MINI CHALLENGE News
BEN CROSSLEY SET FOR CIRCUIT DEBUT WITH JAMSPORT DEAL
Teenager Ben Crossley will take his first steps into circuit racing after signing up for the new JCW Sport class being introduced into the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this season.
NAPA RACING REVEALS 2024 MINI CHALLENGE LIVERY
NAPA Racing UK has revealed its livery for the new Vertu MINI CHALLENGE season, with the team set to run a three-car programme across two classes.
LYDIA WALMSLEY BIDS TO MAINTAIN PROGRESS WITH 2024 RETURN
Lydia Walmsley will look to build on the best season of her Vertu MINI CHALLENGE career to date after confirming her return to the JCW grid for the 2024 campaign.
MARLO CORDELL RETAINS JAMSPORT SEAT FOR 2024
Marlo Cordell will return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE for a second successive season after agreeing to an extended deal with the JamSport team.
HARRY HICKTON TARGETS TITLE ON COOPER RETURN
Harry Hickton says his focus for the 2024 season is on challenging for overall honours when he returns to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second year.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY JOINS EXCELR8 FOR THIRD JCW CAMPAIGN
Dominic Wheatley will return to the JCW category of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE for a third successive season after the former Cooper champion was confirmed with EXCELR8 for 2024.
LONG-RUNNING MINI CHALLENGE, MINTEX PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE
The hugely successful, partnership between the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE and Mintex will continue into 2024 when the one-make series expands to run three classes.
TREVOR KEATES JOINS SON JAMIE IN MANNPOWER LINE-UP
Trevor Keates will make his debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this season after joining son Jamie in the Mannpower Motorsport line-up.
MINI CHALLENGE EXTENDS SCORPION AGREEMENT
The Vertu MINI CHALLENGE can today announce that it has agreed a new partnership with Scorpion Exhausts ahead of the 2024 season.
THREE CAR MINI CHALLENGE PROGRAMME FOR NAPA RACING
NAPA Racing will return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 after announcing a three-car programme for the new season.
STEVEN CHANDLER CONFIRMS FULL SEASON COOPER ATTACK
Steven Chandler has confirmed plans to contest a full season in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy on the back of a one-off outing last year.
BITCOIN RACING READIES FOR MINI CHALLENGE DEBUT
Bitcoin Racing will make its debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this season after confirming plans to join the grid in the headline JCW class.
LONG-STANDING FORGE MOTORSPORT PARTNERSHIP EXTENDED
The long-standing partnership between Forge Motorsport and the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE will continue into 2024 after the series confirmed an extension of the hugely successful relationship between the two parties.
MINI CHALLENGE CHAMPION PICKS UP TOP BARC AWARD
Double Vertu MINI CHALLENGE champion Dan Zelos has been rewarded for his success on track in 2023 after being named as the winner of The President’s Cup during the annual British Automobile Racing Club awards.
ALBERT WEBSTER SECURES 2024 VERTU MINI CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP
Following two days of intense competition, Albert Webster has been named as the winner of the inaugural Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship – taking the top prize worth more than £50,000.
MAX HALL GRADUATES TO JCW GRID WITH EXCELR8
Youngster Max Hall will graduate into the JCW class of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 after inking a deal to join forces with defending champions EXCELR8.
MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT FIRMS UP 2024 PLANS
Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT series have firmed up plans for the 2024 season as the championship bids to build on a successful 2023 campaign.
MINI CHALLENGE OPENS 2025 SCHOLARSHIP ENTRIES
Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that entries for the 2025 Scholarship programme have opened – two months before the winner of the 2024 competition is crowned.
ROOKIE JOHN CASTLE JOINS EXCELR8 MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY LINE-UP
John Castle will make his racing debut next year with EXCELR8 after joining forces with the team for a programme in the 2024 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2024 COOPER CAMPAIGN
Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that general entries have now opened for drivers looking to compete in the Cooper class in 2024.
SUCCESSFUL TRACK DEBUT FOR NEW JCW SPORT MACHINE
The new JCW Sport car that will appear in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 has completed a successful first test following a trouble-free day of running at Snetterton.
JCW SPORT SPECIFICATION CONFIRMED AS 2024 ENTRIES OPEN
Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm more details on the new JCW Sport class that will debut next season, with entries having now opened for 2024 for both the new category and the headline JCW class.
TOMMY WATSON TO HIT THE TRACK IN 2024 MINI CHALLENGE
Tommy Watson will become the latest driver to make his racing debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy next season after inking a deal to join the Cooper grid with multiple champions EXCELR8.
TOM OVENDEN DELIGHTED WITH ‘UNREAL’ TITLE WIN
Tom Ovenden admitted his delight after securing the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy crown on the final weekend of the 2023 season at Brands Hatch.
NATHAN EDWARDS SIGNS OFF WITH RACE THREE SUCCESS
Nathan Edwards brought the curtain down on the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season with a fine drive to victory in the final race of the campaign at Brands Hatch – although only after late heartache for rival Sam Gornall.
JACK BYRNE WINS RACE TWO AS TOM OVENDEN SECURES TITLE
Jack Byrne secured victory in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Brands Hatch as Tom Ovenden grabbed an unassailable lead in the championship standings.
ALEX KEENS BATTLES TO MAIDEN MINI CHALLENGE WIN
Alex Keens became the third new winner in as many Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy meetings with victory in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
MAX HALL BEATS TITLE HOPEFULS TO BRANDS HATCH POLE
Max Hall secured a second pole position of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after a chaotic qualifying session at Brands Hatch.
SIX-WAY FIGHT SET FOR COOPER FINALE
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season draws to a close this weekend at Brands Hatch and with just three races left to run around the short Indy circuit, six drivers still retain a chance of securing the championship title.
JAMIE OSBORNE DELIGHTED BY 2023 PROGRESSION
Jamie Osborne admits he was delighted with the progression shown on track in 2023 after securing silverware in his second season in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE. Running under the NAPA Racing UK banner, Osborne secured a breakthrough win in the series…
OX4 SIGNS OFF WITH SILVERWARE
The OX4 Racing team will hope to return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE for a second successive season after rounding out 2023 with a Directors Cup victory at Brands Hatch. The team, which operates from the MINI factory in Oxford, had sat out the 2022 season before...
HARVEY RIBY TO RETURN FOR 2024 COOPER PROGRAMME
Harvey Riby will return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2024 after signing up for a second season with EXCELR8. Riby joined the team this season as he took the step into car racing for the first time, having previously enjoyed success in karting as he...
WILL ORTON PLEASED WITH PERFORMANCE AFTER ‘FAVOURITE SEASON’
Will Orton insisted that this rookie year in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE had been the favourite season of his career to date after the Hybrid Tune driver wrapped up second in the standings at Brands Hatch.
DAN ZELOS PROUD OF SECOND JCW TITLE
Dan Zelos declared himself proud of his second title in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE after wrapping up the crown in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
SAM WELLER SIGNS OFF WITH VICTORY
Sam Weller brought his time as Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE champion to an end with victory in the final race of the 2023 season at Brand Hatch.
SAM SMITH HEADS HYBRID TUNE LOCK OUT
Sam Smith made it two wins from two at Brands Hatch as Hybrid Tune locked out the podium in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
SAM SMITH RETURNS TO THE TOP STEP AS ZELOS MOVES OUT OF REACH
Sam Smith made a return to the top step of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch as Dan Zelos secured an unassailable lead in the championship standings.
SAM SMITH GRABS POLE FOR BRANDS HATCH FINALE
Sam Smith became the man to end the Dan Zelos pole run after topping the times in the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE qualifying session of the season at Brands Hatch.
DAN ZELOS READIES FOR HISTORY AT BRANDS HATCH
The fight for the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE title draws to a close this weekend at Brands Hatch with Dan Zelos looking to secure a historic second championship crown.
MAX HALL JOINS JCW FINALE WITH EXCELR8
Max Hall will make his debut in the JCW class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Brands Hatch after inking a deal with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
FORMER CHAMPION NATHAN HARRISON JOINS BRANDS HATCH ENTRY
Former champion Nathan Harrison will make his return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Brands Hatch after signing a late deal to rejoin EXCELR8 Motorsport.
MINI CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED VERTU PARTNERSHIP
Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the existing title partnership agreement with Vertu Motors – a retail brand part of the Vertu Motors group – will continue into 2024 in a new, extended deal.
DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP IN FINAL SILVERSTONE RACE
Dan Zelos made it two wins from three in the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Silverstone to further strengthen his championship lead with one round left to go.
DAN ZELOS EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH RACE TWO WIN
Dan Zelos secured win number nine of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season in race two at Silverstone to extend his lead at the top of the standings.
WILL ORTON BATTLES TO RACE ONE VICTORY
Will Orton battled his way to the head of the pack to snare his fifth win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season in the opening race of the weekend at Silverstone.
DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS POLE STREAK AT SILVERSTONE
Dan Zelos maintained his 100 per cent pole record in the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE after snaring top spot in qualifying for the penultimate meeting of the campaign at Silverstone.
ZELOS AIMS TO STAY OUT FRONT AS PACK GIVES CHASE
A week after three action-packed races for the Cooper category at the same circuit, it’s the turn of the JCW field to hit the track at Silverstone as the Home of British Motorsport plays host to the penultimate meeting of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.
RHYS HURD DELIGHTED TO OPEN VICTORY ACCOUNT
Rhys Hurd admitted he felt ‘over the moon’ after becoming the latest new winner in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Silverstone.
NEW MINI CHALLENGE SCHOLARSHIP TO OFFER 2024 PRIZE DRIVE
One lucky person will win the chance to compete in the 2024 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE after series organisers today announced the launch of a new Scholarship programme with a top prize worth in excess of £50,000.
RHYS HURD RACES TO MAIDEN VICTORY
Having become a regular contender for podium finishes, Rhys Hurd added his name to the list of winners in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a battling performance in the final race of the weekend at Silverstone.
NATHAN EDWARDS ADDS TO WIN TALLY WITH FURTHER SILVERSTONE SUCCESS
Nathan Edwards continued his rich vein of form in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a second victory of the weekend after doubling up at Silverstone.
SAM GORNALL DELIGHTED WITH MAIDEN PODIUM
Sam Gornall admitted his delight after securing a maiden podium finish in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy during the opening race of the weekend at Silverstone.
HARRY HICKTON PLEASED WITH FURTHER SILVERWARE
Harry Hickton was able to celebrate a second successive podium finish as he maintained his solid recent form in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Silverstone.
NATHAN EDWARDS EMERGES ON TOP OF RACE ONE BATTLE
Nathan Edwards emerged on top of a race-long dice at the front to secure his second win on the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the opening race of the weekend at Silverstone.
NATHAN EDWARDS GRABS SILVERSTONE POLE
Nathan Edwards proved to be the man to beat in qualifying at Silverstone after grabbing his maiden pole position in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
GRAVES TRIO LOOK TO CHASE DOWN OVENDEN
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads to Silverstone this weekend for the penultimate weekend of the season, and three races that could go a long way towards deciding who emerges from the campaign on top of the pile.
MINI CHALLENGE REVEALS PROVISIONAL 2024 RACE DATES
Organisers of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the 2024 season will once again feature a total of 14 race dates split between the headline JCW category and the entry-level MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
TOM OVENDEN GRABS VICTORY IN SHORTENED FINALE
Tom Ovenden made it three different winners from the weekend in the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race at Donington Park.
NATHAN EDWARDS SCORES EMOTIONAL MAIDEN WIN
Nathan Edwards added his name to the list of winners in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a hard-fought victory in the second race of the weekend at Donington Park.
ALEX SOLLEY CLOSES GAP WITH RACE ONE WIN
Alex Solley has moved back into second spot in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings after scoring his fourth win of the season in race one at Donington Park.
TOM OVENDEN RACES TO DONINGTON PARK POLE
Tom Ovenden battled to pole position in a hard-fought Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy qualifying session around the Donington Park GP layout.
COOPERS GET SET FOR DONINGTON DRAMA
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy returns to Donington Park’s full GP circuit for a second successive season this weekend for the latest three chapters in what is turning out to be an intriguing championship battle.
TOMMY GILHAM JOINS DONINGTON PARK GRID
Tommy Gilham will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this weekend after agreeing a deal that will see him line up on the grid with the Chandler Motorsport squad.
DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP TO STRENGTHEN POINTS LEAD
Dan Zelos overturned the penalty of the reverse grid draw to battle his way to a second win of the weekend as the curtain came down on the latest meeting for the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE at Knockhill.
DAN ZELOS HITS A BAKERS DOZEN AT KNOCKHILL
Dan Zelos moved clear as the driver with the most wins in the current JCW car with victory in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Knockhill.
WILL ORTON RETURNS TO TOP STEP IN KNOCKHILL OPENER
Will Orton returned to the top step of the podium for the first time since Brands Hatch with victory in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Knockhill.
DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS 100% QUALIFYING RECORD
Dan Zelos maintained his impressive record of qualifying on pole for every round of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with the fastest time in challenging conditions at Knockhill.
DAN ZELOS LOOKS TO MAINTAIN LEAD ON RECORD-BREAKING WEEKEND
The headline act in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE returns to action this weekend as the JCW category makes its annual trip to Knockhill, with Dan Zelos looking to maintain his advantage at the head of the championship standings.
ALEX SOLLEY ‘CAN’T AFFORD ANY MORE MESS UPS’
Alex Solley insists he ‘can’t afford any more mess-ups’ during the remainder of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after losing ground in the title race at Croft.
ASHLEY GREGORY DELIGHTED BY BREAKTHROUGH PODIUM
Ashley Gregory admitted her delight at securing a maiden podium finish in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy as the 2023 season resumed at Croft.
JACK BYRNE BATTLES TO RACE TWO HONOURS
For the second weekend in row, Jack Byrne battled hard to secure victory in the reverse grid race as he picked up his third win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.
TOM OVENDEN EMERGES FROM THREE-WAY BATTLE WITH RACE ONE WIN
Tom Ovenden saw off a late attack from Nicky Taylor to secure his second win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the opening race of the weekend at Croft.
TOM OVENDEN GRABS CROFT POLE POSITION
Tom Ovenden made the ideal start to the weekend at Croft after scoring a second pole of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.
ALEX SOLLEY BIDS TO RETAIN ADVANTAGE AS COOPERS REACH HALFWAY
After a break of almost two months, the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season resumes this weekend at Croft with the fourth meeting of the campaign.
MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY – THE SEASON SO FAR
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season resumes this weekend at Croft after the early summer break, with the trip to North Yorkshire marking the half-way stage of the 2023 campaign.
LASER TOOLS RACING JOINS JCW GRID WITH NELSON KING
The Laser Tools Racing name will feature in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE through the remainder of the 2023 season as a result of a new partnership with series front-runner Nelson King and the Graves Motorsport team.
TCR RACE WINNER JAMIE TONKS SIGNS EXCELR8 JCW DEAL
Jamie Tonks will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE later this season after agreeing a deal to join forces with EXCELR8.
MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT ANNOUNCES ENDURANCE EVENT
Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE Clubsport with Airtec Motorsport have announced a special one-off endurance race that will take place later this season.
MANNPOWER MOTORSPORT TO EXPAND INTO JCW CLASS
Norfolk-based race team Mannpower Motorsport has announced plans to expand its involvement in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE to include an entry into the headline JCW category next season.
JAMIE OSBORNE SCORES MAIDEN MINI CHALLENGE WIN
Jamie Osborne added his name to the list of winners in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the second race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
CONTROLLED DRIVE EARNS DAN ZELOS SIXTH WIN
Dan Zelos made it six wins for the season with victory in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS PERFECT POLE RECORD
Dan Zelos remains unbeaten in qualifying for the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after topping the times for the fourth successive weekend at Oulton Park.
DAN HEADS THE PACK AHEAD OF OULTON PARK DOUBLE DUTY
After the Coopers joined the BTCC package for the first time this season at Thruxton two weeks ago, the fight for the JCWs title takes centre stage again this weekend as the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads for Oulton Park.
JACK BYRNE COMPLETES BACK TO FRONT RUN WITH RACE THREE WIN
Jack Byrne ended the Thruxton meeting with a second victory of the campaign following a dramatic end to the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend.
ALEX SOLLEY DOUBLES UP IN SHORTENED SECOND RACE
Alex Solley made it two wins from two in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Thruxton in a race that had to be red-flagged twice after dramatic incidents at the Club chicane.
ALEX SOLLEY BATTLES TO RACE ONE HONOURS
Alex Solley produced a battling drive in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Thruxton to score his second win around the fastest circuit on the calendar.
