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Round 5 of the Trackday Trophy season saw a return to the picturesque Anglesey Coastal circuit for the first time since 2023!
Qualifying:
After 25 minutes of qualifying, it was the driver pairing of Michael Rawlings and Jason Holyhead in the Paddock Performance #19 Class C BMW 3 Series that edged ahead of the competition, pipping the #41 Dubshack Class B BMW 3 Series of David Zakrzewski by just 0.184 seconds to secure pole position.
Nathan McPhail completed the top three, placing his #90 Class C Civic Type R third, just 0.337 seconds away from the best time. Class D pole went to Jack Stewart in his #173 JSR MK3 MX-5 posting a time good enough for 8th overall.
Race:
The #19 Rawlings / Holyhead BMW made a strong start from pole position, immediately controlling the opening pace of the race. The #41 Dubshack BMW 328i endured a difficult getaway from the front row however, dropping down the order as the chasing pack to closed in. McPhail capitalised, establishing itself as one of the main challengers for overall honours.
Further back, the Class B battle was already taking shape, with Team Airsupply’s #64 Porsche 944 driven by Wright / Allatt leading the class, followed closely by the #25 FJ Racing Honda Civic of Aaron Mullarkey. The #39 Paul McHugh Clio also enjoyed a strong opening stint, positioning itself inside the overall top five while challenging for the Class C podium positions.
In Class D, the #173 Mazda MX-5 was amongst the leading class runners, with the Tylah Motorsport #123 Dean Hyde BMW E30 and #4 Aindale Racing Toyota Celica of Oli Moss also involved in a close early battle for class position.
The pit window proved pivotal as teams looked to maximise their final stint and gain track position. Zakrzewski continued his impressive recovery drive, using strong pace and an effective stop to return toward the front of the field and back into contention for victory. Rawlings / Holyhead maintained control at the front however, while the McPhail remained firmly in the fight for the overall podium positions.
Behind the leading trio, the class battles remained closely contested. Team Airsupply’s Porsche continued its strong run in Class B, holding second in class, while the #25 FJ Racing Honda Civic remained within striking distance. McHugh stayed in the hunt for a Class C podium finish, while Stewart continued to lead the Class D runners heading into the final stages.
The final eight minutes produced a thrilling fight for the overall win, as Zakrzewski closed onto the rear of the #19 BMW. Rawlings defended superbly under pressure, while Zakrzewski continued to search for a way past. Despite a late challenge, including an attempt at the final corner, Rawlings held firm to take overall victory and Class C honours. Zakrzewski crossed the line second overall and secured Class B victory, with McPhail completing the overall podium as Class C runner up.
McHugh finished fourth overall and secured its 3rd in Class C as a result, while Team Airsupply took fifth overall and second in Class B. The #21 Toyota Celica driven by Wayne Cockerill finished sixth, with the Father – Son Hart duo in the #245 Honda Civic Type R following closely behind. Stewart rounded out the top eight after a close midfield contest, securing the Class D win ahead of Hyde & then Moss who took 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Well done to all those who raced at Anglesey!
Secure your spot on the grid today.
Photo: Rikki Palmer / Gary Hawkins Photography