Jake Hewlett Takes Victory and Civic Cup Lap Record at Brands Hatch Opener

Jake Hewlett with support from Mill Street Motors and Europa Crash Centre, made a strong start to the 2026 Civic Cup season at Brands Hatch with pole position, an official race win, and a new Civic Cup lap record. The weekend started well with Hewlett putting the EP3 Civic on pole position in qualifying, finishing three tenths clear of the 31 car field. On a short lap where small margins make a big difference, the gap was a good reflection of both the pace in the car and the work the team had put in ahead of the opening round.

Race 1

Hewlett converted pole into victory in the opening race with a controlled drive at the front.

After covering the run into Paddock Hill Bend, he was able to settle into a consistent rhythm and gradually build a gap over the chasing pack, taking the flag almost three seconds clear.

The result was later removed following post race scrutineering due to a non compliant part. While the disqualification stood under the regulations, the component did not offer a performance advantage, and similar parts were also present on other cars in the paddock.

Although frustrating, the pace shown across qualifying and the race itself made it clear that the speed was there regardless.

The outcome meant Hewlett would start Race 2 from the back of the grid while still carrying the 40kg success ballast from the on road win.

Race 2

Race 2 was always going to be difficult.

Starting from the rear of a full 31 car grid, with the added handicap of the 40kg ballast, the focus was on moving forward where possible while keeping the car clean for the final race of the weekend.

A safety car and the usual close racing around the Indy circuit made progress difficult, with the field often running nose to tail and overtaking chances limited.

Even so, the race still provided useful information for the team in understanding how the car behaved in traffic and with ballast fitted, which helped shape the approach for Race 3.

Hewlett came through to finish 21st.

Race 3

The final race of the weekend provided the right response.

Thanks to setting the second fastest lap time in qualifying, Hewlett started Race 3 from pole position, giving the team the ideal opportunity to end the weekend strongly.

He made full use of that track position, controlling the opening laps before settling into a consistent pace at the front.

Once in clear air, he was able to use the speed that had been evident all weekend to steadily build a gap from the chasing pack, eventually taking the win by 3.4 seconds.

During the race he also set a new Civic Cup lap record, adding another positive to a measured and controlled drive.

Weekend Summary

Overall, it was a very encouraging start to the season for Jake Hewlett Racing.

Pole position, two wins on the road, an official Race 3 victory, and a new Civic Cup lap record showed the pace in the package from the opening weekend.

Just as importantly, the team handled the setback from Race 1 well, regrouped overnight, and came back with a measured and effective performance in Sunday’s final race.

With continued support from Mill Street Motors and Europa Crash Centre, the team leaves Brands Hatch with strong momentum heading into Thruxton and a solid base to build on for the rest of the championship.