MAX HALL SCORES MAIDEN POLE AT THRUXTON
On the back of a double win last time out at Snetterton, Max Hall secured a maiden pole position in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after topping the times ahead of round three at Thruxton.
THRUXTON THRILLS NEXT UP FOR COOPER CLAN
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy joins the British Touring Car Championship support package for the first time in 2023 at Thruxton this weekend, with a packed Cooper field heading for the fastest circuit in the UK.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY GRABS PODIUM ON CRAZY WEEKEND
Dominic Wheatley was able to celebrate a second podium of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season at Snetterton – and it wouldn’t be the only on-track action for the Graves Motorsport man…
NELSON KING OPENS JCW ACCOUNT
Nelson King made the most of being drawn on pole for the final race of the weekend at Snetterton to snare his first win in the headline class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE.
DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP AS WILL ORTON HITS TROUBLE
Dan Zelos made it two wins from two with another lights-to-flag victory in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Snetterton as main title rival Will Orton saw his impressive podium run come to an end.
DAN ZELOS EDGES TIGHTLY FOUGHT SNETTERTON OPENER
Dan Zelos made it four wins from seven in the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the opening race of the weekend at Snetterton.
DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS 100 PER CENT POLE RECORD
Dan Zelos produced another storming run in qualifying at Snetterton to maintain his run of pole positions in the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE.
WILL ORTON LEADS JCW CHARGE INTO SNETTERTON
A week after the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy enjoyed three action-packed races at Snetterton, the headline JCW class heads for the longest circuit on the calendar for the third round of the campaign.
LYDIA WALMSLEY TARGETS IMPROVED HOME FORTUNE
Lydia Walmsley will bid to bounce back from a tough end to her weekend at Brands Hatch when the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE arrives at Snetterton this weekend.
SIBLINGS SET FOR SNETTERTON SHOWDOWN
Brothers Daniel and Jamie Petters will hope to make forward progress on home soil this weekend when the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads to Snetterton for the third round of the campaign.
SAM WELLER JOINS SNETTERTON JCW GRID
The reigning Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE champion will return to the series this weekend at Snetterton after Sam Weller confirmed that he will contest his home event.
MAX HALL AT THE DOUBLE WITH SECOND SNETTERTON WIN
Max Hall made light of pulling six on the reverse grid with a second win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the final race at Snetterton.
MAX HALL GOES ONE BETTER FOR MAIDEN WIN
Having grabbed a first podium finish in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in race one, Max Hall went one better to grab a maiden victory in a shortened second race of the weekend at Snetterton.
NICKY TAYLOR CONVERTS POLE INTO HOME WIN
Nicky Taylor backed up his strong form from qualifying by scoring a first Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy since 2021 in the opening race of the weekend at Snetterton.
NICKY TAYLOR FLIES IN TO GRAB MAIDEN POLE
Despite only flying in from Florida on Saturday morning, Nicky Taylor emerged on top of the times to grab his maiden Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE pole position on home soil at Snetterton.
TIGHT COOPER FIGHT HEADS FOR SNETTERTON
The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rolls into Snetterton this weekend for the second meeting of the season, and despite the fact there have only been three races so far in 2023, a fascinating battle for title honours is already developing at the head of the field.
EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED FOR EARLY LEADER WILL ORTON
Will Orton admits that he has exceeded his early expectations in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE after extending his lead in the championship standings at Brands Hatch.
BEN JENKINS MAKES LDR PERFORMANCE TUNING SWITCH
Ben Jenkins will move over to LDR Performance Tuning for the remainder of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season, starting this weekend at Snetterton.
WILL ORTON FIGHTS THROUGH FOR DOMINANT RACE THREE WIN
Will Orton overcame the hurdle of making the worst possible draw for the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE reverse grid race with a fine drive through the field in the Brands Hatch finale.
WILL ORTON BENEFITS FROM LATE DRAMA FOR SECOND WIN
Will Orton benefitted from a late puncture for Dan Zelos to secure his second win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season in race two of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
DAN ZELOS ADDS TO WIN TALLY AMIDST BRANDS DELUGE
Dan Zelos converted pole position into victory in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch to pick up his third win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.
DAN ZELOS GRABS RECORD-EQUALLING POLE AT BRANDS HATCH
Dan Zelos rebounded well from his dramatic exit from the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Donington Park with a second straight pole position at Brands Hatch.
ROOKIE BIDS TO RETAIN ADVANTAGE AT BRANDS
Two weeks after a dramatic start to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season at Donington Park, the series heads for Brands Hatch this weekend with one of the new names to the championship holding the early advantage at the top of the points.
LEARNING THE MAIN GOAL FOR ROOKIE KATIA LOGGIE
Katia Loggie says her main goal is benefit from the experience of multiple champions EXCELR8 after joining the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid for her first season of competitive motorsport.
DAN ZELOS VOWS TO BE ‘FIGHTING FIT’ FOR BRANDS HATCH
Dan Zelos insists he will be ‘fighting fit’ for the next rounds of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE at Brands Hatch after the former champion was caught in the dramatic incident that brought racing at Donington Park to an early end.
STATEMENT: SAM SMITH
The following statement is issued on behalf of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE and Hybrid Tune
WILL ORTON OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT
Will Orton ended his first weekend in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the final race at Donington Park, which would come to an early end following an incident involving team-mate Sam Smith.
DAN ZELOS AT THE DOUBLE
Dan Zelos made it two wins from two in the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in a wet second race of the weekend at Donington Park.
DAN ZELOS SURVIVES LATE SCARE TO WIN DONINGTON OPENER
Dan Zelos survived a last lap scare at Donington Park to secure victory in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the season.
DAN ZELOS GRABS FIRST POLE OF 2023
Former champion Dan Zelos emerged as the man to beat in the first Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE qualifying session of the season as he topped the times at Donington Park.
NEW LOOK JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BUSINESS
After the Cooper class season kicked off at Brands Hatch earlier this month, the JCW field springs into action this weekend as the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads for Donington Park for the opening meeting of the campaign.
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.
WILL ORTON INKS HYBRID TUNE DEAL
Will Orton will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after signing a deal with defending champions Hybrid Tune.
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.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY RETURNS FOR GRADUATE CAMPAIGN
Dominic Wheatley will return to the JCW class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE for a second season after extending his time with Graves Motorsport.
THREE FROM THREE AT BRANDS HATCH AS ALEX SOLLEY WINS FINALE
Alex Solley made it three different winners from three races with victory in the final Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy encounter of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
JACK BYRNE GRABS MAIDEN WIN WITH ACTION APLENTY BEHIND
Jack Byrne produced a controlled drive in an action-packed second race of the weekend at Brands Hatch to grab his maiden win in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
TOM OVENDEN RECOVERS TO WIN BRANDS HATCH OPENER
Tom Ovenden recovered from a disastrous start to secure victory in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
TOM OVENDEN TOPS RECORD-BREAKING BRANDS HATCH QUALIFYING
Tom Ovenden enjoyed the perfect start to his Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title challenge with the quickest time in a record-breaking qualifying session for the opening round of the season at Brands Hatch.
BUMPER ENTRY GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH
Five months after Nelson King successfully wrapped up the 2022 title in wet conditions at Brands Hatch, the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy returns to the Kent circuit this weekend to get the 2023 season underway.
REECE LYCETT TARGETS ROOKIE HONOURS IN DEBUT CAMPAIGN
Reece Lycett says he is eager to fight for top rookie honours when he makes the move into the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for the 2023 season.
JUNIOR SALOONS CHAMPION MAXIMUS HALL STEPS UP TO COOPER CLASS
Reigning Junior Saloon Car Championship title winner Maximus Hall will make the move into the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season.
FORMER CHAMPION DAN ZELOS GOING BACK TO BASICS FOR 2023
Former champion Dan Zelos says he is looking to go ‘back to basics’ in 2023 after confirming his return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW class for a fifth season.
MINI RACER BEN TAYLOR STEPS UP TO COOPER CLASS
Ben Taylor will make a long-awaited move into the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after joining forces with multiple champions EXCELR8 for his debut in the Cooper class.
NATHAN EDWARDS AIMS TO BUILD ON STRONG FINISH
Nathan Edwards will look to build on a strong end to the 2022 season after confirming his return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third full campaign.
ASHLEY GREGORY TO MAKE RACING RETURN WITH COOPER PROGRAMME
Ashley Gregory will make a return to racing this season after confirming her place on the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid for 2023.
MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT BOOSTED BY NEW PARTNERSHIPS
Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT series have confirmed a number of exciting new partnerships ahead of the opening meeting of the season next month.
EIGHT-STRONG LINE-UP FOR GRAVES TROPHY CAMPAIGN
Graves Motorsport has confirmed that it will field an eight driver line-up in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season as it bids to try and retain the title it won last season with Nelson King.
STEVEN LAKE STEPS UP TO MINI CHALLENGE WITH JCW ENTRY
Steven Lake will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after signing up to join the JCW grid with EXCELR8.
MINI CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES EXPANDED MINTEX PARTNERSHIP
The long-standing relationship between the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE and Mintex will continue into the 2023 season as part of a new, expanded partnership covering the two main classes.
JAMSPORT MAKES MINI CHALLENGE RETURN
JamSport has confirmed that it will return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after announcing an entry into the JCW class with Marlo Cordell.
BAZ WARD CONFIRMS FULL SEASON JCW PROGRAMME
Baz Ward will return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE for a full season in 2023 after inking a deal with EXCELR8.
NAPA RACING UK ANNOUNCES MULTI-CAR MINI CHALLENGE PROGRAMME
NAPA Racing UK will make its debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after confirming plans for a four-car entry spread across the JCW and Cooper classes.
JORDAN KERRIDGE JOINS JCW GRID WITH EXCELR8
Jordan Kerridge will make his debut in the headline JCW class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after signing up with EXCELR8 for the 2023 campaign.
COOPER CHAMPION NELSON KING MAKES JCW SWITCH
Following a dominant run to the Cooper class title last season, Nelson King will make the step up to the headline class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE in 2023 after extending his deal with Graves Motorsport.
VERTU MOTORS NAMED AS NEW MINI CHALLENGE UK TITLE SPONSOR
Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE can today announce a new title sponsorship agreement with Vertu Motors – part of the Vertu Motors Group – ahead of the 2023 season.
RISING STAR THOMAS JACK LEE JOINS JCW GRID
EXCELR8 Motorsport has named teenage racer Thomas Jack Lee as the latest member of its JCW line-up for the 2023 MINI CHALLENGE season.
TOM OVENDEN EXTENDS EXCELR8 STAY INTO THIRD SEASON
Tom Ovenden will return to the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third season in 2023 after extending his relationship with EXCELR8 Motorsport
KARTING STAR GABE FAIRBROTHER MAKES MINI MOVE WITH EXCELR8
Rising star Gabe Fairbrother will take the first steps into car racing for the 2023 season after agreeing a move into the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with the EXCELR8 squad.
ALEX DENNING SECURES IRISH YOUNG DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD
QUAIFE MINI CHALLENGE front-runner Alex Denning has ended his year on a high after being named the winner of the Motorsport Ireland Young Driver of the Year award.
MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR 2023 LAUNCH
A club-level series for MINI racers will hit the track for the first time in 2023 with the launch of new Clubsport classes within the hugely-successful MINI CHALLENGE.
LUCA MARINONI OSBORNE RE-SIGNS WITH EXCELR8 FOR GRADUATE CAMPAIGN
Luca Marinoni Osborne will return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second season in 2023 after re-signing with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES NEW CHARITY INITIATIVE
Organisers of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE have announced a new initiative aiming to raise a five-figure sum for charity over the course of the next twelve months.
RONAN PEARSON TARGETS JCW CROWN WITH NEW EXCELR8 DEAL
Lee Pearce fended off the challenge of newly crowned champion Nelson King to secure victory in the final race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Brands Hatch.
LEE PEARCE HOLDS ON TO GRAB FINAL VICTORY
Lee Pearce fended off the challenge of newly crowned champion Nelson King to secure victory in the final race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Brands Hatch.
NELSON KING SWIMS TO RACE TWO WIN
Nelson King made the most of his position at the head of the field to secure a second win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE finale at Brands Hatch.
NELSON KING CELEBRATES ‘AMAZING’ TROPHY TITLE
Nelson King admitted it was a dream come true to provisionally wrap up the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title in the opening race of the season finale at Brands Hatch.
NATHAN EDWARDS DELIGHTED BY EMOTIONAL PODIUM
Nathan Edwards admitted his delight after grabbing a maiden podium finish in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Brands Hatch.
NELSON KING WRAPS UP TITLE WITH TENTH WIN
Nelson King produced another fine drive to secure a tenth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the opening race at Brands Hatch – giving him an unassailable lead in the championship standings.
ALEX SOLLEY GRABS FINAL POLE OF THE YEAR AT BRANDS HATCH
Alex Solley produced his best qualifying performance of the season by far to grab the final pole of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Brands Hatch.
TROPHY BATTLE GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH FINALE
A season that started back in early May will finally draw to a close this weekend as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign draws to a close at Brands Hatch.
SAM WELLER TOPS AUTOSPORT RANKINGS
Sam Weller has been named as the top driver from the British Touring Car Championship support package in the annual top ten list put together by Autosport magazine.
KARTING STAR HARVEY RIBY MAKES MINI CHALLENGE MOVE WITH EXCELR8
Karting graduate Harvey Riby will make his first steps into car racing with EXCELR8 Motorsport after signing up to compete in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2023.
NELSON KING REMAINS ‘CHILLED OUT’ AHEAD OF FINALE
Nelson King insists he will adopt the same approach he has taken all season when he bids to wrap up the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title at Brands Hatch.
JOE WIGGIN TARGETS WINNING END AT BRANDS HATCH
Joe Wiggins says he is keen to build on his Donington Park victory when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Brands Hatch this weekend for the season finale.
MATT HAMMOND BIDS TO WRAP UP SECOND
Former champion Matt Hammond says his focus is on wrapping up second in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings on the back of his best weekend of the year at Donington Park.
JASON LOCKWOOD PLEASED WITH IMPROVEMENT IN FINAL JCW CAMPAIGN
Jason Lockwood admits he was proud of his performance on track in what proved to be his final season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE, despite missing out on a top three championship finish.
JACK BYRNE TARGETS STRONG FINISH AFTER CLINCHING ROOKIE HONOURS
Jack Byrne says he is keen to try and end his first year in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a victory after taking an unassailable lead in the Rookie standings at Donington Park.
MATT HAMMOND KEEPS FAINT HOPES ALIVE WITH SECOND DONINGTON WIN
Matt Hammond kept his faint hopes of a second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title alive with a battling drive to victory in the final race of the weekend at Donington Park.
JOE WIGGIN OPENS SEASONAL ACCOUNT IN RACE TWO
Joe Wiggin emerged from a three-way fight for the lead with a first victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in race two at Donington Park.
MATT HAMMOND GRABS VICTORY IN DONINGTON OPENER
Matt Hammond made the most of being on pole position as he mastered tough conditions at Donington Park to take a first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
MATT HAMMOND STORMS TO DONINGTON PARK POLE
Matt Hammond maintained his astonishing qualifying record in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a third pole position of the season at Donington Park.
KING’S FIRST CHANCE TO BE CROWNED
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Donington Park this weekend for the penultimate weekend of the season, with Nelson King looking to continue what appears to be his relentless march towards the title.
SAM WELLER: ‘CONSISTENCY THE MAIN FACTOR’
Sam Weller insists that consistency was the main factor in him successfully winning the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title in his Graduate campaign.
JACK MITCHELL ‘MORE CONFIDENT’ AFTER JCW CAMPAIGN
Jack Mitchell says he ‘got his confidence back’ following a solid campaign on track in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this season.
ALEX DENNING PROUD OF ROOKIE RECORD
Alex Denning says is he proud of his record after an impressive first full season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE saw him go close to the championship title.
MINI CHALLENGE UNVEIL 2023 CALENDARS
Organisers of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm a total of 14 race dates for the 2023 season, split evenly between the headline JCW category and the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
SAM SMITH GRABS MAIDEN WIN IN 2022 FINALE
Guest entry Sam Smith enjoyed a dream end to his two round stint in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the final race of the season at Brands Hatch.
ALEX DENNING DOUBLES UP FOR THIRD STRAIGHT MEETING
Alex Denning made it two wins from two for the third straight meeting in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE with a straight-forward lights to flag success in race two at Brands Hatch.
ALEX DENNING SECURES SIXTH WIN AS WELLER TAKES UNASSAILABLE ADVANTAGE
Alex Denning converted pole into a sixth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season in race one at Brands Hatch, but fourth place for Sam Weller was good enough to give him an unassailable advantage in the championship standings.
