The Vertu Motors Mini Challenge rolled into Norfolk to be part of the support series for the BTCC’s challenge of the 2.97-mile Snetterton circuit.
Napa Racing UK/Alliance Racing driver Jamie Osborne arrived in fine form for the trio of races last weekend, and it would prove to be another fruitful weekend of racing for him.
The non-televised first two races of the weekend saw Jamie claim a podium and victory, which set him up nicely for Sunday’s televised third race.
Saturday qualifying saw him stick his John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini on the second row of the grid, as he started fourth. He got a good start, before taking part in a race-long tussle with rivals Tom Ovenden (EXCELR8 Driver Development Programme) and Max Edmundson (Pro Alloys Racing). In the end though, he eventually lost out to Edmundson to finish on the third step of the podium.
“The first race of the weekend was probably the hardest of all to be honest. I started fourth and battled with Tom Ovenden, but it wasn’t meant to be, as I got overtaken by Max Edmundson and finished third.”
The second race saw Jamie’s number 77 Mini (JCW) start from fourth position once again. He made a lightening start to find himself in second place by the third corner of the opening lap. He then battled with JRW Motorsport’s Albert Webster for a few laps, before getting by the rookie with a lovely move around the outside of Coram to lead by the time he exited Murrays to sprint down the Senna Straight and go on to victory.
“Race two was a good one. I started fourth and was in second place by the time I reached the Wilson corner. I battled with Albert Webster for a few laps, before making a nice move around the outside at Coram to go on and win the race.
“We’ve had great pace all weekend. I just want to try my best and see how the final race of the weekend goes.”
Jamie was in Pole Position for the final Vertu Motors Mini Challenge race of the weekend (Round 6), and he got away well at the start to be well clear as the pack entered Riches.
By the third lap, he’d etched out a lead of 2.7 seconds over Max Edmundson, who himself was battling with Tom Ovenden. The number 77 Mini JCW looked in complete control at the head of the field, while Ovenden got by Edmundson on the penultimate lap.
But the EXCELR8 Driver Development Programme driver couldn’t cut the 3-seconds gap to Jamie, who went on to take the chequered flag after ten racing laps.
“I got a great start and just settled down to drive quali lap after quali lap, while watching Tom and Max battle it out behind me. Other than a spillage at the back of the circuit, it must have been a boring race to watch! It can be so easy to lose concentration when you’re out in front. I was watching the other cars on the big TV by the main grandstand each time I drove by… HaHaHaHa!
“We have good pace this year. We worked on the car a lot over the winter, we have a great car, and it’s nice to be on top. I won’t get ahead of myself though, as this championship is a long game.
“To be honest, the last race was the easiest of my weekend. I got away well and went on to bring the car home by doing a few quali laps. I’m happy to get the win live on TV as well.
“A big thank you to Napa UK Auto Parts and Alliance Racing for putting a great car together for us all this weekend. We’ll continue to get stronger.”
After the weekend’s racing, Jamie sits at the top of the Vertu Motors Mini Challenge Drivers’ Championship Table with 302 points from the opening six rounds. That’s a record of five wins and a third place so far, which sees him 64 points clear of Tom Ovenden.
