Champion Crowned at Oulton Park Season Finale
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
For the Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Challenge, the 2026 season came to a spectacular close at Oulton Park last weekend, as the Championship headed to Cheshire for its final race meeting of the year.
There was plenty still to play for as the Midgets and Sprites took to the Oulton Park International circuit. Warm, sunny conditions provided the perfect backdrop for the season finale, with close racing, plenty of paddock camaraderie and the final championship battles all packed into one busy day.
As ever, the grid delivered everything that makes this championship so entertaining – a colourful collection of classic rear-wheel-drive sports cars, enthusiastic drivers and some seriously close racing.
With qualifying complete, the first 20-minute sprint of the day got underway in bright and dry conditions. Pole position went to James Hughes, but it was Stephen Collier who made the strongest start, taking the lead and quickly settling into his rhythm. Connor Kay was never far away, keeping the pressure on Collier throughout, while Hughes remained firmly in the mix, setting the fastest lap of the session.
Further down the field there was plenty of action, drivers were battling hard for position, with the occasional dusty excursion onto what would normally be lush green grass!
At the chequered flag, it was Collier who took the win, just over six seconds clear of Kay, with Hughes completing the podium. Tom Walker brought his Austin Healey Sprite home fourth, while Hugh Simpson took fifth overall.
The final race of the 2026 season was always going to be one to watch, and with a shortened session due to earlier delays, drivers were keen to end their campaigns on a high. Hughes started from pole but unfortunately a difficult start saw him lose several places, leaving Collier to lead the field with Kay once again applying the pressure. The pair quickly established themselves at the front, with Collier setting the pace.
Collier proved unstoppable, taking his second victory of the day, with Kay again finishing runner-up. Tom Walker produced an excellent drive to take third, with Hughes finishing fourth after his early setback. Hugh Simpson once again took fifth overall, earning him the Championship crown for the third time, adding to his 2023 and 2025 titles.
Full results, including lap times and pit-stop analysis, from all the qualifying and races at Oulton Park can be found on TSL Timing
2026 Championship Winners* | |
1st | Hugh Simpson |
2nd | Connor Kay |
3rd | James Hughes |
2026 Class Winners | |
Class A | |
1st | Stephen Collier |
2nd | Michael Chalk |
Class C | |
1st | Connor Kay |
2nd | Chris Pidcock |
3rd | Barney Collinson |
Class D | |
1st | Hugh Simpson |
2nd | Ian Burgin |
3rd | Amelia Storer |
Class E | |
1st | James Hughes |
2nd | Pippa Cow |
3rd | William Potter |
Class H | |
1st | Mark Cloutman |
2nd | Mark Turner |
3rd | Dean Stanton
*Provisional |
For a full breakdown of points, round by round, lap records and previous winners, visit the Midget & Sprite web page here Midget & Sprite Challenge | cscc
From Marketplace to Grid Place
One of the great stories from the Oulton Park weekend came from Alex Stanley, who was taking part in his first competitive race in a car he had built himself. Alex bought the bare shell on Facebook Marketplace four years ago, and after four years of hard work, preparation and plenty of perseverance, the car finally made its competitive racing debut at Oulton Park. It was a fantastic achievement and a great example of the enthusiasm, commitment and spirit that makes the Midget & Sprite Championship so special.
Read Alex’s story here or watch the video of his time on track here
A Fitting Finale
After a season of close competition, Oulton Park provided the final chapter for the Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Championship. The last two races delivered plenty of action with the drivers throughout the field giving spectators one last entertaining display of Spridget racing.
Congratulations to Hugh Simpson on taking the 2026 overall championship title, and to all of the class winners.
Most importantly, a huge thank you goes to every competitor, team member, marshal, official, supporter and sponsor who helped make the 2026 Lackford Engineering Midget & Sprite Championship such a memorable season.
We’ll see you all in 2027!.....and if you can't wait until then, you can join us at our last few remaining rounds this season. The majority of the Midgets & Sprites are eligible to race across some of our other categories, including Adams & Page Swinging 60's, Midland Classic Restorations Ecurie Classic K or R-Werks Special Saloons & Modsports. If you are not sure where you might fit, contact the office and we'll be happy to help.
