Round 3 – Mini Challenge Trophy, BTCC Support, 7–8 June
The Wera Alliance squad delivered their most exciting weekend yet at Thruxton, with a maiden win for Jenson Mason, a podium for Alfie Garford, and a breakout performance from rising talent Murray Richardson. With huge BTCC crowds and live ITV4 coverage, the stage was set — and the team delivered.
Qualifying – A MIXED BAG
Saturday qualifying saw both Alfie and Jenson place outside the top 10. But eyes were on Murray Richardson, entering only his second-ever car race weekend — and already showing signs of serious progress. He closed the gap to the midfield and prepared to go racing, not just to survive, but to compete.
Race 1 – ALFIE AND JENSON STORM THROUGH THE FIELD, MURRAY STEPS UP
With dark clouds looming, race 1 would provide a mix of driving conditions to sort the men from the boys!
Race 1 set the tone. Alfie Garford, starting from P12, wasted no time carving through the pack, executing brave overtakes and showing his trademark cool under pressure. He crossed the line P2 — another superb podium and top rookie result to boost his championship campaign.
But it was Murray Richardson who caught the paddock’s attention. Just one round ago, he was learning the ropes — now, he was racing hard in the pack, making clean, confident passes and beating experienced competitors. His rise is rapid, and his potential is turning heads.
Jenson delivered a remarkable 23rd to 6th making mincemeat of the opposition and filling himself with confidence to go into Sundays 2 races.
Race 2 – MASON MAGIC BRINGS FIRST WIN
The moment everyone will remember — Jenson Mason’s maiden Mini Challenge Trophy win. After solid pace all weekend, Jenson delivered the perfect drive. Calm, controlled, and fearless at the front, he soaked up pressure and led to the flag, securing an unforgettable victory. A huge moment for both driver and team.
Murray once again showed real grit, getting stuck into tight midfield battles and crossing the line with another big step forward in both pace and racecraft.
Race 3 – Points All Round, Momentum Maintained
In the final race of the weekend, both Alfie and Jenson secured more solid top 10 finishes — valuable championship points and another chance to show their consistency and competitive edge.
Murray, meanwhile, continued to impress — not just keeping up with the pack, but racing them. He finished ahead of far more experienced drivers, proving he’s no longer just finding his feet — he’s now part of the fight.
Championship Watch
- Alfie Garford remains firmly in the title picture, now 4th in the championship and holding 1st in the Rookie Cup.
- Jenson Mason takes a huge leap with his first win — full of confidence and climbing the table.
- Murray Richardson is the breakthrough story — racing hard, improving fast, and now a serious part of the midfield mix just two rounds into his racing journey.
Pete Osborne, Team Manager:
“That was a mega weekend for the whole team. Jenson getting his first win was a huge moment and Alfie’s P2 shows he’s right in the title hunt. But the standout for me was Murray — only his second-ever weekend in a race car, and he’s already in the pack, overtaking, fighting, and beating some seriously quick drivers. We’re proud of all three – and we’re only just getting started.”
Next Up: Croft – 28-29 June
The Wera Alliance squad heads north for Round 4 at Croft, a technical circuit that always delivers drama. With the team in top form, confidence high, and momentum building, all eyes will be on the blue, black and green MINIs as they go hunting for more silverware.
