The opening rounds of the 2005 John Cooper Challenge took place at a sunny Donington Park on the challenging 2 mile National Circuit.

Qualifying and race one took place on Saturday. In Club Class, Barney Cragg's secured pole position alongside Rob Austin. The second row of the grid was filled by Jonathan Shepherd in 3rd and Stephen in 4th. An impressive time was set by newcomer David Shepherd (son of Challenger Jonathan Shepherd), placing him 6th alongside Gary Kounnis. Unfortunately series veteran David Philips suffered engine failure before the morning qualifying session, meaning that he would have to start at the back of the pack.

In S Class, 2004 runner up Arthur Forster set a mighty quick time to put him on pole. Andy Sayle, Mark Speller and 16 year old Freddy Nordstrom completed the front two rows of the grid, however, they had their work cut out to keep on the tail of Forster who's time was over ½ second faster than any of his competitors.

As the red lights went out there was drama at the front of the grid amongst the S's, when clutch failure caused Freddy Nordstrom to make a slow getaway. Having made a great start, Stephen was unaware of the problem ahead. In an effort to avoid ploughing into the back of Nordstrom's car, Andrew Bailey had to take evasive action in his Cooper S and swerved right. Stephen did not have enough time or room to avoid clipping the back corner of Bailey's car, launching him up on two wheels. The car swerved across to the right hand side of the track on two wheels where it hit the grass and barrel rolled. Luckily Stephen walked away unhurt, but his car looked slightly worse for wear!

Following a red flag, the race was restarted. In S Class, Sayle made a great start to get ahead of Forster, while 2003 Champion Mark Speller had his work cut out reeling in a hard-charging James Loukes. Following a tough fight back Forster finally caught and overtook Sayle at the Esses. Meanwhile Speller had managed to reel in and pass James Loukes to get on the podium.

In Club Class Barney Craggs made a fantastic start to break away from the rest of the Cooper Works field and secure a convincing maiden victory. A close battle for 2nd place between Rob Austin and Gary Kounnis kept the crowds entertained. Both were hungry for their first podium positions in the John Cooper Challenge, with Austin just managing to get the better of Kounnis, despite Gary having set the fastest lap of the race.

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