BEN CROSSLEY TAKES JCW SPORT FINALE AS ARCHIE JOHNSON CROWNED

Archie Johnson will take an extended lead in the JCW Sport class into the final race of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE season after emerging on top in the second race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.

In what proved to be an action packed race amongst the six cars on track, Henry Howarth had made a fine start to rocket through from the back of the field to lead on the opening lap, with Johnson finding himself running back in fifth spot.

Howarth however then became embroiled in a battle with Nicky Gauci for the lead as the Maltese raced dived ahead on lap two, with Johnson behind dispatching Ben Crossley and Chris Mackenzie to move up to third.

When Gauci was then forced to pull off and retire, Johnson moved into second spot before the action was halted following an accident for one of the JCW runners.

On the restart, Howarth led the field away but ran off track at Hawthorns and took the front splitter off his car, allowing Johnson through into the lead.

As a number of delayed JCW cars also got involved in the mix, Johnson was in control at the front as he scored a win that extends his points lead at the top.

“That’s a hugely, hugely crucial race and such a chaotic race as well with incidents all over the place, but I managed to keep my nose relatively clean,” he said. “I was able to pick the drivers off as I got to them and bought it home in the lead, which I’m very happy about.

“It’s a decent buffer in the standings going into race three and some of the pressure has been taken off, but I can’t relax as it’s not over until it’s over…”

Howarth’s moment also allowed Crossley to get ahead into second as Howarth was forced to settle for second – meaning the gap at the top is now 22 points, with Johnson already knowing he will score six for pole in race three.

Mackenzie and Will Crooks then followed Howarth home in fourth and fifth.