Mini Challenge Trophy – Round 6 | Silverstone Circuit
The famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit set the stage for Round 6 of the MINI Challenge Trophy, and the Wera Alliance duo of Alfie Garford and returning teammate Jenson Mason were reunited for the first time since early summer. The “OG pairing” were fired up to deliver — Garford arriving with eyes firmly on the championship fight as he sat 3rd overall and leading the Rookie standings, while Mason was determined to stamp his authority back on the grid after his break from racing.
Qualifying – Dream Start
It was nearly the perfect start for the team on Saturday. Garford unleashed a stunning lap to secure P3, with Mason right behind him in P4 — a second-row lockout for the Wera boys and a statement of intent heading into the races. With both cars firmly in the top five, the message was clear: the duo were ready to take on anyone in their way.
Race One – Recovery Drive of Champions
The opening race delivered drama from the off. Both drivers scrapped inside the top ten, Garford attacking hard for the lead before a rare mistake dropped him down the order to P11. Mason, meanwhile, took advantage of the chaos, storming through to run P2 and eyeing up the leader. But with a few less horses under the bonnet compared to rivals, he had a fight on his hands to hold position.
Garford, however, wasn’t done. Showing why he’s one of the most exciting rookies on the grid, he carved back through the field with precision and determination. By the chequered flag, the #88 MINI had stormed back to P4, just 0.7 seconds shy of victory in a breathtaking recovery drive. Mason fought tooth and nail and crossed the line a strong P7 to bank vital points on his return.
Race Two – Rain and Pain
Sunday brought changeable conditions with rain in the morning to spice up proceedings. The reverse-grid draw placed Mason P3 and Garford P6 for the second race. Mason launched like a rocket, immediately dicing for the lead in the early laps, while Garford quickly made ground to join the fight at the front.
But disaster struck. Contact with another car pitched Garford into the gravel. Though he bravely rejoined, his race was effectively ruined, dropping him outside the top 15. Mason too slipped back in the shuffle, eventually bringing the car home just shy of the top 10. Both drivers were eager to reset for the finale later in the day.
Race Three – The Wera Showpiece
As the track dried and the sun broke through, the team’s spirits were high and the confidence returned — and with good reason. When the lights went out, Mason immediately shot up to P2, with Garford hot on his heels. For the next several laps, the Wera duo traded places for the lead in a sensational display of teamwork and hard racing that had fans on their feet.
Garford finally snatched the lead at Copse Corner, pulling a slight gap to Mason as he looked set to “pull the pin” and escape at the front. But cruel luck struck again — an ABS failure sent the car wide and dropped Alfie down the order, ending his hopes of victory.
That left Mason to fly the flag — and fly it he did. Leading the pack and fending off the slipstream down the Hangar Straight, he dug deep to protect his position. In the end, it was an incredible P2 finish, securing Top Rookie honours and capping a superb comeback weekend.
Driver & Team Reactions
Mason was thrilled with his Silverstone return:
“What a superb race! The early scrap for the lead with Alfie was awesome, and I’m just so glad to be back. I’m here to stay.”
A dejected but determined Garford showed his class:
“First of all, congrats Jenson — not only did you drive bloody fast, but that was also a brilliant race between us. I’m gutted with the ABS issue, but that’s racing sometimes. Onwards and upwards to Brands.”
Team Principal Pete Osborne was equally buoyant:
“The duo were back together, and they showed exactly what this team is made of. Their pace was mega all weekend. I’m delighted for Jenson’s comeback podium — it proves just how good he is even after a spell away. Alfie would have been right there too without the ABS issue, but that’s motorsport. He now needs to dig deep at Brands and see if we can fight for this championship.”
The Road Ahead
Garford remains 3rd in the championship standings heading into the Brands Hatch finale on November 1–2, with everything still to play for. The Rookie crown is firmly within his grasp, and while the overall title is a long shot, as Osborne reminds us: “anything can happen in motorsport — and it usually does.”
With Truck Racing, TCR action, and fireworks joining the Trophy finale, the stage is set for a spectacular showdown.
