Walter Hayes Trophy 2022
8th November 2022
After many years of bad luck at the Walter Hayes Trophy, I finally got to stand on the Silverstone podium at the event!
Awesome way to end our short season, especially after being out of the car for a few years.
Qualifying went reasonably well, I managed to put it P3 by the end of the session in wet conditions. It was close though, I actually posted the exact same time as my teammate, but as it was two laps later, the tie went his way, giving him P2.
I got a reasonable start off the line in the heat race but immediately had to take avoiding action to the two in front spinning. I rejoined the track further down the pack but stuck into moving forward. A few laps later I tried going around the outside into Brooklands but got squeezed onto the slippy painted kerbs, causing me top lock up and go straight on. Somehow, I fortunately managed to avoid the barrier, keep it out of the gravel (mostly) and slot back onto the track. I made up a few more positions to finish this very eventful race in 7th. This meant I would start Sundays semifinal all the way down in 13th (lucky for some).
I knew it was crucial to move forward in the semifinal to have a decent starting position for the final, so I left nothing on the table. I had an awesome start, making a few positions instantly off the line. I kept pushing forward and managed to finish the race P3.
A P6 grid slot in the final was historically my best starting position I’d had at this event, so I was excited to see what I could do! A great start put me 4th by the end of the first lap. The race turned into an epic five car battle for the win. It was awesome, lots of position changes and nothing to separate us all in tricky, greasy conditions. I ultimately finished 3rd on the road, but ended up 2nd after a post race penalty for the leader.
I hope to go one position better next year, or the one after, or the one after 😅 I am determined to win this event one day!
A huge thank you to all the Kevin Mills Racing team, had a blast with you guys as always!
Also a massive thanks to all my family and friends that came along to support over the weekend! Glad I could put on a bit of a show for y’all!🤠
A final thanks to everyone who has sent me messages of support and best wishes, I really appreciate it. 🙂
Not sure when I’ll be racing again for certain yet, but it’s likely not to be until the later part of next year at the earliest. I’ll keep you updated when I know more either way.
Cheers everyone, Michael
