four abreast. The racing was already wheel to wheel, bumper to bumper, the trade mark of Mighty Mini racing. Lisette held her nerve but not her place, dropping back one. Lap after lap Lisette battled to regain her place and move up the order but she was unable to improve and finished a solid 11th.
After a short break it was time for the second race where Lisette would start 11th on the grid. A familiar story saw Lisette streak away from the line and alongside the others but this time she held her position well as the troop swung into Redgate and she wriggled through to gain places. Banishing the memories of last year Lisette was flying through the Craner Curves as she settled into a good rhythm before rounding off a great performance to cross the finish line in 8th.
Asked to comment Lisette said “I was full of trepidation about racing this weekend as the memories were still fresh from last year, but I love this track as it really is one of the most exciting to race. The car was set-up beautifully and that gave me the confidence to give it my best. When I came in and one of the other driver’s son said I saw you take one of the corners on two wheels I knew I must have been pushing hard. I loved every minute, another fantastic weekend with the Mighty Mini crowd!”
Overall a rewarding weekend for Lisette that sees her move up to seventh in the Mighty Mini Championship, her highest ever position and a welcome boost ahead of the next round at Thruxton in July
