The Champion Is Back!

Miata Trophy’s inaugural Champion Declan Lee returns to defend his title in 2024!

The Hills Motorsport driver enjoyed a fabulous campaign in 2023, earning a large number of podiums and race victories en-route championship glory. Lee will now be keenly looking to repeat the feat in 2024, but, given the extremely competitive nature of Miata Trophy last season, it won’t be an easy ask for Declan to reclaim his title.

Join us as we put the NC Class challenger into the spotlight to hear more about his feelings prior to the upcoming year, as well as any advice he would have for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

Q. How did it feel becoming the inaugural Miata Trophy Champion?

The release of energy was the biggest feeling for me. It was always my mission to set out to win the championship, but you can't plan these things they just happen. I have been racing the Mk3 Mazda for 4 years and have fully got to grips with the fantastic chassis and cost-effective platform that the Mk3 is. The feeling when crossing the line, all the tension around the math and championship points leading to that moment was the best high I have ever felt.

Q. What was your favourite moment from last season?

Any battle for the lead could be classed as the greatest moment, Anglesey Race 1 comes to mind, with some fantastic clean battling for the lead with John Langridge, or the drive at Donington were I was involved in an incredible 3 car battle and truly felt I was operating at the highest level I had yet achieved. Or the double back-to-back wins at Snetterton and Oulton Park in very tricky conditions, with the victory/celebration lap at the end of the races being a particular highlight. There were so many of them but my absolute favourite was popping the bottle of champagne on the top step of the podium at Brands Hatch knowing I didn't even need to pull the car out for Race 2 as the Championship was already won.

Q. Where can people go for racing advice?

I'm here to help. I like to think that in my 8 years of experience, I can help people not only race with us in Miata Trophy but help introduce people around and even give racing advice. Everything apart from my racing line and car setup, that's a champion's secret.

Q. How would you describe the racing in Miata Trophy?

The racing and general competition are conducted in the right spirit of club-level motorsport, which hasn't always the case in my past experience. We all want to do well and sometimes have our expectations dashed.  It’s important to be prepared for setbacks and keep control of oneself. This sort of thing never happened once in the inaugural season of Miata Trophy. It benefits from a friendly and welcoming paddock run with clear leadership that is determined to take action if things start to get silly.

I also thought the format of event across a single day was a good idea.  It keeps the costs down and leaves your race weekends being that bit easier to live through.  Our typical experience prior to this involved Thursday night travel, Friday testing, 3 races over two days plus qualifying and then a late evening drive home.  Tiring and with a full-time job, not easy to get the time off.  I also thought the tyre regulations were very good and along with the race entries and championship entry fee, we found our costs were lower.  The booking and entry system is a doddle to use with MSV tracks forming the bulk of the venues.  Lastly, the venues form the most varied and historic circuits you could hope to wish for anywhere in the world.

It's a fantastic championship I couldn’t encourage people more to join us for 2024. If you're looking for MX-5 Racing look no further.

Q. What does it take to win races?

My philosophy in a nutshell - competition motorsport is a very demanding and disciplined environment and to succeed requires more than talent; you must be prepared to endure setbacks, to learn and be totally honest with yourself. You must be a good communicator with your team and handle the many different situations and the people you meet. Not all drivers do all of these things well and some hardly at all, but the successful ones do.  Our motto is ‘stress the positives’ and ‘assess the situation’ in the light of any setback.  Usually these setbacks can be an opportunity to improve.  To win, in whatever way you define that, you must learn how to lose.

Find out more about Declan Lee via his website: https://www.declanleemotorsport.com