ALEX DENNING SNARES POLE AT BRANDS HATCH
Alex Denning grabbed his second pole of the season at Brands Hatch to maintain his slender hopes of securing the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title.
FIVE IN THE FIGHT FOR BRANDS HATCH FINALE
A season long fight to secure top honours in the QUAIFE MINI CHALLENGE draws to a close this weekend, with five drivers still harbouring hopes of winning the title as the series makes a second visit of the year to Brands Hatch.
‘NOTHING TO LOSE’ FOR RONAN PEARSON IN FINALE
Ronan Pearson insists he has nothing to lose heading into the final rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Brands Hatch.
SAM WELLER SET FOR SAME APPROACH AT BRANDS
Sam Weller insists that his approach will remain the same as it has all season as he heads into the final meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE campaign this weekend at Brands Hatch.
MINI CHALLENGE SECURES BRDC QUALIFYING STATUS
Organisers of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the headline JCW category has been named as a qualifying championship for the highly prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).
SAM WELLER BATTLES TO RACE THREE HONOURS AT SILVERSTONE
Sam Weller extended his lead in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings with victory in the final race of the weekend at Silverstone.
ALEX DENNING DOUBLES UP
Alex Denning made it two wins from two at Silverstone with victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend.
ALEX DENNING GRABS RACE ONE WIN AS WELLER PENALISED
Alex Denning made it four wins for the season after a post-race penalty prevented Sam Weller from converting pole into victory in the first Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Silverstone.
SAM WELLER EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH SILVERSTONE POLE
Points leader Sam Weller extended his advantage at the head of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings after topping the times in qualifying at Silverstone.
BUMPER JCW FIELD SET FOR SILVERSTONE RETURN
The QUAIFE MINI CHALLENGE returns to Silverstone this weekend after a year away, with Sam Weller bidding to maintain his advantage at the head of the standings.
PAUL MANNING HAPPY WITH TOP TEN RECOVERY
Paul Manning declared himself pleased with a top ten finish at Snetterton after a solid recovery through the field in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
MAIDEN WIN ‘A REALISTIC TARGET’ FOR JACK BYRNE
Top rookie Jack Byrne says he feels that a maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy is now a realistic target before the end of the season.
NELSON KING BIDDING TO WIN FROM THE FRONT
Nelson King admits he is keen to try and win the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title ‘from the front’ after extending his advantage in the standings at Snetterton.
MIXED EMOTIONS FOR TOM OVENDEN AS PODIUM RUN ENDS
Tom Ovenden admitted to feeling mixed emotions following the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after his run of podium success came to an abrupt end.
TYLER LIDSEY BOOSTED BY SNETTERTON SHOWING
Tyler Lidsey says he is eager to end his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season on a high after his best weekend of the campaign to date at Snetterton.
CHARLIE MANN OPENS 2022 WIN ACCOUNT IN SNETTERTON FINALE
Charlie Mann added his name to the list of winners in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with victory in a red-flag shortened final race of the weekend at Snetterton.
NELSON KING STRENGTHENS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH RACE TWO WIN
Nelson King strengthened his advantage at the front of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings with victory in the second race of the weekend at Snetterton.
TOM OVENDEN WINS DRAMATIC SNETTERTON OPENER
Tom Ovenden extended his recent run of good form in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with victory in the opening race of the weekend at Snetterton.
MATT HAMMOND GRABS POLE AT SNETTERTON
Matt Hammond maintained his record of being the man to beat in qualifying after securing a second pole position of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Snetterton.
NELSON KING OUT TO MAINTAIN DOMINANCE AT SNETTERTON
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rejoins the British Truck Racing Championship package for the second time this season at Snetterton this weekend as a frenetic run to the end of the campaign kicks off in Norfolk.
CLARK WELLS, JONNY SARGEANT SET FOR SNETTERTON RETURN
Clark Wells and Jonny Sargeant are both set to return to action in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this weekend at Snetterton, despite being involved in hefty on-track incidents last time out at Thruxton.
HARRY NUNN TO COMPLETE SEASON WITH EXCELR8
Harry Nunn will move to EXCELR8 Motorsport for the final two rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY PLEASED WITH PROGRESS
Dominic Wheatley says he is pleased with the progress made during his debut season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE having now broken into the top ten for the first time.
BRADLEY GRAVETT MAKES EXCELR8 SWITCH
EXCELR8 Motorsport has announced the signing of Bradley Gravett in a move that will see him switch from Graves Motorsport as part of an expanded Quaife MINI CHALLENGE programme.
NELSON KING ADDS TO WIN TALLY
Nelson King made it eight wins for the season with victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy of the weekend at Thruxton.
TOM OVENDEN CONVERTS POLE INTO RACE ONE VICTORY
Tom Ovenden enjoyed the rare feat of leading at Thruxton from start-to-finish after securing victory in the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend.
TOM OVENDEN GRABS MAIDEN POLE AT THRUXTON
Tom Ovenden took full advantage of EXCELR8’s decision to play the team game in qualifying at Thruxton to grab his maiden pole position in the series.
COOPER BATTLE BURSTS BACK INTO LIFE AT THRUXTON
For the final time this season, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy joins up with the BTCC package this weekend as the fight for the title resumes after the mid-season summer break.
NATHAN EDWARDS TO COMPLETE SEASON WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
Nathan Edwards will join forces for a second time with EXCELR8 Motorsport for the remainder of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
JACK MITCHELL RETURNS TO THE TOP STEP IN SNETTERTON FINALE
Jack Mitchell returned to the top step of the of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE podium for the first time since Brands Hatch with a relatively straight-forward victory in the final of the weekend at Snetterton.
ALEX DENNING HOLDS ON TO MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW
Alex Denning made it three successive wins in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after holding off a charging Jason Lockwood in one of the closest finishes in series history.
ALEX DENNING TAKES LIGHTS-TO-FLAG VICTORY
Alex Denning made it two successive wins in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE with a lights-to-flag victory in the opening race of the weekend at Snetterton.
ALEX DENNING GRABS MAIDEN POLE AT SNETTERTON
Alex Denning became the fifth driver in five rounds to secure pole in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after topping the times in qualifying at Snetterton.
SAM WELLER AIMS TO MAKE HOME ADVANTAGE COUNT AT SWELTERING SNETTERTON
Knockhill marked the half way stage in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season, with the race for the title now heading for Snetterton for the fifth round of the campaign.
NO PRESSURE FOR LYDIA WALMSLEY AHEAD OF HOME EVENT
Lydia Walmsley insists she is feeling no extra pressure as he gets set for her home round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Snetterton.
EXCELR8 ADDS LIAM LAMBERT TO EXPANDED JCW LINE-UP AT SNETTERTON
EXCELR8 Motorsport has confirmed that Liam Lambert will join an expanded seven-car line-up for the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Snetterton.
HANNAH CHAPMAN NOT READY TO GIVE UP ON JCW DREAM
Hannah Chapman says she isn’t ready to give up on her dream of fighting towards the sharp end of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE despite a huge accident at Knockhill leaving question marks over the remainder of her season.
RONAN PEARSON BACK IN THE FIGHT AFTER HOME DOUBLE
Ronan Pearson says he feels his double win in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Knockhill has reignited his bid for the championship title.
FIRST WIN ‘MEANS THE WORLD’ FOR ALEX DENNING
Alex Denning insists that his first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE ‘means the world’ after the Graves Motorsport driver opened his account at Knockhill.
SAM WELLER SURPRISED TO EXTEND LEAD
Sam Weller admitted he was surprised to extend his lead in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE when the series returned to action at Knockhill.
ALEX DENNING OPENS ACCOUNT IN CHAOTIC FINALE
Alex Denning benefitted from heartbreak for Graves Motorsport team-mate Max Coates to secure his maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in the third and final race of the weekend at Knockhill.
RONAN PEARSON DOUBLES UP
Ronan Pearson completed a near perfect day at Knockhill with a second lights to flag victory allowing him to make up ground in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings.
LIGHTS TO FLAG FOR RONAN PEARSON IN KNOCKHILL OPENER
Ronan Pearson converted pole position into a second victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season with a lights-to-flag run in the opening race of the weekend.
RONAN PEARSON HEADS ALL SCOTTISH FRONT ROW AT KNOCKHILL
Ronan Pearson made the most of local knowledge to grab pole position for the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Knockhill.
JCW TITLE BATTLE RESUMES IN SCOTLAND
After a break in the action following round three at Oulton Park, the fight for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title resumes this weekend as the JCW field heads north of the border to Knockhill for the latest three races of the campaign.
ROBBIE DALGLEISH HOPES TO RETURN TO FORM ON HOME SOIL
Robbie Dalgleish says he hopes to return to front-running form when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE heads for Scotland at the end of the month.
GERI RÁCZ KEEN TO BUILD ON EARLY PROMISE
Geri Rácz says he hopes to build on a breakthrough result in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE when his debut season in the series resumes later this month at Knockhill.
POSITIVE PACE FOR PAUL MANNING
Paul Manning insisted he was pleased by the pace shown by his Mannpower Motorsport-run car after grabbing a third top ten finish of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Croft.
TOM OVENDEN PLEASED WITH DOUBLE CROFT PODIUM
Tom Ovenden admitted it was a ‘great feeling’ to grab a double podium from the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Croft.
NELSON KING DOES THE DOUBLE AT CROFT
Nelson King continued his astonishing run of form in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a second victory of the weekend at Croft allowing the Graves Motorsport driver to make it seven wins from eight starts.
RACE ONE RESULT AT CROFT AMENDED
The result of the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend has undergone a number of revisions after the conclusion of post-race investigations.
JOE WIGGIN PLEASED WITH PODIUM RETURN
Joe Wiggin admitted he was pleased to make a return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy podium after a strong run to third spot in the opening race of the weekend at Croft.
JACK BYRNE MAINTAINS PERFECT ROOKIE RECORD
Jack Byrne declared himself pleased at maintaining his perfect record of Rookie Cup wins in the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Croft.
NICKY TAYLOR TARGETS TOP STEP AFTER TRICKY OPENER
Nicky Taylor says he hopes to fight for victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Croft after missing out on a podium finish in Saturday’s opener.
NELSON KING HOLDS ON FOR SIXTH WIN IN CROFT OPENER
Nelson King held off the challenge of Tom Ovenden in a dramatic run to the line to make it six wins from seven starts in the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Croft.
POINTS LEADER NELSON KING GRABS CROFT POLE
Championship leader Nelson King maintained his strong start to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season by grabbing pole position for the third round of the campaign at Croft.
PACKED COOPER GRID LOOKS TO DETHRONE KING AT CROFT
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rejoins the BTCC package for the second time this season at Croft, with the biggest grid of the year making the trip to North Yorkshire for what will be the third meeting of the campaign for the Cooper class.
LAUREN TAYLA READY FOR HOME OUTING AFTER ‘OVERWHELMING’ DEBUT
Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rookie Lauren Tayla says she is looking forward to her first outing on home soil this weekend when the series heads to Croft for the third meeting of the year.
MAX COATES TO JOIN COOPER GRID AT CROFT
Max Coates will make his debut in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy next weekend after signing up to join the grid at Croft.
JASON LOCKWOOD OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT
Jason Lockwood became the latest driver to taste victory champagne in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the second race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
SAM WELLER TAKES THIRD WIN IN OULTON OPENER
Sam Weller made the most of his pole position to secure a third win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season with victory in race one at Oulton Park.
SAM WELLER ROCKETS TO OULTON PARK POLE
Sam Weller produced a storming lap in qualifying at Oulton Park to become the third driver in as many rounds to secure pole in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
JCW FIELD READIES FOR A WEEKEND IN THE PARK
After a weekend off at Thruxton, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE’s JCW category rejoins the BTCC support package at Oulton Park for the only double header meeting of the season.
LYDIA WALMSLEY ENJOYING THE CHALLENGE
Lydia Walmsley insists she is ‘enjoying the challenge’ of her second season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after switching back to her family-run team over the winter.
MAX COATES HOPES TO ADD TO OULTON PARK SUCCESS
Max Coates says he hopes to add to his previous success at Oulton Park when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE returns to the Cheshire circuit this weekend for the third round of the season.
NELSON KING EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH SECOND THRUXTON WIN
Nelson King extended his advantage at the top of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings with victory in a shortened final race of the weekend at Thruxton.
RACE TWO RESULT REVISED AT THRUXTON
The result of the second race of the weekend for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy has been revised after a number of penalties were handed out following post race investigations.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI OPENS 2022 ACCOUNT IN THRUXTON THRILLER
Louie Capozzoli emerged on top of a frantic race long battle at the front of the field to grab his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in race two at Thruxton.
NELSON KING GOES FOUR FROM FOUR
Nelson King extended his winning run to four races with victory in a truncated opening race for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Thruxton.
NELSON KING GRABS RECORD-BREAKING THRUXTON POLE
Nelson King maintained his impressive start to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season by grabbing a maiden pole position for the first BTCC support meeting of the campaign at Thruxton.
TROPHY RUNNERS GET SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy makes its first appearance of the season alongside the British Touring Car Championship this weekend, with a packed field of 30 cars making the trip to Thruxton for the second round of the campaign.
MAX COATES OPENS 2022 ACCOUNT IN BRANDS FINALE
Max Coates grabbed his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season in a dramatic final race of the weekend at Brands Hatch, which featured two safety car periods and a red flag.
JACK MITCHELL DOUBLES UP AT BRANDS HATCH
Jack Mitchell made it two wins from two in a dramatic second race of the weekend for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Brands Hatch.
JACK MITCHELL CONVERTS POLE INTO VICTORY IN BRANDS OPENER
Jack Mitchell converted pole position into victory in the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Brands Hatch to become the third new winner of the 2022 season.
JACK MITCHELL HEADS RECORD-BREAKING BRANDS HATCH QUALIFYING SESSION
Jack Mitchell will start the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Brands Hatch from pole position after topping the times in a record breaking session around the short Indy circuit.
BRANDS BATTLE NEXT FOR EXPANDED JCW FIELD
After an action-packed start to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Donington Park, the series heads for Brands Hatch this weekend with a packed field of 30 cars making the trip to Kent ready to do battle around the short Indy circuit.
CHARLIE MANN VOWS TO BATTLE BACK FROM TRICKY START
Charlie Mann has vowed to fight back from a tricky start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy programme despite salvaging three top tens from the weekend at Pembrey.
LEE PEARCE PLEASED TO GRAB EARLY DIRECTORS CUP ADVANTAGE
Lee Pearce declared him pleased with his performance in the opening rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after grabbing the early Directors Cup advantage at Pembrey.
NELSON KING PRAISES GRAVES SQUAD AFTER FINE START
Nelson King was full of praise for his Graves Motorsport team on the back of a stunning start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign at Pembrey.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI ‘LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE’
Louie Capozzoli says he is ‘looking at the bigger picture’ after kicking off his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season with a podium finish at Pembrey.
NELSON KING WRAPS UP PEMBREY TRIPLE
Nelson King completed a stunning start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign with victory in the final race of the weekend at Pembrey, giving the Graves Motorsport driver three wins from three at the Welsh circuit.
POSITIVE START FOR JACK BYRNE
Irish rookie Jack Byrne enjoyed a positive start to life in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after taking home top rookie honours in the opening two races.
ALEX SOLLEY PLEASED TO BE BACK ON THE PODIUM
Alex Solley admitted he was delighted to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy podium after a third place finish in race two at Pembrey.
DOMINANT DOUBLE FOR NELSON KING
Nelson King made it two wins from two in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season opener at Pembrey with a dominant lights-to-flag win in the second race of the weekend.
NELSON KING OPENS MINI CHALLENGE WIN ACCOUNT
Nelson King added his name to the list of winners in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a battling drive in the opening race of the 2022 season at Pembrey.
MATT HAMMOND GRABS POLE FOR PEMBREY OPENER
Matt Hammond will start the opening race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season from the front of the field after topping the times in qualifying at Pembrey.
NEW GROUND FOR COOPER CLASS AT PEMBREY
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy breaks new ground this weekend as the series heads for the Welsh circuit of Pembrey for the opening three races of the campaign.
MATT HAMMOND TARGETS MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY TITLE AFTER CONFIRMING EXCELR8 RETURN
Former Cooper Class Champion Matt Hammond will seek to secure a second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title after confirming his place on the grid for the 2022 campaign.
NATHAN EDWARDS CONFIDENT OF FORWARD STEPS IN 2022
Nathan Edwards says he is confident that he can take steps forward up the order when he returns to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second full season in 2022.
