OLIVER MEADOWS CONFIRMS JCW GRADUATION WITH EXCELR8

Oliver Meadows will make his debut in the JCW class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after confirming a switch to EXCELR8 for the 2023 campaign.

The 19-year-old took his first steps into car racing last year with an entry into the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, which came on the back of a successful career in karting.

Meadows qualified in sixth spot for his debut at Pembrey and would go on to score a further two top six qualifying results and 14 Rookie Cup podiums from 19 starts as part of the Graves Motorsport line-up.

Meadows will make his JCW debut this weekend when the new season kicks off at Donington Park.

“Last season was a big learning curve for me as I had to learn a completely different driving style with the switch into cars and into front-wheel drive – and all of the circuits were new as well,” he said. “I feel I was able to develop a lot as a driver, and I’m excited to keep learning and to push myself as I now move up into JCWs.

“I’m really looking forward to this season, and also to working with EXCELR8. The team has a huge amount of experience and has been successful at the highest level, and I was impressed with their knowledge and professionalism when I had the opportunity to test the car over the winter.

“I know that the JCW grid is going to be very competitive, and my main goal this season is to try and consistently improve as the year goes on. I want to continue developing and growing as a driver, and it would be fantastic if I was able to challenge for top rookie honours.”

Team owner Justina Williams was pleased to confirm Meadows as part of the line-up for 2023.

“We’re delighted to welcome Oliver into the EXCELR8 family for his JCW debut,” she said. “Last season, he joined the Cooper grid in what was a hugely competitive season and he showed his potential with a number of strong drives, despite not having as much experience as most of his on-track rivals.

“Having already had a chance to sample the JCW car, the goal now is to help Oliver deliver the kind of results we know he is capable of and we’re looking forward to seeing him progress during the year ahead.”