JCW ROOKIE JOSH PORTER COMPLETES EXCELR8 LINE-UP

EXCELR8 has announced the signing of JCW rookie Josh Porter as its final driver for the new Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.

Porter first joined the team back in 2019 when he was just 16-years-old, making the move from karting into the Cooper Am category for his car racing debut.

Scoring pole position for his debut at Snetterton, Porter would grab a maiden victory at Croft and went on to win again at Cadwell Park en-route to a top-four championship finish.

Graduating into the main Cooper class the following season, Porter scored four podium finishes in nine starts to once again finish inside the top four, whilst there would be a further trip to the podium in 2021.

Having taken a year out of racing in 2022, Porter would instead spend the season working alongside EXCELR8’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW team and will now form part of the on-track line-up when he returns to competition this weekend at Donington Park.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join the JCW grid this season, especially after taking a year out last year,” he said. “From the moment I watched my dad racing in the Cooper S class, it has been a dream to race JCWs and it’s unbelievable to think that it’s going to happen this year.

“It’s a huge step for me in my career and after a lot of training and testing, I’m ready to get my head down for the season ahead.

“I have a lot of confidence in the car and I know that I have one of the best teams in the paddock behind me. The main aim is to learn as the season goes on and make sure I enjoy the experience, as that is what it’s all about for me.”

Team owner Justina Williams said she was pleased to see Porter return to the track for the year ahead.

“We’re delighted that Josh will be making his return to racing with us this season, and even more so that he’ll be doing it in the JCWs,” she said. “During his time in the Cooper class, he produced a number of hugely impressive performances, and the off-track experience he gained working with the JCW team last year can only benefit him during the season ahead.

“We are looking forward to seeing what Josh can do in the JCWs and are confident he has a big part to play in aiding our championship challenge.”