BAZ WARD TO JOIN MINI CHALLENGE GRID AT BRANDS HATCH
Baz Ward will become the latest addition to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE line-up after confirming plans to join the JCW field from the second meeting of the campaign at Brands Hatch.
RONAN PEARSON GRABS RACE THREE HONOURS AT DONINGTON
Ronan Pearson produced a fine drive in the final race of the weekend at Donington Park to grab his maiden victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
SAM WELLER DOUBLES UP AT DONINGTON
Having grabbed a maiden race win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE on Saturday, Sam Weller didn’t have to wait long for win number two after the Hybrid Tune raced doubled up in the second race of the weekend.
SAM WELLER OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT IN DONINGTON PARK OPENER
Having gone close multiple times last season, Sam Weller successfully made it onto the top step of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE podium with victory in the opening race of the new season at Donington Park.
LEWIS BROWN GRABS POLE AT DONINGTON PARK
Lewis Brown will start the opening race of the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season from pole position after heading the times in qualifying at Donington Park.
BUMPER JCW FIELD DESCENDS ON DONINGTON PARK
Donington Park proved to be one of the most dramatic meetings of the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE as the battle for the championship title moved towards its conclusion, and the East Midlands circuit is where the fight for honours kicks off again in 2022.
MAX COATES AIMS TO FIGHT FROM THE FRONT
Max Coates says he is hoping to fight from the front when the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season bursts into life at Donington Park.
JAMES GRIFFITH HOPING FOR ‘SNEAKY TOP TEN’
James Griffith says he is hoping to pick up a ‘sneaky top ten’ in what is set to be his first full season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this season.
COOPER CHAMP DOM WHEATLEY EXCITED TO STEP UP
Reigning Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Dominic Wheatley admits he is excited at the prospect of competing in the JCW class for the first time ahead of the opening rounds of the new campaign at Donington Park.
HYBRID TUNE AIMS HIGH WITH EXPANDED JCW PROGRAMME
The Hybrid Tune team will seek to build on a successful debut in the JCW class after confirming an expanded programme for the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
DAN ZELOS TO DEFEND MINI CHALLENGE TITLE
Dan Zelos will seek to become the first driver to successfully defend the JCW title after confirming he will return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE for the 2022 season.
CLARK WELLS SETS TOP TEN TARGET FOR 2022
Clark Wells says he would be delighted if he can break into the top ten when he returns to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for the 2022 season.
BILLY HARDY EXCITED AHEAD OF JCW RETURN
Billy Hardy admits he is excited about the prospect of returning to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE grid this season after a frustrating 2021 campaign that saw him watching on from the sidelines.
MIKE PAUL ‘DRAWN IN’ FOR ANOTHER TROPHY SEASON
Mike Paul admits that the lure of competing in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for another season was too strong after confirming his place on the grid for the 2022 campaign.
LYDIA WALMSLEY TARGETS FURTHER PROGRESS AS FAMILY SQUAD RETURNS
Lydia Walmsley has her sights set on progressing up the pecking order after confirming her plans to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE for a second season in 2022.
FITZGERALD BROTHERS RETURN FOR TROPHY CAMPAIGN
Brendan and Michael Fitzgerald will hope to make an impression in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2022 after the Irish brothers re-signed with LDR Performance Tuning for another season.
JACK DAVIDSON READY TO LEAD LUX TITLE CHALLENGE
Jack Davidson says he is feeling confident about his chances of fighting for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title in 2022 after being named as the leader of LUX Motorsport’s multi-car assault.
PAUL MANNING READY TO GO GREEN WITH MINI CHALLENGE PROGRAMME
Paul Manning will look to raise awareness for a new initiative designed to help race teams offset their carbon emissions after confirming his slot on the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid.
LEWIS BROWN CONFIRMS 2022 JCW TITLE BID
Lewis Brown has his sights firmly fixed on challenging for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title after revealing his plans for the 2022 season.
ROSS MARSHALL JOINS GRAVES MOTORSPORT
Ross Marshall will make his circuit racing return with Graves Motorsport after inking a deal to compete in the 2022 MINI CHALLENGE JCW class.
ALEX SOLLEY CONFIRMS 2022 PROGRAMME WITH GRAVES
Alex Solley will return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second season in 2022 after signing up to join Graves Motorsport’s multi-car line-up.
TYLER LIDSEY TARGETS PODIUMS IN GRADUATE CAMPAIGN
Tyler Lidsey says he is hopeful of pushing for podium finishes in his second season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after confirming his return for the 2022 campaign.
KARTING GRADUATE OLIVER MEADOWS TO DEBUT WITH GRAVES
Oliver Meadows will make the move into car racing for the first time in 2022 after agreeing a deal to join Graves Motorsport’s Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy line-up.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI MAKES AREEVE SWITCH FOR 2022 TITLE BID
Teenage racer Louie Capozzoli will aim to go one better in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after officially confirming his plans for the new season.
BRADLEY GRAVETT REMAINS WITH GRAVES FOR SECOND JCW CAMPAIGN
Bradley Gravett will continue to race for Graves Motorsport in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after extending his deal with the team into a third season.
CHARLIE MANN GEARS UP FOR TROPHY TITLE CHALLENGE
Charlie Mann has his sights firmly fixed on a championship challenge after confirming that he will return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third year in 2022.
IRISH CHAMPION JACK BYRNE MAKES MINI CHALLENGE MOVE
Teenager racer Jack Byrne will take on an exciting new challenge for the 2022 season after confirming plans to join the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid.
TROPHY CHAMPION DOMINIC WHEATLEY MAKES JCW SWITCH WITH GRAVES
Reigning Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy champion Dominic Wheatley will make the step up to the premier JCW class for the 2022 season after becoming the latest driver to sign a deal with Graves Motorsport.
ALEX DENNING CONFIRMS 2022 JCW PROGRAMME
On the back of a one-off outing in the series last season, Alex Denning has confirmed that he will make a full-time move into the JCW class of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE for the 2022 season with Graves Motorsport.
HARRY NUNN GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS WITH GRAVES MOTORSPORT
Harry Nunn, the 2020 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy champion, will make the step up the headline JCW class this season after agreeing a deal to join forces with Graves Motorsport.
ETHAN HAMMERTON CONTINUES WITH EXCELR8 FOR MINI CHALLENGE RETURN
Young star Ethan Hammerton will make a return to the MINI CHALLENGE for the 2022 season after re-signing with EXCELR8 motorsport for a second year.
GRAVES MOTORSPORT RETAINS ALFIE GLENIE AND NELSON KING
Alfie Glenie and Nelson King will continue to be Graves Motorsport team-mates for the 2022 season after the pair signed up to remain in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for the upcoming campaign.
NICKY TAYLOR AND BEN JENKINS MAKE GRAVES MOVE FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY
Nicky Taylor and Ben Jenkins have been named as the first two drivers that will compete in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with the Graves Motorsport team.
JOSHUA JACKSON MAKES FULL TIME MINI CHALLENGE MOVE
Joshua Jackson will make a full time switch into the JCW class of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in 2022 on the back of a successful one-off outing in the series last year.
JONNY SARGEANT TARGETS FORWARD PROGRESS IN GRADUATE CAMPAIGN
Jonny Sargeant will hope to take steps up the pecking order in 2022 after confirming plans to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second season.
LEE PEARCE TARGETS TROPHIES WITH 2022 MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY PROGRAMME
Lee Pearce has his sights set on challenging for regular silverware in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after becoming the latest driver to confirm his place on a bumper grid for the 2022 season.
JASON LOCKWOOD SETS TOP THREE TARGET FOR THIRD JCW CAMPAIGN
Jason Lockwood has his sights firmly fixed on a top three championship finish after confirming his return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW grid for the 2022 campaign.
LAUREN TAYLA JOINS MORGAN WROOT IN EXPANDED MAD4MINI LINE-UP
Mad4Mini Motorsport will expand to run a two-car programme in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after bringing in series rookie Lauren Tayla to partner team regular Morgan Wroot.
SOPHIE WRIGHT JOINS MULTIPLE MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY CHAMPIONS AREEVE MOTORSPORT
Teenager Sophie Wright will become the latest racing rookie to launch her on-track career in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after agreeing a deal to join multiple champions AReeve Motorsport.
TOM OVENDEN RE-SIGNS WITH EXCELR8 FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY TITLE BID
Rising star Tom Ovenden will return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for the 2022 season after re-signing with leading outfit EXCELR8 Motorsport.
JOE WIGGIN RETURNS WITH PANTERA GROUP PERFORMANCETEK
Joe Wiggin will look to challenge for top honours in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after confirming his place on the grid with defending champions PerformanceTek Racing.
TEENAGE RACER GERGŐ RÁCZ JOINS MINI CHALLENGE JCW GRID
Hungarian racer Gergő (Geri) Rácz will become one of the youngest drivers in the history of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in 2022 after agreeing a deal to join EXCELR8 Motorsport.
LUCA MARINONI OSBORNE INKS EXCELR8 DEAL FOR MINI CHALLENGE DEBUT
Teenage racer Luca Marinoni Osborne will make his MINI CHALLENGE Trophy debut in 2022 after inking a deal to join forces with series front-runners EXCELR8 Motorsport.
FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE
The fight to secure top honours in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE would go right to the wire in 2021, with the battle between team-mates Dan Zelos and Max Bird only being decided when the final chequered flag of the season flew at Brands Hatch.
SILVERSTONE RETURNS TO JCW SCHEDULE AS ENTRIES OPEN
Silverstone will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW calendar for the 2022 season, with entries having opened for the all-action British Touring Car Championship support series.
ENTRIES OPEN FOR EXPANDED MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY SEASON
The calendar for the 2022 MINI CHALLENGE Trophy has been officially confirmed, with entries now open for drivers looking to secure a place on one of the most competitive grids in British Motorsport.
MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES ESERIES SEASON THREE
Following two successful seasons of MINI CHALLENGE UK eSeries racing, the championship is pleased to announce season three will run in partnership with Virtual Reality Racing Club (VRRC) over the winter of 2021/22. Whilst great prizes and live streaming remain at the fore, season three welcomes two new prizes, the RJN trophy for the commentator’s favourite driver finishing the season outside the top 5 places and a driver of the round prize for each event of the season.
RONAN PEARSON SWITCHES TO EXCELR8 IN BTCC DRIVER DEVELOPMENT ROLE
Ronan Pearson will embark on the most exciting year of his racing career to date in 2022 after agreeing a deal to join forces with EXCELR8 Motorsport for his third year in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
JACK DAVIDSON EAGER TO RETURN
Jack Davidson says he is eager to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE again in 2022 after a breakthrough campaign in the JCW class saw him end the year fourth in the standings.
DAN ZELOS: ‘THIS IS THE MOMENT I’VE WORKED FOR’
Dan Zelos admitted that success in the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE was the realisation of a dream after the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver wrapped up the title at Brands Hatch.
STEPHEN JAMES PROUD OF DIRECTORS CUP CROWN
Stephen James admitted he was proud to secure the Directors Cup title after seeing off the challenge of Jim Loukes in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE finale at Brands Hatch.
MAX COATES WINS FINALE AS DAN ZELOS CROWNED 2021 CHAMPION
Max Coates secured victory in a dramatic final race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season, which ended with Dan Zelos beating Max Bird to the championship title.
LEWIS BROWN DOUBLES UP AS TITLE GOES TO THE WIRE
Lewis Brown continued his domination of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE finale at Brands Hatch with a second win of the weekend, with the fight for the title between team-mates Max Bird and Dan Zelos going down to the wire.
LEWIS BROWN STORMS TO BRANDS HATCH OPENER AS TITLE FIGHT TIGHTENS UP
Lewis Brown completed a perfect Saturday at Brands Hatch with a third win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season, although it wasn’t enough to keep him in contention for the title going into the final two races of the campaign.
LEWIS BROWN GRABS POLE FOR SEASON FINALE
Lewis Brown will kick off race one of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title decider from pole position after topping the times in qualifying around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.
ALL TO PLAY FOR AS JCW BATTLES HEAD FOR BRANDS HATCH
Sam Weller may have provisionally secured the Rookie Cup crown at Donington Park but there is plenty still to play for as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE heads for Brands Hatch for the season finale – not least a six-way fight to secure the overall title.
JACK DAVIDSON ADMITS: ‘IT COULDN’T HAVE GONE MUCH BETTER!’
Jack Davidson admitted that things had gone better than expected after he enjoyed his best weekend to date in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Donington Park.
BOBBY THOMPSON ENJOYS ‘FUN’ DONINGTON DEBUT
Former British Touring Car Championship racer Bobby Thompson insisted that his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE debut had been a fun experience despite a far from straightforward weekend on track on Donington Park.
DELIGHT AND DESPAIR FOR TITLE RIVALS AT DONINGTON
Title rivals Dan Zelos and Max Bird will head into the final rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season split by just four points after a weekend of contrasting fortunes at Donington Park.
SAM WELLER PLEASED TO WRAP UP ROOKIE CROWN
Sam Weller admitted he was pleased to provisionally secure the Rookie Cup crown with a weekend of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE still to run.
JACK DAVIDSON DOUBLES UP IN DONINGTON FINALE
Jack Davidson produced another storming run through the field to secure victory in the final Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Donington Park.
MAX BIRD SECURES CRUCIAL WIN IN SECOND DONINGTON ENCOUNTER
Max Bird secured a crucial third win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season in race two at Donington Park to close in on team-mate Dan Zelos in the championship standings.
JACK DAVIDSON BATTLES TO VICTORY IN DONINGTON OPENER
Jack Davidson secured his second victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after a dramatic opening race of the weekend at Donington Park.
MAX COATES GRABS POLE AT DONINGTON PARK
Max Coates grabbed his first pole position of the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season after an early lap at Donington Park proved to be enough to earn him top spot in qualifying for the penultimate round of the year.
DONINGTON NEXT STOP AS JCW BATTLE HOTS UP
Two meetings and six races is all that remains in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season and things are hotting up towards the sharp end of the grid as the series returns to Donington Park this weekend.
BOBBY THOMPSON JOINS MINI CHALLENGE GRID AT DONINGTON PARK
Former British Touring Car Championship racer Bobby Thompson will join the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE grid for the final two meetings of the season after joining forces with the returning JamSport team.
FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY
It’s little more than a week since the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title battle was decided in dramatic fashion at Silverstone, with PerformanceTek Racing’s Dominic Wheatley emerging from the 2021 season as the championship winner.
MANN MOTORSPORT EYES GROWTH AFTER SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN
Charlie Mann says he is hopeful that his Mann Motorsport team can grow in the coming seasons on the back of a strong campaign in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI VOWS TO COME BACK FIGHTING
Louie Capozzoli has vowed to come back fighting next season after going close to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy crown in his debut campaign.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY: ‘THIS TITLE IS WORTH 100 RACE WINS!’
Dominic Wheatley admitted that his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title was ‘worth 100 race wins combined’ after he wrapped up the 2021 crown during a dramatic season finale at Silverstone.
TOM OVENDEN TAKES DRAMATIC FINALE AS DOMINIC WHEATLEY CROWNED CHAMPION
Tom Ovenden secured a dramatic maiden win as the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season drew to a close at Silverstone, but Dominic Wheatley was the man with most reason to cheer as he wrapped up the championship title.
CHARLIE MANN TAKES FIRST WIN AS FOUR-WAY FIGHT GOES TO THE FINALE
Charlie Mann secured his maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in the penultimate race of the campaign at Silverstone, with four drivers now going into the final race of the year with a chance of taking the title.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI TAKES SILVERSTONE OPENER AS TITLE FIGHT TAKES A TWIST
Louie Capozzoli secured victory in what could prove to be a pivotal race in deciding who secures the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title at Silverstone.
FIRST BLOOD TO DOMINIC WHEATLEY WITH SILVERSTONE POLE
Dominic Wheatley claimed the early advantage in the race to secure the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title after topping the times in qualifying for the season finale at Silverstone.
HUGE COOPER GRID GETS SET FOR SILVERSTONE SHOWDOWN
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season is set to draw to a close on a high this weekend, in terms of both drama and sheer numbers as the largest field of the year descends on Silverstone for the final three races.
FOURTH WIN ‘EXTRA-SATISFYING’ FOR DAN ZELOS
Dan Zelos admitted that a fourth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season had been ‘extra-satisfying’ at Croft, although a points penalty would ultimately see him lose some of his buffer in the championship standings.
