6th October 2020
As the MINI Challenge heads to the mid-point in the championship, they arrived at the 1.64-mile National layout at Silverstone – the ‘Home of British Motorsport’. A track that Ryan has traditionally gone well at, previously claiming a race win and podiums. The notoriously tight track with just three corners and three high-speed straights certainly favours drivers in the toe. Qualifying was going to be crucial in order to achieve a good starting position, with overtaking opportunities limited. Ryan was once again impressive with his one-lap pace placing him P14. However, ultimately struggled with race pace, coupled with contact and a few small mistakes.
Qualifying
Following an exciting qualifying session, the ultra-competitive nature of the championship once again came to the fore. The top 24 were covered by less than one second, with Ryan having another impressive session. Taking P14 midway through the session for race one, just 0.678 off pole. He would start race 1 right in the mid-pack, and a great opportunity to move forward. It was also encouraging that his ideal time would have but his inside the top 8. If he had strung all his best sectors together. It’s set to be another highly competitive MINI Challenge race day with battles throughout the field.
Race 1
After getting off the line well, Ryan lost the rear going into turn 1. The rear tyres slightly not up to full temperature. Ryan was lucky to avoid not making contact with Max Coates amongst others, in correcting the slide. A slight over-correction sent he MINI the other way, just glancing the armco but no lasting damage. This dropped Ryan to dead last. He then set about his recovery drive, which was initially helped by a safety car to bunch up the field. However, this lasted for 6 laps so reduced his time to move back up the field. By lap 8 Ryan has gained 2 places from to 24th, with another place a lap later from King. Finally making a further position to finish 22nd however certainly not where he wanted or expected to be!
Race 2
Starting P18 and another good start, but struggled to make progress through the very tight field. A very exciting race, in which Ryan was battling with Bursac, Dalgliesh, Galer and Wilson throughout. Ryan started to pull away after getting the best of the group, however, lost his splitter mid-race. This significantly comprised the cars turning inability which is so crucial, therefore losing pace in the car. This allowed Bursac & Dalgliesh to get back passed Ryan, then Galer on the final lap. A disappointing race overall for Ryan.
Race 3
Looking to finish the weekend on a high Ryan set out once again to gain places and move up the grid. However being turned into a spin, followed by a level of overdriving on his part left, little to report. A lonely race in 22nd, however great news that the moments were shown live on ITV2, so some great airtime/coverage for Ryan and his sponsors!
Three tuff races, in which the true pace wasn’t shown! We got Ryan’s thoughts on the weekend ‘I’m overall very disappointed with the outcome of the weekend results. The pace was certainly there to challenge for the top 10 in all three races, with the amazing car LUX Motorsport gave me. We have to bounce back at Snetterton 300. Put this behind me and go again. The positive of this weekend is that the cars come back in one piece again, and I continue to learn the car in various situations. Thank you again to me amazing partners, with some great airtime for them on ITV2″