MARK Wakefield returns to a track this weekend at which he celebrated a maiden race win in the MINI Challenge UK.

The Weaverham racer, who has stepped up to the series leading JCW class this season, will be hoping to continue the steady progress he made at Silverstone last time out when he arrives at Rockingham.

“I was on the podium three times there last year,” he said.

“It would be nice to do that again.”

He sits 12th in the drivers’ standings after three rounds.

The 18-year-old’s car was hit by a rival during qualifying, leaving him able to set only the 20th fastest time in the session.

However he climbed the order from the back of the grid to finish 11th in the opening race.

His machine suffered suspension damage after he was hit again in the second sprint, leaving him to defend for the remainder to classify 12th.

Wakefield spent time repairing the damage himself, and made it to the start-line with seconds to spare.

Unable to check the alignment of his rear wheel before the lights went out, he produced his best drive of the day to finish in 10th position.

“We’ve learned a lot, and overall it wasn’t a bad weekend,” he said.

“We rushed like mad to be ready for the final race, and threw things together to get on the grid.

“I finished 10th, which was miles better.”

Northwich Guardian:

Mark Wakefield in action during the MINI Challenge UK round at Silverstone last month