JACK DAVIDSON GAINS GROUND DESPITE PENALTY
Jack Davidson has moved up into the top three in the race to secure the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title despite mixed fortunes on track as the series headed for Croft for the fifth meeting of the year.
MAX COATES HAPPY TO CAP HOME WEEKEND WITH PODIUM
Max Coates said he was pleased to pick up a third podium finish of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season on what would be a big weekend for the Graves Motorsport driver at Croft.
ISAAC SMITH DELIGHTED BY ‘HUGE’ CROFT VICTORY
Isaac Smith admitted he was delighted by a ‘huge’ first victory for the JW Bird Motorsport team in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Croft.
MAX BIRD VOWS TO FIGHT HARD AFTER CLOSING GAP
Max Bird has vowed to fight hard in the final two rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season as he bids to overhaul team-mate Dan Zelos in the points, after the gap between the pair came down at Croft.
ISAAC SMITH CARRIES JW BIRD TO CROFT SUCCESS
Isaac Smith made the most of an impressive start to the second race at Croft to secure his first victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
DAN ZELOS EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH RACE ONE WIN
Dan Zelos has extended his lead at the head of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings after an opportunistic move saw him take a fourth win of the 2021 season at Croft.
JACK DAVIDSON SCORES FIRST POLE AT CROFT
Having taken a first win of the season last time out at Knockhill, Jack Davidson carried his good form into qualifying at Croft to secure a first pole position in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
NEW GROUND FOR JCW TITLE BATTLE AT CROFT
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE will break new ground this weekend when the series heads for Croft for the fifth meeting of the 2021 season.
OLIVER BARKER TARGETING STRONG RETURN AT CROFT
Oliver Barker says he is keen to try and end his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season ‘on a high’ as he prepares to return to action this weekend at Croft.
HOW THRUXTON SET UP A FASCINATING COOPER FINALE
As the JCW field prepares to head for Croft next weekend for the first time, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy runners will have an extra week to prepare for the big finale at Silverstone, where the titanic battle to decide who will be crowned 2021 champion will draw to a close.
LEE PEARCE TAKES THRUXTON FINALE AS TITLE FIGHT TIGHTENS UP
Lee Pearce secured his second win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after a shortened final race of the weekend at Thruxton.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI DOUBLES UP AT THRUXTON
Louie Capozzoli made it two wins from two at Thruxton with a second victory from the penultimate weekend of racing in the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI SECURES MAIDEN WIN IN DRAMATIC THRUXTON OPENER
Louie Capozzoli put the memory of his dramatic roll earlier in the season firmly in the past with victory on his return to Thruxton as the penultimate weekend of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season kicked off.
CHARLIE MANN STORMS TO THRUXTON POLE
Charlie Mann produced a fine lap in qualifying at Thruxton to secure pole position for the penultimate meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
ONE POINT IN IT AS TROPHY RETURNS TO THRUXTON
Just six races remain in the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season as the series rejoins the British Touring Car Championship package this weekend at Thruxton, with just one point splitting the leading two drivers in the race for the championship title.
BTC RACING HOPES TO BUILD ON MAIDEN MINI PODIUM
Series newcomer BTC Racing will look to build on its best weekend of the season to date after securing a first podium finish in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Knockhill.
HOME BACKING BOOSTS JACK DAVIDSON
Jack Davidson admitted that the support of the home fans had given him an extra boost on track after recording his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Knockhill.
DAN ZELOS DELIGHTED BY ‘BEST WEEKEND SO FAR’
Dan Zelos revealed he was delighted by his “best weekend in MINIs” after hitting the front in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Knockhill.
JASON LOCKWOOD ‘OVER THE MOON’ WITH KNOCKHILL WEEKEND
Jason Lockwood insisted he was ‘over the moon’ with his Knockhill weekend as the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver enjoyed his best outing of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season in Scotland.
MARK DICKSON HOPES FOR RETURN AFTER BRUISING DEBUT
Mark Dickson says he hopes to be able to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in future after a bruising debut in the series at Knockhill.
HANNAH CHAPMAN PLEASED WITH HOME PERFORMANCE
Hannah Chapman insisted she was pleased with a strong home showing after picking up her best result of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Knockhill.
JACK DAVIDSON OPENS 2021 ACCOUNT IN KNOCKHILL FINALE
Jack Davidson produced a fine drive in the final race of the weekend at Knockhill to secure his first victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
DAN ZELOS CONTINUES PERFECT WEEKEND WITH RACE TWO WIN
Dan Zelos continued a perfect weekend at Knockhill as he made it two wins from two with another victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
DAN ZELOS CONTROLS KNOCKHILL OPENER TO HIT THE FRONT
Dan Zelos saw off the early challenge of local driver Joe Tanner to secure his second victory of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season in the opening race of the weekend at Knockhill.
DAN ZELOS SNARES POLE IN TRUNCATED KNOCKHILL QUALIFYING
Max Bird’s run of pole positions in the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE is at an end after team-mate Dan Zelos topped the times in qualifying for the fourth meeting of the season at Knockhill.
MINI CHALLENGE EXTENDS TOCA SUPPORT DEAL WITH NEW FIVE YEAR AGREEMENT
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE will continue to be part of the biggest race weekends in British motorsport for the next five years after agreeing an extended deal to remain on the support package for the British Touring Car Championship.
SCOTTISH SOJOURN NEXT FOR PACKED JCW FIELD
Things are getting tight in the battle for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title as the JCW field heads for Knockhill this weekend for the fourth meeting of the year.
MORGAN WROOT ENJOYS RACE TWO RECOVERY
Morgan Wroot enjoyed a strong weekend on track at Croft that saw him go close to a second podium of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
ESERIES WINNER DAVE MARSHALL ENJOYS CIRCUIT DEBUT
Having secured victory in the MINI CHALLENGE eSeries over the winter, Dave Marshall admitted he was delighted to have made his real world debut after securing two solid finishes in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy meeting at Croft.
CHARLIE MANN HOPES TO BOUNCE BACK AT THRUXTON
Charlie Mann insists he will look to bounce back when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Thruxton after a tough weekend on track at Croft.
HARRY NUNN HAPPY WITH DOUBLE PODIUM
Harry Nunn declared himself pleased with a double podium finish at Croft that keeps alive his hopes of defending the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title.
NICKY TAYLOR FULL OF EMOTION FOLLOWING BREAKTHROUGH SUCCESS
Nicky Taylor revealed he had tears in his eyes after the EXCELR8 driver secured a breakthrough victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Croft.
JOE WIGGIN PRAISES TEAM AFTER SECOND VICTORY
Joe Wiggin was full of praise for the PerformanceTek Racing team after securing his second win the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Croft.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY PLEASED WITH STRONG HOME SHOWING
Dominic Wheatley admitted he was pleased with a strong weekend on home soil at Croft after moving to the top of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings.
NICKY TAYLOR OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT
Nicky Taylor produced a battling drive in tricky conditions on track to secure his maiden victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in the second race of the weekend at Croft.
JOE WIGGINS INHERITS VICTORY IN CROFT OPENER
Joe Wiggin secured his second win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after on the road victor Louis Capozzoli was handed a post-race penalty following the opening encounter of the weekend at Croft.
MATT HAMMOND RETURNS TO ACTION AFTER OULTON PARK INCIDENT
Championship leader Matt Hammond will get the chance to defend his lead in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings after winning his race to make the grid for this weekend’s meeting at Croft.
LEWIS SAUNDERS EDGES MAIDEN POLE AT CROFT
Fresh from a first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Oulton Park, Lewis Saunders picked up his maiden pole position after heading the times in qualifying for the latest rounds of the season at Croft.
DAN ZELOS KEEPS THE PRESSURE ON DESPITE MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Dan Zelos was left to wonder what might have at Oulton Park, despite outscoring main title rival Max Bird in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.
REECE PAGE SET FOR FURTHER TROPHY OUTINGS
Reece Page says he is eager for further outings in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after making his debut in the series at Oulton Park.
LEWIS BROWN ADMITS TO MIXED EMOTIONS OVER OULTON PARK
Lewis Brown admitted that his Oulton Park weekend had been one of ‘ups and downs’ after the LDR Performance Tuning driver missed out on a return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE podium.
MINI CHALLENGE’S ELDER STATESMAN CELEBRATES TEN SEASONS
Whilst much of the focus in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season has been on the battle for the championship title, here has already been cause for celebration for the elder statesman in the paddock, with Adrian Norman bringing up a landmark ten seasons as part of the grid.
CROFT DOUBLE HEADER UP NEXT FOR COOPER BATTLE
With four rounds in the book, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Croft this weekend for the latest instalment in what is becoming an enthralling battle for the championship crown.
MAX COATES VOWS TO KEEP PUSHING TO CLOSE THE GAP
Max Coates insists that he will keep pushing hard to close the gap to Max Bird and Dan Zelos in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings after another solid weekend on track at Oulton Park.
MAX BIRD EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH SECOND WIN
Max Bird said was pleased to extend his advantage in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings at Oulton Park, despite admitting his race two result ‘wasn’t ideal’.
JIM LOUKES TO SIT OUT KNOCKHILL AFTER OULTON PARK INCIDENT
Jim Loukes and the OX4 Racing team will sit out the next round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season following the dramatic incident that saw him retire from the second race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
OLIVER BARKER TAKES MAIDEN WIN IN DRAMATIC SECOND RACE
Oliver Barker wrapped up his first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after a dramatic second race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
JAMES MACINTYRE LEFT WITH MIXED EMOTIONS AFTER RACE ONE RECOVERY
James MacIntyre admitted he had been left with mixed emotions despite a fine recovery drive through the field in opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race at Oulton Park.
OLIVER BARKER CELEBRATES FIRST SILVERWARE
Oliver Barker declared himself pleased with his first silverware of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season after securing top rookie honours in the opening race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
LYDIA WALMSLEY HAPPY WITH PROGRESS AFTER BEST YET
Lydia Walmsley insisted she was pleased with the progress she is making in the JCW class of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after scoring her best result to date in the opening race at Oulton Park.
MAX BIRD HEADS EXCELR8 PODIUM LOCK-OUT IN OULTON PARK OPENER
Max Bird converted pole position into his second win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season to head a lock-out of the podium places in the opening race of the weekend at Oulton Park.
MAX BIRD MAINTAINS 100 PER CENT RECORD IN OULTON PARK QUALIFYING
Max Bird maintained his 100 per cent pole record this season after topping the times in qualifying for the third round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Oulton Park.
JCW TITLE BATTLE RETURNS TO OULTON PARK
It’s all to play for in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE as the series heads for Oulton Park this weekend for the third meeting of the campaign, with less than ten points separating the leading three drivers after the first six races of the year.
LEWIS SAUNDERS PROVISIONALLY DECLARED RACE TWO WINNER AT OULTON PARK
Lewis Saunders has been provisionally declared as the winner of the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race at Oulton Park, which was halted early after an incident for championship leader Matt Hammond.
MATT HAMMOND EXTENDS ADVANTAGE WITH FOURTH WIN
Matt Hammond enjoyed another lights-to-flag run in the opening race of the weekend at Oulton Park as he secured a fourth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
MATT HAMMOND ADDS TO POLE TALLY AT OULTON PARK
Points leader Matt Hammond maintained his impressive qualifying record in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after securing his third pole in four meetings at Oulton Park.
MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY HEADS NORTH AS BATTLE RESUMES
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season resumes at Oulton Park this weekend after an early season break, with the largest entry of the year making the trip to Cheshire for round four.
JACK DAVIDSON OPENS PODIUM ACCOUNT FROM THE BACK
Jack Davidson recovered in style from issues in qualifying at Brands Hatch to collect his first silverware of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
MAX COATES HAPPY TO BATTLE BACK INTO CONTENTION
Max Coates put the misery of Snetterton firmly behind with a high-scoring weekend at Brands Hatch to kick-start his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title challenge.
DAN ZELOS UP FOR THE FIGHT AFTER BRANDS SUCCESS
Dan Zelos has warned his rivals he is “up for the fight” after ending his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE win drought at Brands Hatch.
DOUBLE PODIUM DELIGHTS JAMES MACINTYRE
James McIntyre said he was delighted with his one of his best weekends in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after a double podium finish at Brands Hatch.
MAX BIRD PLEASED WITH RACE THREE RECOVERY
Max Bird declared himself pleased with the way in which he recovered from the disappointment of race two at Brands Hatch to retain his advantage in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings.
DAN ZELOS ENDS VICTORY DROUGHT IN BRANDS HATCH FINALE
Dan Zelos returned to the top step of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE podium in fine style with victory in the final race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
MAX COATES INHERITS MAIDEN WIN FOR GRAVES MOTORSPORT
Max Coates secured a maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE for the Graves Motorsport team after a dramatic end to the second race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
MAX BIRD HITS THE FRONT WITH PERFECT SATURDAY
Max Bird enjoyed the perfect Saturday at Brands Hatch after taking his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season – securing the championship lead in the process.
MAX BIRD GOES TWO FROM TWO IN BRANDS HATCH QUALIFYING
EXCELR8 driver Max Bird made it two pole positions from two at Brands Hatch after topping the times in qualifying for the second meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
RACING ROOKIE JONNY SARGEANT HAPPY WITH PROGRESS
As the first step on the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE ladder, the Cooper class is the ideal proving ground for people making the step into car racing for the first time, with Jonny Sargeant being one such driver in the field for the 2021 season.
JACK MITCHELL REJOINS EXCELR8 AT BRANDS HATCH
British GT Championship winner Jack Mitchell will make a return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE this weekend after agreeing a deal to rejoin championship winning outfit EXCELR8.
JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH BATTLE
When the Cooper class cars headed for Brands Hatch earlier this month, the two races around the short Indy layout were packed with action – so even more drama can be expected this weekend when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE heads for the shortest circuit on the calendar for round two.
JIM LOUKES CELEBRATES PODIUM ON JCW RETURN
Jim Loukes said he was delighted with an overall podium finish as he celebrated his return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in style at Snetterton.
LEWIS BROWN LAYS DOWN AN EARLY MARKER
Lewis Brown said it was important to lay down a marker after securing the early advantage in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Snetterton.
RONAN PEARSON PLAYS THE LONG GAME FOR PODIUM FINISH
Ronan Pearson said his confidence is ‘sky high’ after he recovered from issues in qualifying to secure a podium finish from the opening meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
CALLUM NEWSHAM LAMENTS SNETTERTON BAD LUCK
Callum Newsham was left to wonder what might have been after a tough start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE weekend at Snetterton.
RICKY PAGE DELIGHTED WITH STRONG HOME SHOWING
Privateer racer Ricky Page was pleased to return to form in the most recent rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after picking up his second podium finish of the year at Brands Hatch.
CHARLIE MANN CONFIDENT THAT SILVERWARE IS CLOSE
Charlie Mann says he feels that ‘silverware isn’t far away’ after maintaining his strong recent form in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Brands Hatch.
JASON LOCKWOOD CONFIDENT OF FIGHTING BACK
Jason Lockwood says he is confident of fighting back from the points lost after an unfortunate retirement in the opening round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
SAM WELLER NOT GETTING CARRIED AWAY DESPITE STRONG START
Sam Weller insists he won’t get carried away with his results at Snetterton despite a strong start to the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
LYDIA WALMSLEY REFLECTS ON JCW DEBUT AFTER ‘MASSIVE STEP UP’
Lydia Walmsley revealed she had ‘learned a lot’ from her first weekend at the wheel of a JCW class car after kicking off her Quaife MINI CHALLENGE programme at Snetterton.
MAX COATES EAGER TO MOVE ON FROM CHALLENGING WEEKEND
Max Coates says he is looking forward to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season getting underway at Brands Hatch after a weekend to forget at Snetterton.
DAN ZELOS LOOKS TO THE POSITIVES FROM SEASON OPENER
Dan Zelos admitted that it had been a ‘frustrating but positive’ weekend at Snetterton after he got his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season underway on home soil.
BRAD HUTCHISON BATTLES TO RACE THREE HONOURS
Brad Hutchison ensured that his Snetterton weekend ended on a high with a maiden victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in the final race.
LEWIS BROWN DOUBLES UP AT SNETTERTON
Lewis Brown made it two wins from two at Snetterton to strengthen his early advantage at the head of the QUAIFE MINI CHALLENGE standings.
LEWIS BROWN BATTLES TO VICTORY IN SNETTERTON OPENER
Lewis Brown made the perfect start to his bid to secure the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title with a battling drive to victory in the opening race of the campaign at Snetterton.
MAX BIRD TAKES FIRST POLE OF THE YEAR AT SNETTERTON
Max Bird produced a storming lap in qualifying at Snetterton to secure the first pole position of the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season.
