MULTIPLE COOPER WINNER RHYS HURD MAKES THRUXTON RETURN

Rhys Hurd will make his return to the Mairon Motorsport MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid this weekend after confirming an entry into the Thruxton meeting.

Hurd is the most successful driver in terms of race wins in the Cooper class over the past six seasons having scored no fewer than twelve wins since making his debut in the series back in 2023.

Having clinched the Rookie Cup in his first season, Hurd emerged as a true championship front-runner in 2024 as he picked up five victories and then went one better last year with six wins helping him to finish second in the championship standings.

Hurd’s decision to rejoin the grid for his first outing of the year will see him renew his relationship with Westbourne Motorsport, with the 22-year-old once again joining forces with Luca Marinoni Osborne – who has competed in the sole Westbourne entry so far in 2026.

With no championship challenge to consider given his status as a guest entry, Hurd will arrive at the fastest circuit on the calendar – where he won twice in 2024 – with his focus firmly on pushing for more victories to add to his already impressive record

“Sadly we didn’t have the budget to commit to a title challenge this season but I always said that if I only did one race meeting in 2026, I wanted it to be Thruxton,” he said.

“As the fastest circuit on the calendar, it always provides great racing and with two wins back in 2024, I know what is needed to run at the front. In fact, there is only one reason why I’m going to be at Thruxton this weekend and that’s to go one better than 2024 and pick up a hat-trick!

“The fact I’ve not been in a car for nine months won’t make a difference and I’m confident that I’ll be right on the pace as soon as we hit the track for practice. I can’t wait to get started!”