MARK Wakefield enjoyed his best result of the season so far in the MINI Challenge series’ latest round at Rockingham.
The Northwich teenager, returning to a circuit at which he celebrated a hat-trick of podium finishes – including a maiden race win – last season, crossed the line fourth in Sunday’s final sprint.
It earned him a Best of British Award, presented afterwards by sponsors Mintex to the best driver at a meeting.
Great race! P4 from 10th and best of British award winner!! Massive thanks to @MintexBrakesUK for the pads & @MINIChallengeUK
— Mark Wakefield (@markwacker18) June 19, 2016
Wakefield, stepping up to the championships’ JCW class for new models, endured mixed fortune during qualifying on Saturday.
He was ninth fastest, his highest grid placing in 2016, only to be halted by clutch failure.
A mistake during the early stages of race one saw him drop down the order, but he recovered to classify 12th.
Wakefield then battled with former champion Luke Caudle in the second race on Sunday before reaching the finish inside the top 10.
He made up ground quickly during the early exchanges in the third sprint, rising to fifth by the third lap.
Caudle was in pursuit again when he took fourth, but the Weaverham-based racer held him off until the chequered flag fell.
The series resumes at Brands Hatch, in Kent, next month.
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