BUMPER JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR SNETTERTON OPENER
After a longer off-season than expected, the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season will finally kick off this weekend with the opening round of the new campaign taking place at Snetterton.
FRESH TEAM, FRESH START FOR JOE WIGGIN
A change of teams ahead of Brands Hatch proved to be the right call for Joe Wiggin after he secured his first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy during the third weekend of the campaign.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY ENDURES TRYING WEEKEND AT BRANDS HATCH
Dominic Wheatley has vowed to fight back when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season resumes at Oulton Park in July after losing ground in the points at Brands Hatch.
MORGAN WROOT STARTS FIGHTBACK WITH TOP THREE SHOWING
Morgan Wroot was left pleased with a first visit to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy podium this season after his strongest weekend of the year so far at Brands Hatch.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI PLEASED TO OPEN PODIUM ACCOUNT
Louie Capozzoli admitted he was delighted to score his first podium finish of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Brands Hatch.
JOE WIGGIN TAKES MAIDEN WIN IN ACTION-PACKED BRANDS FINALE
Joe Wiggin secured his maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in a chaotic second race of the weekend at Brands Hatch, which featured drama for the championship leader.
BRENDAN FITZGERALD AMONGST THREE CARS RULED OUT OF RACE TWO
Brendan Fitzgerald will miss the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend after getting caught up in the incident that halted race one.
MATT HAMMOND EXTENDS ADVANTAGE IN RED-FLAGGED OPENER
Matt Hammond has extended his lead at the head of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings after wrapping up his third win of the season in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.
THRUXTON TRIO REBOUND WITH SOLID QUALIFYING SHOWING AT BRANDS HATCH
The three drivers caught up in the multi-car incident that affected the second meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season enjoyed strong returns to action in qualifying for round three of the year at Brands Hatch.
MATT HAMMOND EDGES POLE AT BRANDS HATCH
Points leader Matt Hammond secured his second pole position of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after leading the pack in qualifying for the third meeting of the campaign at Brands Hatch.
BATTLE OF BRANDS NEXT FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY
After two action-packed meetings for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, the series makes its return to Brands Hatch this weekend for the third round of what is shaping up to be a fascinating championship battle.
LEWIS GALER REJOINS EXCELR8 IN NEW BTCC ACADEMY DRIVER ROLE
Teenage racer Lewis Galer will make a return to the EXCELR8 Motorsport line-up for the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season after signing a deal to become the team’s new BTCC Academy Driver.
RICKY PAGE HOPES TO BOUNCE BACK AT BRANDS
Ricky Page says he hopes to be back at the sharp end when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Brands Hatch after a tough weekend on track at Thruxton.
MIKE PAUL PRAISES LDR FOR IMPRESSIVE THRUXTON REPAIR
Mike Paul was full of praise for his LDR Performance Tuning team after an impressive overnight rebuild allowed him to take part in all three Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy races at Thruxton.
CONSISTENCY KEEPS DOMINIC WHEATLEY AT THE SHARP END
Dominic Wheatley maintained his consistent start to the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season with three podium finishes from round two of the campaign at Thruxton.
LEWIS SAUNDERS ADDS TO SILVERWARE ON EVENTFUL WEEKEND
Series rookie Lewis Saunders picked up his second podium finish in as many meetings in another action packed weekend of racing in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Thruxton.
ALEX SOLLEY ENJOYS UNEXPECTED THRUXTON SUCCESS
Alex Solley admitted he was delighted to enjoy an unexpected weekend of success at Thruxton after securing his first pole, and first win, in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.
MORGAN WROOT BATTLES BACK FOR TOP TEN
Morgan Wroot produced one of the drives of the day at Thruxton to salvage a top ten finish from what looked set to be a weekend to forget in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
CHARLIE MANN MAKES UP GROUND WITH STRONG WEEKEND
Charlie Mann enjoyed a strong weekend on track as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy headed to Thruxton for round two, with the Mann Motorsport picking up his best results of the campaign to date.
MATT HAMMOND HAPPY TO RETAIN LEAD
Matt Hammond insisted it was mission accomplished at Thruxton after the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver retained his advantage at the head of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings.
CALLUM NEWSHAM CONFIRMED FOR HIS FOURTH SEASON IN THE MINI CHALLENGE JCW
Callum Newsham will be hoping to build on two podium finishes last year after confirming his return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW grid for 2021, with his focus firmly on fighting for the championship crown.
ALEX SOLLEY OPENS WIN ACCOUNT IN THRUXTON FINALE
Having scored a maiden pole position a day earlier, Alex Solley opened his win account in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after another dramatic race rounded out the weekend at Thruxton.
HARRY NUNN BREAKS THE TOW TO OPEN 2021 ACCOUNT
Defending champion Harry Nunn succeeded where his rivals had failed earlier in the day after breaking the tow at Thruxton to secure his first win of the Quaife MINI Challenge Trophy season.
MATT HAMMOND SECURES HOME WIN AFTER SLIPSTREAMING SPECTACLE
Points leader Matt Hammond secured his second win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after emerging on top of a titanic battle for honours in the opening race at Thruxton.
ALEX SOLLEY STORMS TO POLE AT THRUXTON
Alex Solley produced an astonishing lap in qualifying at Thruxton to snare pole position for the second meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.
MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS
The Thruxton round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy proved to be one of the most action-packed of the 2020 season, and it looks very much like the same will be true again when the series returns to the Hampshire circuit this weekend for the second round of 2021.
OLIVER BARKER JOINS EXCELR8 FOR MINI CHALLENGE ASSAULT
Oliver Barker will make the step into the MINI CHALLENGE JCW class on a full-time basis for the 2021 season after agreeing a deal to join EXCELR8 Motorsport’s multi-car line-up.
MATT HAMMOND ‘EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS’ WITH EARLY LEAD
Matt Hammond admitted he had ‘exceeded expectations’ after securing the early lead in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings during the opening meeting of the year at Snetterton.
LOUIE CAPOZZOLI PLEASED WITH PACE DESPITE TOUGH OPENER
Louie Capozzoli was left pleased with his speed, if not with his results, after finding himself embroiled in the heart of the action during two dramatic Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy races at Snetterton.
LEE PEARCE ENJOYS BATTLING HARD IN SNETTERTON OPENER
Lee Pearce insisted he had enjoyed the race long battle for victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy encounter of the 2021 season opener at Snetterton.
ETHAN HAMMERTON SWITCHES TO EXCELR8 FOR MINI CHALLENGE RETURN
Young star Ethan Hammerton will make a return to the MINI CHALLENGE for the 2021 season after joining forces with EXCELR8 Motorsport for his second year in the series.
SOLID POINTS FOR DEFENDING CHAMPION HARRY NUNN
Defending champion Harry Nunn picked up a solid haul of points from the opening two races of the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season – only missing on victory in race two by the smallest of margins.
DOMINIC WHEATLEY PLEASED WITH STRONG SNETTERTON SCORE
Dominic Wheatley declared himself pleased after kicking off his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy challenge with a podium finish in the Snetterton season opener.
SHANEL DREWE LOOKS TO RAISE THE ROOF WITH COOPER PROGRAMME
Shanel Drewe will hope for a successful season both on and off track after making her debut in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Snetterton.
LEE PEARCE WRAPS UP DRAMATIC RACE TWO WIN AT SNETTERTON
Lee Pearce came out on top of a drag race to the line to take his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the second race of the weekend at Snetterton.
MORGAN WROOT REFLECTS ON UNFORTUNATE DNF
Morgan Wroot admitted that his retirement from the opening race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season had been unfortunate as the Mad4Mini team races to repair the car for race two at Snetterton.
MATT HAMMOND CONVERTS POLE INTO LIGHTS-TO-FLAG SUCCESS
Matt Hammond enjoyed the perfect start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign with a lights-to-flag victory in an action-packed opening race of the season at Snetterton.
MATT HAMMOND STORMS TO POLE FOR SNETTERTON OPENER
Former champion Matt Hammond enjoyed the perfect start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy return with an impressive run to pole position for the season opener at Snetterton.
PACKED FIELD HEADS FOR SNETTERTON AS MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY BURSTS INTO LIFE
It might seem like the dust has barely settled on the 2020 season after the late finish to the campaign at Donington Park back in December, but battle resumes in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this weekend at Snetterton as a bumper field of cars heads for Snetterton for the first two races of the year.
LEWIS SAUNDERS TO MAKE COOPER BOW AT SNETTERTON
Double Junior Saloon Car Championship title winner Lewis Saunders will embark on a new challenge in his racing career in 2021 after signing up to join the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid.
MORGAN WROOT TO LEAD MAD4MINI FOR THIRD SEASON
Morgan Wroot has his sights firmly on podium finishes when he returns to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third year with the Mad4Mini team.
LEONARDO PANAYIOTOU RETURNS TO MINI CHALLENGE COOPER CLASS
Leonardo Panayiotou will return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class in 2021 looking to build on an encouraging debut season having re-signed with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
HARRY NUNN TO DEFEND COOPER TITLE WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT
Fresh from a stunning debut season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, teenage racer Harry Nunn will return with AReeve Motorsport in 2021 as he bids to defend the title he secured last year.
CHARLIE MANN CONFIRMS COOPER RETURN WITH PRIVATEER PROGRAMME
Charlie Mann has confirmed his return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a second season in 2021, with a privately run programme under the Mann Motorsport banner.
ALEX JAY HOPES TO HIT TOP GEAR IN SECOND COOPER CAMPAIGN
Alex Jay will hope to build on an encouraging debut season in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class when his second year in the category kicks off at Snetterton.
MINI CHALLENGE COOPER FRONT-RUNNER JOSH PORTER EXTENDS EXCELR8 STAY
Second generation MINI CHALLENGE racer Josh Porter will remain with EXCELR8 Motorsport for a third season as he chases title glory in the Cooper Class in 2021.
MULTIPLE WINNER RICK PAGE TO MAKE SURPRISE COOPER RETURN
Multiple Cooper class race winner Rick Page will make a surprise return to the MINI CHAL-LENGE when the 2021 season kicks off at Snetterton, with the former series runner-up having lodged a last minute entry for the season opener.
RACING ROOKIE JOINS EXCELR8 FOR MINI CHALLENGE DEBUT
Jonny Sargeant will take the first steps on his racing career in 2021 after signing up with series frontrunners EXCELR8 Motorsport for the upcoming MINI CHALLENGE season.
GRAVES MOTORSPORT GRADUATE TO JCW CLASS WITH GRAVETT AND COATES
Graves Motorsport can today announce that they are entering the MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship for the first time with Bradley Gravett, son of 1990 BTCC Champion Robb and MINI CHALLENGE race winner Max Coates.
FORMER CHAMPION MATT HAMMOND TO MAKE MINI CHALLENGE RETURN
Former MINI CHALLENGE title winner Matt Hammond will make a return to competitive action in 2021 after signing up with EXCELR8 Motorsport; the team that helped him to secure his championship title in 2017.
LEWIS BROWN SECURES TERRACLEAN, MINTEX BACKING FOR JCW TITLE BID
Series front-runner Lewis Brown will hope to make the most of new backing from TerraClean and Mintex to fight for the title after confirming his place on the MINI CHALLENGE JCW grid for the 2021 season.
BEN JENKINS TARGETING FORWARD PROGRESS ON MINI CHALLENGE RETURN
Youngster Ben Jenkins will hope to make the most of the lessons learned during his rookie season when he makes a return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class grid for the 2021 campaign.
LYDIA WALMSLEY READIES FOR JCW CHALLENGE IN 2021
On the back of a successful three-year stint in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class, teenage racer Lydia Walmsley has her sights set on top rookie honours when she graduates to the JCW category for the first time in 2021.
RALLYCROSS CHAMPION TOM OVENDEN JOINS EXCELR8 FOR CIRCUIT RACING DEBUT
Multiple Junior Rallycross champion Tom Ovenden will make the move into circuit racing for the first time in 2021 after signing up with EXCELR8 Motorsport for the upcoming MINI CHALLENGE season.
NICKY TAYLOR RETURNS TO MINI CHALLENGE COOPER CLASS
Norfolk-based racer Nicky Taylor will remain with leading team EXCELR8 Motorsport after confirming his return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class grid for the 2021 season.
MAX BIRD TARGETS JCW TITLE WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT SWITCH
The EXCELR8 Motorsport team has strengthened its bid to secure a second successive MINI CHALLENGE JCW title after attracting series front-runner Max Bird into the fold for the 2021 season.
JASON LOCKWOOD RE-SIGNS WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT FOR 2021
Teenage racer Jason Lockwood will seek to build on an impressive rookie season when he returns to the MINI CHALLENGE in 2021, having agreed a deal to remain with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
ZELOS CHASING MINI CHALLENGE CROWN AS HE RETURNS TO SERIES WITH EXCELR8
After clinching the MINI CHALLENGE Rookie Cup laurels in 2019 and Graduate Cup honours last year, talented young Norfolk ace Dan Zelos has his sights solidly set on the main prize in 2021 as he returns to the British Touring Car Championship support series with defending champions EXCELR8 Motorsport.
MINI ESERIES SIGNS OFF WITH FANTASTIC FINALE
The Virtual Reality Racing Club organised MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries ended it’s second season last weekend at the iconic Brands Hatch GP. With the winners of each part of the championship sewn up the racing was as good as ever with battles right down the order for commentators Richard John Neil and series director Antony Williams to discuss.
HARRISON’S ROAD FROM HUMBLED BEGINNINGS TO MINI RECORD BREAKER
For those new to the MINI CHALLENGE last year, Nathan Harrison would demonstrate himself as a fresh-faced young star, dominating the top class of single-make Touring Cars. Though for Harrison himself, 2020 was a culmination of a 6-year long journey that saw him rise from inexperienced rookie to one of the country’s most promising prodigies.
MINI ESERIES CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT THE HOME OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT
As the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries started to reach its climax, the Silverstone International Circuit played host, a layout not commonly used in real world MINI CHALLENGE racing. Alex Toth-Jones joined Richard John Neil in the virtual commentary box.
CAPACITY COOPER GRID SIGNED UP AHEAD OF BUMPER 2021 SEASON
During a sleepy winter for the United Kingdom, the feet have been tapping, of drivers eager to step back into their beloved race cars. As the country starts to plan its roadmap out of lockdown, the 2021 MINI CHALLENGE grid has already filled up, with 36 entries for the Cooper Class.
BRENNAN TAKES FIRST MINI ESERIES WIN AMIDST EPIC BATTLES AT SILVERSTONE
Silverstone played host to its first MINI CHALLENGE eSeries event in 2021 on the national configuration of the Northamptonshire circuit. MINI Cooper racer Lydia Walmsley joined Richard John Neil in the commentary box.
HYBRID TUNE AND MINI CHALLENGE SIGN MULTI-YEAR COLLABORATION
The MINI CHALLENGE is proud to reveal a brand-new series partner for the 2021 season. Joining the upper echelons of British Motorsport, Hybrid Tune Ltd has a history of success within the series as it transitions to its new role providing engine calibration and scrutineering support.
FORGE REUNITED WITH MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2021 CAMPAIGN
The MINI CHALLENGE is proud to announce that Forge Motorsport will once again return as a valuable and integrated business partner for the 2021 season.
EPPS AND MCINTYRE SHARE THE WINS AT SNETTERTON
The MINI CHALLENGE eSeries took the virtual trip to it’s longest track of the season, Snetterton 300. MINI CHALLENGE UK’s 2019 Champion James ‘Jiggy’ Gornall joined Richard John Neil in the commentary box.
OULTON PARK PROVIDES THRILLS AND SPILLS IN MINI ESERIES
Round three of the MINI CHALLENGE eSeries came from Oulton Park, the undulating Cheshire venue providing the action for the 27 drivers. Championship director Antony Williams joined Richard John Neil in the commentary box.
MINI CHALLENGE AND NITRON CONFIRM CONTINUATION OF PARTNERSHIP
The MINI CHALLENGE is delighted to confirm that Nitron Shocks will return as series partner to the UK’s premier MINI racing series and a leading one-make championship for young and experienced racers alike.
MARSHALL AND MCINTYRE SPLIT THE WINS AS EPPS RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
The second event in the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries calendar took to the popular Derbyshire venue of Donington Park. Dave Marshall took his first pole position of the season edging Max Edmundson and Mike Epps by just half a tenth of a second with Rob Butler and Jordan Brennan rounding out the top 5 for the RIGS eSports Racing Team.
