Mini DART takes debut win in a thrilling Fordwater encounter

Fordwater Trophy

Nick Swift gave the hitherto unraced Mini DART its debut win in a thrilling Fordwater Trophy encounter. The Mini ace was made to work hand for much of Sunday’s 25-minute opener, Gordon Elwell taking the initiative into Madgwick for the first time from the outside of the front row. The Austin-Healey Sebring Sprite racer was followed by Rae Davis’ Mini Jem, Phil Rainford and Swift, the quartet squabbling constantly in the opening stages. A fraction less than two seconds blanketed the first four cars for much of the opening laps, Davis having worked his way into the lead by lap three only to get deposed by Rainford and Swift through Fordwater at half-distance as Elwell began to drop back. Davis sadly retired in the dying stages, Swift gradually eking out a gap over Rainford to hold out for a deserved win. Elwell finished third.

“It’s an incredible little car,” said Swift. “[Designer] Dizzy Addicott would was loved this, I’m sure. We’re staggered with its speed. The race was all nip and tuck in the opening stages but very fair.”