In Club Class, Barney Craggs started on pole position and pulled out a comfortable lead after a three-way tussle for 2nd began between Martin Depper, Gary Kounnis & Stephen. Stephen overtook Kounnis & Depper half way into the 20 minute race. On the last lap of the race smoke began to pour out of the back of Craggs’s car. Stephen overtook Craggs on the penultimate corner to take his third victory of the season. Gary Kounnis crossed the line in 2nd and Martin Depper 3rd.

The racing was just as close in S Class. Forster was on a mission to wrap up the Championship. A poor start and an early collision with Championship rival Andy Sayle, left Forster back in 7th position and with work to do. An epic fight back ensued and Forster secured yet another race victory, along with the Overall & S Class Championship. Loukes & Britchford finished 2nd & 3rd, both demonstrating gusty performances.

Stephen finished the season with 175 Championship points. He missed out on a top three finish by just two points to Gary Kounnis, and was just four points off a top two finish & a place in the World Championship final. 2005 has been Stephen’s most successful race season to date, securing three victories and numerous top five finishes.

Stephen would like to thank his 2005 Sponsors (The Dental Directory, Lind MINI Maidstone & Cool New Ltd), his mechanic Alan Winchester & all at John Cooper Works for their support since he entered the John Cooper Challenge 4 years ago.

Congratulations to the MINI World Championship finalists:
Arthur Forster (2005 Overall & S Class Champion)
Andy Sayle (2005 S Class Runner Up)
Barney Craggs (2005 Club Class Champion)
Rob Austin (2005 Club Class Runner Up)

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