EPPS TAKES THE LEAD AS MINI CHALLENGE ESERIES SEASON TWO GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
More than 6,000 people tuned in to watch the first round of the second season in the MINI CHALLENGE eSeries, and they were given a real treat. With two races in store, the second a reverse grid top 12 it was action a plenty as the season got underway, virtually.
HARRY NUNN AND ROB AUSTIN CROWNED MINI CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS AT DONINGTON
Rob Austin and Rookie Harry Nunn took the Cooper S and Cooper title respectively at the end of a dramatic season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy
AUSTIN AND HILLERY WIN OPENING DONINGTON RACE
Rob Austin took the race win and fastest lap in the opening Donington Park race, as James Hillery controlled the Cooper field to set up an exciting finale.
BUTCHER-LORD TAKES POLE AS POOLE LEADS JUMBLED COOPER GRID
The final qualifying of the year for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy saw Daniel Butcher-Lord take pole position to close the title gap to six points, as Martin Poole led the Coopers.
WINTER FINALE FOR COOPER AND COOPER S AT DONINGTON
For the final time in 2020, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE takes to the track at one the UK’s premier motorsport venues; Donington Park. The Leicestershire venue will be the home for the final rounds of the Cooper Class and Cooper S Class, with the championship still on the line for both series.
HARRISON CROWNED CHAMPION AS BROWN ENDS SEASON ON HIGH
EXCELR8 Motorsport driver Nathan Harrison took the JCW Class championship in the final race at Brands Hatch. Lewis Brown meanwhile would take the overall win.
BIRD FLIES TO RACE ONE WIN AT BRANDS HATCH
Max Bird used his pace in the opening half to break away, holding off Nathan Harrison and Dan Zelos for his third win of the year in the JCW Class.
COATES CLAIMS IMPORTANT POLE AHEAD OF SEASON FINALE
Max Coates led the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class for the final qualifying of the year ahead of Elite Motorsport teammate Max Bird at a wet Brands Hatch.
TITLE ON THE LINE IN KENT COUNTRYSIDE
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class returns for the final round of a hectic 2020 season. From a delayed season start in August, the series prepares for its finale barely four months later.
DEBUT WIN FOR SMITH IN DRAMATIC SECOND SNETTERTON RACE
The second JCW race of the Snetterton weekend saw Rookie Isaac Smith take his maiden win ahead of Max Coates and Tom Rawlings in a race with two safety cars.
HAPPY HARRISON COMPLETES PERFECT OPENING RACE AT SNETTERTON
Continuing his perfect run of form, Nathan Harrison led from lights to flag for his third win of the season to extend his championship lead. Behind, local driver Dan Zelos finished second ahead of Lewis Brown.
HARRISON HEADS INTO POINTS LEAD WITH DOMINANT QUALIFYING
Nathan Harrison would not be challenged during qualifying, carrying over his pace from Friday. Rookie driver Jason Lockwood would join his for his first front row start, as Ant Whorton-Eales could not qualify within the top ten.
STACKED MINI GRID TO LIGHT UP NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE
A packed grid of MINI’s are back in action for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class. The premier division of MINI’s are back on the TOCA package after their Silverstone spectacular. With just two rounds remaining, it couldn’t be tighter at the top, with Ant Whorton-Eales leading Nathan Harrison by a single point on dropped scores.
LANGLEY LEADS LIGHTS-TO-FLAG VICTORY FOR COOPERS IN CROFT
Andrew Langley took victory in the second MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class race at Croft, as Martin Poole led home Harry Nunn to round out the podium.
HARRY NUNN SHINES AT DAMP CROFT ENCOUNTER
It was Harry Nunn who won the opening MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class race at Croft. Racing in front of the TOCA package, Porter and Wheatley rounded out the top three.
ALEX NEVILL BEATS NUNN IN COOL CROFT QUALIFYING
Alex Nevill led the way in the 30 min Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper qualifying, swapping personal bests with Harry Nunn as Wheatley completed the top 3 at Croft.
TITLE BATTLE HOTS UP FOR COOPERS AT CROFT
A breakneck season is fast approaching its closing stages for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class as they prepare for their penultimate round of the season. A last chance to see them supporting the British Touring Car Championship this year.
EXCELR8 WELCOME NATHAN EDWARDS TO MINI CHALLENGE COOPER CLASS
Nathan Edwards has become the latest star to join the prestigious EXCELR8 Motorsport team in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class. The young driver from Tunbridge Wells has been gradually gaining experience on the British scene and has more than earned the move that will be a stepping stone on his path to the top of the National racing scene.
PODIUM OF FIRSTS AS RAWLINGS ENDS SILVERSTONE ON A HIGH
Tom Rawlings took his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory at Silverstone ahead of Callum Newsham and Ronan Pearson who each made their first visit to the podium.
AW-E LEADS HOME TRAIN FOR IMMACULATE JCW VICTORY
Holding off a group of 13 cars, Ant Whorton-Eales took a stunning victory at Silverstone in the second race of the TOCA support weekend,
DOUBLE DANKAN MINI VICTORY AS O’BRIEN TAKES COOPER POINTS LEAD
James Hillery took the flag in the second Cooper race as his team owner Dan Butcher-Lord proved victorious in the Cooper S class at Snetterton.
HARRISON HOLDS OF ZELOS FOR STUNNING SILVERSTONE VICTORY
Nathan Harrison started on pole, maintaining his lead throughout as he withstood the pressure from new JCW points leader Dan Zelos and Ant Whorton-Eales.
WHEATLEY LEADS COOPERS AT SODDEN SNETT AS BUTCHER-LORD WINS COOPER S
Dominic Wheatley takes first blood at a damp Snetterton, beating Lydia Walmsley and Josh Porter in the opening race. While in Cooper S, Dan Butcher-Lord took the flag.
AUSTIN AND WHEATLEY EACH LEAD BY 2 SECONDS AFTER OVERCAST QUALIFYING
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE at Snetterton threw up two dominant qualifying displays from the Cooper and Cooper S’s, with Rob Austin and Dominic Wheatley leading each respectively.
HARRISON LEADS THE WAY IN SILVERSTONE QUALIFYING
Nathan Harrison and Dan Zelos will occupy the front row for the first round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class at Silverstone, with the top 24 split by one second.
COOPERS COMBINE FOR SNETTERTON SPECTACULAR
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE makes a special appearance at the home of motorsport in East Anglia, Snetterton. For the first time this season the Cooper and Cooper S classes will be combined into a single race.
NEB BURSAC SIGNS WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT FOR JCW CLASS OF THE MINI CHALLENGE
The EXCELR8 Motorsport team is proud to announce the signing of Neb Bursac for the remainder of the 2020 MINI CHALLEGE JCW season and in 2021.
THE BRITISH BRAND RETURNING TO THE HOME OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT
The MINI CHALLENGE is back with its Premier JCW class at the home of UK Motorsport, Silverstone. As we enter the second half of this enthralling season, it could barely be closer at the top with nine drivers having secured a podium and ten still within a realistic chance of clinching the title.
LANGLEY BRINGS COOPER TROPHY BACK TO NORFOLK FROM HAMPSHIRE
In a dramatic conclusion to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class, Andrew Langley secured victory in a side-by-side run to the line from Ben Kasperczak and Josh Porter.
ACTION REIGNS AT HIGH SPEED THRUXTON THRILLER
Leonardo Panayiotou took victory ahead of Alex Jay in a race of two halves for the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class. Long time race leader Archie O’Brien would round out the podium.
BEN KASPERCZAK VICTORIOUS IN DRAMATIC THRUXTON ENCOUNTER
A dramatic opening race saw Ben Kasperczak take victory ahead of Graduate winner Archie O’Brien as a safety car and red flag shook up the championship battle.
KASPERCZAK TAKES STUNNING POLE AS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS STRUGGLE
Ben Kasperczak took pole position in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class ahead of Dominic Wheatley, as five of the top six in the standings failed to qualify inside the top ten.
CATCHING UP WITH: LYDIA WALMSLEY
CATCHING UP WITH: LYDIA WALMSLEYWe sat down with Cooper driver, Lydia Walmsley to find out about the past, present and future as she reaches her third season in the MINI CHALLENGE. How is 2020 working out for you so far? I think 2020 has been very strange for all of...
HIGH SPEED TRIPLE HEADER WELCOME CLASSIC COOPERS
One of the UK’s most prestigious single-make championships returns to the schedule as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class revs up for their second round of the year at the UK’s fastest race circuit.
AUSTIN POWERS TO SECOND BRANDS VICTORY IN COOPER S
An untouchable Rob Austin took victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S race, ahead of Sami Bowler and Steve Webb, picking up personal best results.
PERFECT PERFORMANCE FOR ROB AUSTIN, HOLDING OFF BUTCHER-LORD
It would be Rob Austin who took victory in the opening MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S race from Brands Hatch, after a race-long battle with Daniel Butcher-Lord
AUSTIN TAKES FIRST BLOOD IN COOPER S QUALIFYING AT BRANDS HATCH
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Cooper S Series saw Rob Austin take pole for the opening race, ahead of last years champion Daniel Butcher-Lord.
COOPER S LAUNCHES INTO NEW SEASON AT BRANDS HATCH
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Cooper S Series gets under way this weekend at Brands Hatch for their second season under the current branding.
STU LANE TO RETURN TO MINI CHALLENGE WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT
After over a year away from racing, Stu Lane today has announced his return to the MINI CHALLENGE, this time completing in the highly popular MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Cooper Class. Stu has previously raced in the Cooper S and Open class and has had good success but a switch to the Cooper class was a last-minute decision following a spare seat becoming available with AReeve Motorsport.
RESURGENT BROWN SECURES DOMINANT KNOCKHILL WIN
LDR Performance Tuning’s Lewis Brown took his first win of the campaign in a dramatic final race at Knockhill. Rookie Isaac Smith and Graduate Dan Zelos rounded out the podium.
MAX BIRD DOUBLES UP AS LOCAL HERO DAVIDSON COLLECTS PODIUM
Max Bird was the star of Knockhill on Saturday, as he recorded back to back victories in the Ochil Hills to put himself in the JCW championship driving seat.
BIRD BREAKS AWAY TO BECOME FOURTH WINNER IN FOUR JCW RACES
After missing the first round, it would be Joe Tanner who took pole position at his local Knockhill circuit, during a JCW session in which the top four were split by less than 0.05 seconds.
LOCAL STAR JOE TANNER TAKES POLE ON JCW DEBUT
After missing the first round, it would be Joe Tanner who took pole position at his local Knockhill circuit, during a JCW session in which the top four were split by less than 0.05 seconds.
EXTRA-LARGE MINI GRID GREETS KNOCKHILL
The JCW’s are back for the UK’s most northernly TOCA meeting. Nestled in the shadow of the Ochil Hills, this weekend represents a first visit north of the border for the MINI CHALLENGE UK.
ROOKIES RULE THE ROOST AT WET OULTON PARK ENCOUNTER
A rookie 1-2-3 ended a slippery second race at Oulton Park. It would be Ben Kasperczak who took the honours ahead of Harry Nunn and points leader Leonardo Panayiotou.
WHEATLEY WINS SIDE-BY-SIDE BATTLE IN OPENING OULTON ENCOUNTER
It would be Dominic Wheatley who narrowly beat Lydia Walmsley during an intense opening Cooper race of the season, with polesitter Panayiotou coming home third.
PANAYIOTOU LEADS ROOKIE 1-2-3 IN LAST GASP COOPER QUALIFYING
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class displayed a dramatic return to action during Oulton Park qualifying as Leonardo Panayiotou took a mixed weather pole position.
NEW SEASON, NEW CHALLENGES, BIGGER STAGE
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class is back for 2020. This time supporting the UK’s premier national motor racing package, the British Touring Car Championship, at one of MSV’s most beloved tracks, Oulton Park.
DAVE MARSHALL WINS INAUGURAL ESERIES
The final MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries event of the year held on the 11th July didn’t disappoint in terms of action, but who would win the £20,000 prize pool was as big a draw.
COATES CONCLUDES HISTORIC DONINGTON WEEKEND FROM ROOKIE SENSATION REID
Series newcomer and TOCA veteran Max Coates rounded out the MINI CHALLENGE JCW’s first TOCA weekend with victory in front of the ITV cameras. The Elite Motorsport driver who had started sixth, worked his way to the front, holding off a respectable challenge from rookie Kyle Reid and points leader Ant Whorton-Eales.
HARRISON SAILS TO FIRST JCW WIN OF THE YEAR
Nathan Harrison hit back after his race one disappointment to secure a race win at Donington Park. Dan Zelos and Lewis Brown completed the MINI CHALLENGE JCW podium. Race one winner Ant Whorton-Eales would fall back after damage in a race where incredibly all drivers finished.
ANT MAKES BIG IMPACT IN FIRST JCW RACE AT DONINGTON
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE return in all it’s glory at Donington Park, as former champion Ant Whorton-Eales lead home a front-running four of Nathan Harrison, Lewis Brown and Graduate class winner Dan Zelos, for the opening race win of the season. He heads into Sunday with 56 points and the title lead.
WHORTON-EALES EDGES HARRISON IN TIGHT JCW QUALIFYING
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE kicked off with a glimpse of what might be to come in the title battle as 2018 champion Ant Whorton-Eales secured pole position upon his return, ahead of former rival Nathan Harrison. His time of 1:14.340 was a tenth faster than anyone during the series first TOCA support qualifying session.
MINI CHALLENGE GEARS UP FOR TOCA DEBUT WITH JCW
The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE is back and better than ever, as the JCW class prepares for its eleventh season of competition. For the first time, MINI’s will now be a regular edition on the TOCA package, supporting the UK’s premier racing series, the British Touring Car Championship.
NEW NAMES SHINE AS MARSHALL EXTENDS ESERIES LEAD
A new name topped the Qualifying results at Croft Circuit in the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries. Rob Butler, driver coach to Ryan Dignan in the real world series, was the man to break the record and become the first driver to claim the honours as a ‘real world’ class driver.
MARSHALL SCORES HATTRICK AT SNETTERTON
Dave Marshall was the man heading the timesheets as the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries headed to Snetterton. Keen to increase his championship points lead the sim racer from County Durham took pole in both sessions and won the first three races.
BATTLES GALORE IN MINI ESERIES AT SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL
The MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries second event at Northamptonshire’s Silverstone International circuit saw both Dave Marshall and Jack McIntyre split the majority of poles and races wins. Other drivers to star included Luke Kidsley, Alex Toth-Jones, Tobin Leigh, Isaac Smith and Josh Hislop.
RYAN FAULCONBRIDGE RACING JOINS THE MINI CHALLENGE WITH EUROCELL
Ryan Faulconbridge Racing (RFR) will race into the 2020 MINI CHALLENGE with a new title partner and striking livery on his John Cooper Works MINI, after Ryan confirmed a major sponsorship deal with the UK’s market leading UPVC manufacturer, distributor and recycler, Eurocell.
MINI CHALLENGE UK 2020 COOPER AND JCW TROPHY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT
Today, the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper and JCW Trophy calendar has been announced, featuring six rounds with three weekends alongside the TOCA package and the remainder with MSVR.
JACK MCINTYRE STRIKES BACK AT SILVERSTONE ESERIES ROUND AS NEW FACES STAR
As the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries entered it’s first of two events at the home of British Motorsport, Silverstone, it was Jack McIntyre who dethroned Dave Marshall of his 100% Qualifying record in the series so far. The margin a slender 0.002s.
MINI CHALLENGE UK 2020 JCW CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT
Following the postponement of the 2020 TOCA Race Meeting calendar due to the Covid-19 pandemic, MINI CHALLENGE UK have undertaken extensive consultation with key stakeholders, especially entrants, regarding their preferences for the replacement calendar.
MARSHALL, HISLOP AND MCINTYRE SHARE THE WINS AT BRANDS HATCH INDY MINI CHALLENGE UK
Dave Marshall was the dominant figure again in the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries but a number of top sim and real-world drivers were hot on his heals. As the action revs up for Silverstone this weekend, we take a look back on last weekend’s action-packed event.
MARSHALL LEADS THE WAY IN FIRST MINI CHALLENGE UK ESERIES ROUND
In total more than 13,000 people have watched the inaugural MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries which started at Donington Park last weekend. A hotly contested event saw Dave Marshall lead the standings after the opening round.
FULL GRID FOR INAUGURAL MINI CHALLENGE UK OFFICIAL ESERIES
The MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries will launch with a full capacity grid of 35 drivers on the 23rd May at the virtual version of Donington Park.
