Nolan Jr. Sweeps Brands Hatch in Thrilling Week 7 Doubleheader

Chasing the Delta returned to Brands Hatch for Week 7 competition with a pair of 25-minute Mazda MX-5 races that delivered two distinctly different contests. A dry and closely fought opening race was followed by a rain-soaked second event that tested driver control and consistency to the limit.

Race 1

Carey Nolan Jr. led the field to green after securing pole position in qualifying. Jacob Green joined him on the front row, with Greg Calabria and Chris Siercks lining up behind.

At the start, Nolan Jr. launched cleanly and maintained control through the opening sequence of corners. The field navigated the first lap without major disruption at the front, although several incidents deeper in the pack shuffled the order.

Calabria quickly emerged as Nolan Jr’s primary challenger, repeatedly closing the gap and probing for an opportunity. Jacob Green remained within striking distance, creating a three-car lead group that dictated the pace of the race.

Calabria made several overtaking attempts, including a strong move into Turn 2 that forced both drivers to compromise their exits. Green capitalized on a slight misstep to briefly move into second place, but Calabria soon reclaimed the position and resumed his pursuit of Nolan Jr.

Carter Price advanced into contention from fourth and recorded the fastest lap of the race, positioning himself as a potential late threat. However, issues in the closing stages eliminated him from the fight for victory.

On the final lap, Calabria mounted a decisive challenge into Turn 1 but was unable to complete the pass. The two ran side-by-side through the final sector, with minor contact on corner exit setting up a drag race to the finish.

Nolan Jr. edged Calabria by just one-hundredth of a second at the stripe, securing one of the closest finishes of the season.

Race 2

Rain arrived prior to the second race, dramatically altering track conditions. Nolan Jr. again secured pole position, with Calabria alongside and Green and Price directly behind.

Grip levels were immediately at a premium. Green slid wide on the opening lap, while Nolan Jr. suffered an early spin that dropped him down the order. The challenging conditions quickly spread the field and elevated the importance of consistency.

Amid the early chaos, Carter Price assumed control and began building a gap. A multi-car incident involving Calabria, Jeremy Toste, and Jim Campbell further reshuffled the top positions and extended Price’s advantage.

As the rain intensified, multiple drivers struggled to keep their cars on the circuit. Spins and heavy contact resulted in significant damage for several competitors, thinning the field at the front.

Price appeared poised to convert his advantage into victory. However, in the closing stages, he struck the tire barrier in the final corner, sustaining race-ending damage and surrendering the lead.

Having recovered steadily from his earlier spin, Nolan Jr. worked his way back through the field and inherited the lead following Price’s incident. From there, he managed the remaining laps under pressure in deteriorating conditions.

Behind him, Steve Hill and Jim Campbell contested second position in the final laps. Campbell closed rapidly but was unable to complete the pass before the checkered flag.

Nolan Jr. secured his second victory of the evening, completing a sweep of Week 7 at Brands Hatch under dramatically different circumstances.

Event Summary

Week 7 at Brands Hatch delivered a compelling contrast in race dynamics. Race 1 showcased sustained wheel-to-wheel competition culminating in a photo finish, while Race 2 demanded patience and precision as heavy rain reshaped the running order.

Carey Nolan Jr. emerged as the defining figure of the event, converting pole position into victory in Race 1 and recovering from adversity to claim a second win in challenging wet conditions.