MINI Challenge Croft Review

Ashley Gregory Racing arrived at Croft for Round 3 of the MINI Challenge Trophy determined to prove a point after a tough outing last time out. From the very first laps in practice, it was clear the team had found something special in the car. The pace was electric, and for much of the day, it looked like Ashley was the one everyone else would have to beat.

Practice ended with confidence running high, but Saturday would bring fresh challenges. Qualifying at Croft is never straightforward, and this session was no exception. With no team-mate to work with and a relentless 30mph headwind battering the cars down the straights, finding a tow was absolutely crucial. Even so, Ashley delivered a determined performance, securing fifth and sixth on the grid overall. It might not have been the front row the team was hoping for after Friday, but it was a strong base to attack from.

Race one brought its own frustrations. Starting from sixth, Ashley quickly carved a path forward, slotting into fourth and applying pressure on the cars ahead. For a while, it felt like a podium was within reach. But motorsport rarely goes to plan, and mid-race contact disrupted the car's balance, leaving Ashley fighting to hang on to the position. Crossing the line in sixth felt like a small victory after such a bruising contest. Nothing lost, nothing gained, but the car and driver were still very much in the fight.

If race one was about damage limitation, race two was all about seizing the moment. Lining up third on the grid, Ashley made an electrifying start and rocketed into the lead by Turn 2. By the end of the first lap, she had built a two-second advantage, underlining the pace that had been there all weekend. The rhythm was flowing perfectly until the red flags flew, wiping out the hard-won gap and forcing a complete restart with just nine minutes left on the clock. When the lights went out again, Ashley kept her composure, made another clean getaway, and defended the lead with real determination. But with the chequered flag almost in sight, the race took a twist. On the penultimate corner, contact sent her wide and opened the door for rivals to pounce. Third place at the flag was a bitter pill to swallow, especially with the result provisional due to judicial reviews, but it was also proof of just how competitive the team had become.

Sunday's race three brought a very different challenge. From the moment the race began, something didn't feel right with the car, a lingering effect of the earlier contact. Without the balance or confidence to attack, Ashley was left to focus on bringing the car home safely and salvaging points. The final laps were a test of patience and focus, as positions slipped away one by one. Eighth across the line felt like a tough result, but the championship points were boosted by two guest entries ahead, ultimately awarding a classification of sixth.

Reflecting on the weekend, Ashley remained positive and determined to build on the progress. “Overall, we continued to show incredible pace and proved that by leading race two from the front. The team did an incredible job, and I'm proud of the performances. We'll regroup, learn from the setbacks, and come back even stronger.”

Ashley and her team now turn their attention to the next round. The hunger for success is as strong as ever, and preparations are already underway to ensure the car is ready to deliver when the lights go out again.

Ashley and the team would like to thank every partner whose backing makes this journey possible. From late nights in the workshop to podium moments on track, your support fuels every lap, every mile, and every opportunity to keep fighting at the front. Special thanks to our 2025 MINI Challenge Trophy partners:Pecometer Software Limited | Salford Van Hire | McGowan Transcriptions | HMS Haulage | Gian Luca Photography | Fuchs UK Lubricants | Gymsafe | Glass Assist UK | DJB Business Finance | Klarius Products | NEO Tools | Fort Vale Engineering | Woodcocks Haworth & Nuttall Solicitors | Orbital Design | North West Powder Coating | Lancashire DAF | JDS Trucks | Gridshark

Discover more about each of these fantastic businesses and what they do: Meet Our Sponsors

Sponsor Spotlight: Glass Assist UK

Glass Assist UK played a crucial role this weekend, coming to the rescue on Friday evening when the windscreen failed scrutineering. With time running out and the schedule tight, the team worked late into the night to replace the screen and ensure the car was ready for qualifying. Their rapid response and professionalism meant Ashley could head out on track with confidence. We're incredibly grateful for their support and expertise.

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