Civic Cup: Rookie Alp-Williams claims First Win at Donington Park

It would be a maiden Milltek Civic Cup victory for George Alp-Williams at Donington Park. The Area Motorsport driver had started fourth, but a fastest lap of 1:18.141 helped him work his way to the front, besting the top two in the championship.

The result sees the title fight go to the final race later this afternoon.

Champion leader Winfield led the field away for the first of two races as an early safety car was called to recover the beached David Buky, after contact halted his progress by Redgate. The man of the start was Mervyn Beckett in the Invitation Class, jumping seven overall positions to lead the Trophy.

Winfield broke away upon the restart, but Camp was not prepared to lose touch, keeping a second behind his key rival. It would not be such good news for Max Lewis though. Despite qualifying third, the Worcestershire driver could not keep up with the pace of George Alp-Williams and Martin Dalzell, dropping behind both, compromising his championship chances.

For Lewis’ credit, he continued to hound the series newcomer, as fellow challenger Paul Taylor quickly worked back into contention, providing incentive for Lewis. Holding onto his tyres for the closing stages, he scythed back in fore.

Up front, Winfield could not match the pace of his fellow Area Motorsport cars during the middle of the race, dropping behind both George Alp-Williams and key rival Alistair Camp due to brake issues. Unfortunately for local driver Camp, a technical problem saw him pull off on the tenth lap, putting the odds heavily against him for the final race.

Up front, Alp-Williams sailed home for not just his first win, but also a first podium in what has been a rollercoaster season for the rookie. Setting the fastest lap as well, he led Winfield by just under a second at the flag, with Lewis inheriting third.

Dalzell continued to go from strength to strength, picking up fourth from Ross Darlington who likewise recorded his best finish of the year. The Stoke-based driver had held off the pressure of Ben Mills and Bradley Lane throughout, though all will be in prime position for the reverse race grid.

Rounding out the top ten was Jon Peerless and Oliver Barsby. The Revilo Industries driver will start on pole for race two, though his tenth place was also enough to earn Barsby the Forever Forward award, presented to the driver who gained the most places throughout the race.

In the Invitation Trophy, Lee Deegan rocketed home for class victory, finishing 23 seconds ahead of temporary leader Mervyn Beckett. The 2019 champion seemed unfazed by the weight disadvantage, battling with the Civic Cup cars throughout. Rounding out the podium would be Mark Hughes.