REDNAL driver Tobias Owen returned to the BRSCC Mazda MX-5 Championship last weekend, with controversy being the recurring theme at Donington Park.
Making his comeback in the penultimate race of the season after an enforced break, Owen found himself caught up in a chaotic qualifying session – along with the majority of the drivers.
Such was the confusion regarding to track limits, that 50 of the 60 drivers were penalised during qualifying alone, with seven of the Championship’s front-runners being disqualified from the session.
It resulted in a stern talking-to to the Mazda MX-5 drivers.
Owen started third on the grid in the B race and enjoyed a steady start, but was left in the gravel after a rival crashed into him during an overtake attempt.
Managing to return to the track, momentum was lost and Owen eventually finished in 16th.
Returning the following day for his next race, the Go4it Racing driver had another setback when he was forced to retire after another competitor made contact with his car. It was the first non-finish of Owen’s career, putting a miserable end to a weekend that had promised much, but delivered little in return.
After a debut season of setbacks and requiring a great deal of patience, he says further preparation and practice will stand him in good stead for the final event of the season and the next year ahead.
Owen takes to the world-renowned Silverstone circuit on the first weekend of October but he feels he will be able to challenge after getting his car back up to scratch.
