2005
Kelly Rogers Racing
The start of the 2005 Mini Miglia Championship had arrived, with all the winter to prepare for the season ahead. Silverstone Grand Prix circuit is demanding on both car and driver, with a fast lap time for a Mini Miglia just over 2 minute 16 seconds, things where going to tough.
The weather was dry and bright as the cars rolled up to start there qualifying session. With 15 minutes to test and set up the cars with a lap being so long things had to be right from the word go. Kelly had been testing at Silverstone on the Friday so was quietly confident of posting a good time. The gaggle of cars seemed to take forever to come past the pits for the first time, all bunched up as slip streaming down the back straight was always good to post a quick time. The top 3 from 2004 were in there normal rhythm, swapping times at the front to see who could get the first pole position for 2005. Kelly was able to snatch the pole position on lap 5 of the session so all was rosy in the camp.
The weather had changed to a dull overcast appearance as the cars lined up on the grid. Kelly was totally focused and relaxed sitting on pole position as the red lights went on and 5 seconds later went out. The drag to the first corner saw Baldwin muscle his way past Kelly, with Hunter, Sollis and Peacock all snapping at the heels of the cars in front. Lap 1 was mostly hassle free for Kelly and Baldwin at the front with the remaining pack squabbling for the remaining positions. Kelly had no intensions to sit behind Baldwin so as fast as he could he dived up the inside at Abbey to take the lead. With only 15 minutes of racing over a long circuit the wait and see game was not an option. Both Kelly and Baldwin were pulling away from the remaining chasing group, but were both intent on controlling the race from the front. Lap 3 and the top 2 spots had been changed a couple of times but Kelly looked to have the upper hand. The battle at the front was nail biting for the drivers and the spectators alike, going into the 5th lap a bit of grass tracking was done by both the leaders as the 15 minute time barrier was approaching. Kelly was still leading on lap 6 when they approached the complex, Kelly felt a gentle tap as they were exiting the fast right hander and the car started to drift slightly. Keeping the power on but now off line Baldwin was able to sneak up the inside of Kelly to retake the lead. Last lap, Kelly was trying all the tricks in the book to try and find away round the now very wide Baldwin car. Nose to tail all the way round until the chequered flag was waved, Baldwin beating Kelly by a whisker.
Things were very good with the car and Kelly was happy for a good result but really wanted a win.
Next round Castle Combe and hopefully no problems like last year, Kelly likes the circuit and is very fast there so the battle will commence.
Round 1
Silverstone
Non
Championship
Silverstone -
19-03-2005
Silverstone
-
23 / 24-07-2005
