ASHLEY GREGORY MAKES EXCELR8 MOVE FOR COOPER TITLE PUSH

After three seasons competing with her small, family-run team, Ashley Gregory will join forces with EXCELR8 for the 2026 MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign with her focus on becoming the first female driver to win an overall title in nearly 20 years.

Gregory will hope to replicate the success of Jenny Ryan, who won the Cooper crown back in 2007, following a move over to the multiple champions having been the first driver named as a part of a multi-car assault on the class.

The Lancashire racer joins EXCELR8 on the back of her best season in the Coopers to date in 2025 where she finished sixth in the standings having scored four podium finishes – including a maiden series win at Donington Park.

“For 2026, I’m incredibly proud to be joining EXCELR8 for a full title campaign,” she said. “The team does a fantastic job across everything from MINI Coopers through to the BTCC, and that gives me real confidence that together we can create a winning package.

“Over the winter, I’ve worked incredibly hard to ensure I’m fully prepared and ready to deliver from the very start of the season, and when the opportunity to join EXCELR8 came up, it was something I immediately wanted to make happen. They have such a strong history in the championship, and being a female-led team made the opportunity even more special for me.

“I’d like to thank Salford Van Hire, Klarius, HMS Haulage, Fuchs and GymSafe for their continued backing, as well as a huge thank you to Justina for giving me this opportunity.”

Team owner Justina Williams was pleased to confirm Gregory as the first driver within EXCELR8’s Cooper assault.

“Ashley has proven to be a strong rival on track in recent years, so we’re delighted to be able to welcome her into our team for 2026,” she said.

“We’re confident that Ashley will be firmly in contention for top honours during the season ahead and are hopeful of helping her achieve her goals of pushing for plenty of silverware.”