He had to be content with fifth ahead of recent returnee Jonathan Rose.
The evergreen Stuart Kestenbaum got on the podium in the Brands Hatch Season Starter last weekend, and is the highest-placed championship returnee.
Pre 87 young gun Ryan Campbell (Reynard 83FF) took fourth ahead of series returnee Hugh Graham.
Welcome returnee Mike Gardner got straight back into the swings of things by qualifying fifth for his first race since April 2005.
In addition to providing returnee families with essential household income, the project is also helping to reverse negative agricultural trends in the area.