MINI CHALLENGE UK OFFICIAL ESERIES ANNOUNCE £20,000 IN PRIZES AND MSL MOTORSPORT CONSULTANCY PARTNERSHIP
The MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries has today announced a prize pool for its inaugural Spring / Summer season in excess of £20,000 as well as MSL Motorsport Consultancy as it’s main prize sponsor. MSL Motorsport Consultancy have sponsored the top prize of a Virtual Reality Racing Club VRRC Sim Race Pro Simulator valued at £9,995. Prizes are as follows (Available to UK mainland only):
MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES OFFICIAL ESERIES WITH VRRC
The MINI CHALLENGE is to launch an Official eSeries in association with Virtual Reality Racing Club (VRRC). Using the same specification Gen 3 F56 MINI JCW race car used in the UK’s premier touring car support class, the eSeries will follow the same calendar as the proposed 2020 season and will start in May
COATES GEARS UP FOR THE CHALLENGE AHEAD
Max Coates headed to Croft Circuit last week to take the opportunity of a track day at his local circuit to unveil his 2020 livery to the media and sponsors alike.
ETHAN HAMMERTON JOINS JCW GRID WITH TEAM HARD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JAMSPORT RACING
Ethan Hammerton announces that he is delighted to be re-joining Team HARD in partnership with JamSport Racing in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW, which replaces the Clio Cup in supporting the British Touring Car Championship for 2020.
KEIR MCCONOMY JOINS AREEVE MOTORSPORT FOR THIRD SEASON
Keir McConomy from Lichfield Staffordshire will be re-joining the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S class for his second season having progress really well in 2019 taking his maiden podium at Oulton Park.
NATHAN HARRISON RETURNS FOR TITLE TILT
Three-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW vice-champion Nathan Harrison will make a spectacular return to the premier feeder series for the British Touring Car Championship. He will re-join the EXCELR8 Motorsport team as he looks to secure the MINI JCW crown.
FAIRCLOUGH RETURNS TO MINI CHALLENGE TO TAKE ON THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP
Fairclough made a spectacular arrival onto the scene in 2018 where he picked up five wins and numerous podiums on his way to the title in what was only his first year of racing. After sitting out last season, the Pembrokeshire-based driver originally from the midlands will make the leap up to the top class of MINI’s racing on the infamous TOCA package.
IRISH RACER BRENDAN FITZGERALD JOINS THE 2020 COOPER GRID WITH LDR MOTORSPORT.
IRISH RACER BRENDAN FITZGERALD JOINS THE 2020 COOPER GRID WITH LDR MOTORSPORTBrendan Fitzgerald from Dublin, Ireland has a great deal of racing experience. Having raced in Fiesta Zetecs from 2015 to 2017, he moved onto race in Fiesta ST's from 2017 to 2019. In this...
CALLUM NEWSHAM RETURNS TO JCWS FOR THIRD SEASON
20 year old Callum Newsham returns to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship for a third season this year.
The Father and Son team have a lot of racing experience between them. Dave retired from the British Touring Car Championship to focus on his son’s racing career and now in their third year in the MINI CHALLENGE, the pair hope for some excellent results.
LYDIA WALMSLEY RETURNS TO COOPERS FOR 2020
LYDIA WALMSLEY RETURNS TO COOPERS FOR 2020 Lydia Walmsley is to return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class in 2020 for her third season in the championship. This will be Lydia’s fourth full season of racing cars having started in the Junior Saloon car championship at...
COOPER PRO CHAMPION ROBBIE DALGLEISH JOINS THE JCW WITH LAWRENCE DAVEY RACING
2019 was a spectacular year for Robbie Dalgleish, as the 25-year-old won the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Pro series as well as the Sunoco 240 Challenge, earning him a drive at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. As he steps into the new decade, Dalgleish is making the leap up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW.
MAX BIRD JOINS ELITE FOR MINI CHALLENGE IN 2020
Max Bird will be returning to the Mini Challenge JCW championship in 2020 and joining the multi- championship winning Elite Motorsport where he will partner with Max Coates and Lewis Galer as part of as strong driver line up for Elite’s maiden championship year.
JOSH STANTON RETURNS TO EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
JOSH STANTON RETURNS TO EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT21-year-old Josh Stanton will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW for a sophomore year after re-signing with EXCELR8 Motorsport for the 2020 season. A regular points scorer in 2019, the Cotswolds racer will have higher...
JASON LOCKWOOD TO MAKE MINI CHALLENGE JCW DEBUT WITH EXCELR8
Karting star Jason Lockwood will be making the step up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW this year with the EXCELR8 Motorsport team. Lockwood, a race winner in the British Super 1 National karting series, will be hoping to hit the ground running this March.
ALEX NEVILL RETURNS TO THE COOPERS FOR 2020
ALEX NEVILL RETURNS TO THE COOPERS FOR 2020Graves Motorsport is delighted to announce that Alex Nevill will be joining us in 2020, Alex will be competing in the extremely competitive Mini Challenge Cooper Championship. Alex won the 2018 Cooper Am class before...
COATES JOINS THE MINI ELITE
Coates joins the MINI EliteNorth Yorkshire based racing driver Max Coates is set to join multi-championship winning team, Elite Motorsport, for both their maiden seasons in the MINI CHALLENGE. Coates has retained the support of Primex Plastics, RPC bpi PLASgran, JiC...
ARCHIE O’BRIEN RETURNS TO THE COOPER CLASS FOR 2020 WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT
Archie raced with AReeve Motorsport in 2019 and scored multiple podiums and wins. The 16 year old from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk said …
TEENAGE CHAMPION MAKES MINI JCW MOVE FOR 2020
Reigning Ford Fiesta champion Isaac Smith has set his sights on the MINI CHALLENGE JCW title for 2020, after confirming his graduation to the series with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
CATCHING UP WITH: RONAN PEARSON
CATCHING UP WITH: RONAN PEARSON On a bitterly cold December day at Knockhill, a young rising star of Scottish Motorsport continued preparations for the 2020 season. Ronan Pearson will step into the limelight in 2020, entering the JCW MINI CHALLENGE. After triumphing...
JUNIOR RACING STAR PANAYIOTOU JOINS 2020 COOPER GRID
Leonardo Panayiotou is targeting a top-three finish in the 2020 MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Championship after confirming his graduation to senior car racing for 2020.
MINI CHALLENGE MAKES THE MOVE TO GOODYEAR TYRES FOR 2020
The MINI CHALLENGE JCW field will further strengthen its links to the British Touring Car Championship by following its switch to Goodyear tyres for the 2020 season.
2020 ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE COOPER, COOPER S AND JCW MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY
2020 season entries open today for the Cooper, Cooper S and the all-new JCW MINI CHALLENGE Trophy class with two Cooper rounds on the BTCC TOCA package.
WILLIAM NICOL’S RACING DRIVER, REID MAKES JCW MOVE FOR 2020 WITH EXCELR8
Rapid Scotsman Kyle Reid will step up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW field for the 2020 season after agreeing a deal to join EXCELR8 Motorsport. Reid, 30, is no stranger to the MINI CHALLENGE, having dominated…
CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS IMPRESS IN PRIZE DUNLOP BTCC TESTS
MINI CHALLENGE champions both past and present impressed during their prize British Touring Car Championship tests at Snetterton, which were arranged courtesy of series tyre supplier, Dunlop.
ANT WHORTON-EALES RETURNS WITH JAMSPORT FOR 2020
Ant Whorton-Eales will make a return to the MINI Challenge for the 2020 season. The 25-year-old from Lichfield in Staffordshire will return to full-time competition next season as part of JamSport’s multi-car..
COOPER PRO DRIVER, ALEX NEVILL FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI
Alex Nevill is featured in this month’s Performance MINI magazine from when the series visited Croft circuit and the weekend didn’t all go to plan for the Cooper pro class driver,
NEWNHAM CONFIRMED FOR FULL JCW ATTACK IN 2020
18-year old karting graduate William Newnham will contest his first full MINI CHALLENGE JCW campaign next season, after extending his deal with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
MINI CHALLENGE JCW NEARING SELL-OUT 2020 FIELD
The MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship is speeding towards a sell-out grid for 2020, after organisers confirmed that only a handful of the capacity 34 full-season entries remain open.
COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORTS FROM SNETTERTON 300
We headed to Snetterton for the final rounds of the season for the Cooper, Cooper Pro and Cooper S classes. It all came down to the last races to find out who the 2019 class winners were!
HARRISON DOES THE DOUBLE, BUT GORNALL TAKES JCW TITLE
No MINI CHALLENGE season in history has featured a finale quite like it. Nathan Harrison claimed his second race win of the weekend to give himself the best possible chance, but fell just short of James Gornall’s tally…
HARRISON HALVES THE GAP WITH HUGE SNETTERTON JCW WIN
Nathan Harrison arrived at Snetterton needing a big weekend to boost his championship bid, and got the perfect start with a big victory in the opening race to further close the gap to points leader James Gornall.
HARRISON SNEAKS AHEAD IN VITAL SNETTERTON QUALIFYING
Nathan Harrison scored a vital JCW pole at Snetterton, giving his title ambitions a shot in the arm by edging out championship leader James Gornall to secure top spot for the season finale.
TRIPLE THREAT JCW TITLE BATTLE ROLLS INTO SNETTERTON
This final round of this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship at Snetterton this weekend will be one of the tightest in the history of the series, with three drivers going all-out in an attempt to secure the crown.
PORTER BOOKS PLACE ON 2020 MINI CHALLENGE COOPER GRID
Teenage tin-top ace Josh Porter has confirmed his place on the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class grid for 2020, following an impressive maiden year of car racing this term.
CREDO TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE FOR 2020
The MINI CHALLENGE will continue its partnership with Credo Asset Finance into the 2020 season, as it makes a historic switch to the British Touring Car Championship support bill for the first time.
COOPER CLASSES HEAD TO SNETTERTON FOR SEASON FINALS
The Cooper classes return to Snetterton next weekend for the final races in the 2019 MINI CHALLENGE. The last 2 races in each class and still the classes are undecided. Exciting times.
BTCC TEST UP FOR GRABS FOR FASTEST MINI RACERS
The fastest MINI CHALLENGE racers will again be rewarded with a fully funded British Touring Car Championship test, courtesy of Dunlop and Motorbase Performance.
RACE REPORTS FROM THE COOPER CLASSES AT DONINGTON PARK
We returned once again to Donington Park, this time with the Cooper classes for their penultimate round of the 2019 season. It’s all getting very close as we approach the end of the season.
COOPER CLASSES HEAD TO DONINGTON PARK AS THE SEASON END APPROACHES.
As the Cooper drivers head to Donington for their Penultimate round of the season, the battle for the class winners is getting even closer.
SWR ANNOUNCES 2020 MINI CHALLENGE JCW ENTRY
Race-winning single-seater and touring car team Sean Walkinshaw Racing – SWR – will make its debut in the MINI CHALLENGE next season, fielding a two-car team in the JCW category.
ZELOS WINS AMID DRAMA FOR TITLE CHASER HARRISON IN DONINGTON FINALE
Dan Zelos grabbed his second win from four races as he came out on top of a chaotic second Donington Park outing, as Nathan Harrison suffered a dose of bad luck…
GORNALL MAKES IT FIVE WITH FIRST DONINGTON JCW VICTORY
James Gornall took his win tally to five for the season after surviving race-long pressure to take a narrow victory in the first outing of the penultimate weekend of the campaign at Donington Park.
GORNALL GRABS POLE AFTER QUICK FIX AT DONINGTON
James Gornall celebrated his third MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season, despite having to overcome a mechanical issue that limited him to just half of the session.
BROWN AIMING HIGH ACROSS FINAL JCW RACES OF 2019
Lewis Brown is determined to end his second MINI CHALLENGE JCW campaign on a high, and has his eyes set on a personal best result at our second visit to Donington Park this weekend.
COOPER CLASSES ROUND 5 AT CADWELL PARK SHOWED GREAT RACING
The Cooper classes visited Cadwell park this weekend for their fifth round of the season. The weekend saw some great racing battles and the tight circuit didn’t disappoint.
COOPER CLASSES RACE HEAD TO CADWELL PARK FOR ROUND 5 OF THE SEASON
The Cooper classes head to Cadwell park this weekend. It’s now getting close in the points standings to make predictions to who might win each class.
COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT FROM CROFT CIRCUIT
The Cooper classes headed north for what was for most, this was their first time at Croft. An amazing circuit located just outside Darlington. The sun was shining too for the whole weekend.
THE COOPER CLASSES HEAD TO CROFT CIRCUIT FOR THEIR FORTH ROUND OF THE SEASON
We head to Croft circuit as we approach the halfway point of the 2019 MINI CHALLENGE we can predict who is in it to win it. The last outing was at Brands Hatch.
GORNALL LUCKS INTO WIN NUMBER FOUR AT BRANDS HATCH
James Gornall became the first four-time winner of this year’s JCW championship after being handed a surprise lead when the top two both hit trouble late in the second outing at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit.
ZELOS GRABS BREAKTHROUGH JCW WIN AT BRANDS HATCH
Dan Zelos celebrated his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW race victory in the first outing around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, even if he had to rely on a dose of good fortune to help him get the result over the line.
ZELOS PIPS CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS TO BRANDS HATCH POLE
Dan Zelos secured his third MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season after coming out on top of a tight session around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit this morning.
ZELOS AIMING FOR BRANDS HATCH BREAKTHROUGH
Dan Zelos is certain that his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW race win isn’t far away, and heads into this weekend’s two races around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit aiming to make the breakthrough.
COOPER S RACE REPORTS FROM THE 2019 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
Read what happened over the weekend of the 2019 Brands Hatch MINI festival for the Cooper S classes as they competed in three races during the event.
COOPER & COOPER PRO RACE REPORTS FROM BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
Catch up on the race reports from the three races of the Cooper and Cooper Pro classes at the 2019 Brands Hatch MINI festival
PALMER GRABS FINAL FESTIVAL WIN AS HARRISON EXTENDS POINTS LEAD
After two battling performances across the Brands Hatch MINI Festival weekend already, Ben Palmer finally hit top spot in the finale…
HARRISON BATTLES BACK IN RACE TWO AT BRANDS HATCH
After losing out to James Gornall in Saturday’s opening MINI CHALLENGE JCW event, Nathan Harrison fought back to take a controlled victory in the second race of the Brands Hatch MINI Festival…
GORNALL MAKES IT THREE TO RETAKE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
James Gornall celebrated his third victory of this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW campaign after withstanding immense pressure during an epic opening race of the Brands Hatch MINI Festival weekend.
ZELOS TAKES TOP SPOT AT BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
Dan Zelos secured his second MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season after a well-timed tyre switch during an unpredictable qualifying session at Brands Hatch on Saturday morning.
COOPER CLASSES PREPARE FOR THE BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
This year is a special year for the MINI, with the 60th year Birthday celebrations being held all over the country at various times of the year.
HARRISON BACK ON FORM AHEAD OF BIGGEST JCW WEEKEND.
New MINI CHALLENGE JCW points leader Nathan Harrison says some vital car tweaks have revitalised his title challenge just in time for the most crucial event of the season at Brands Hatch this weekend.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI
MINI CHALLENGE features in this month’s Performance MINI magazine as the Cooper Classes return for 2019, and this issue we’ve got reports from the opening rounds at Snetterton
CATCHING UP WITH: RICHARD NEWMAN
As we reach mid-season in the 2019 JCW Championship, we catch up with rising tin-top star Richard Newman, as he rapidly gains a reputation as a hard-charger in this year’s JCW season.
NEW LEADER HARRISON DOES THE DOUBLE AT DONINGTON
Nathan Harrison snatched the MINI CHALLENGE JCW points lead courtesy of a dominant double victory over the Donington Park weekend, completed with a thrilling drive through the pack in race two.
HARRISON STAYS COOL FOR VICTORY IN DONINGTON OPENER
Nathan Harrison demonstrated a cool head under pressure to secure his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW win of the season after holding off race-long pressure from championship leader James Gornall.
HARRISON BATTLES TO DONINGTON PARK JCW POLE
Nathan Harrison secured his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season in a tight Saturday session at Donington Park, during which he edged out championship leader James Gornall to the top spot.
‘WILDCARD’ PALMER KEEN TO KEEP MOMENTUM AT DONINGTON
Tin-top champion Ben Palmer hopes that his double victory during the last MINI CHALLENGE JCW round at Silverstone will act as a warning shot to his title rivals ahead of the upcoming races at Donington
OULTON PARK COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT
An early start after overnight rain. The track was dry and 28 cars were ready to pedal to the metal. With the S class, Pro and Cooper Class cars all racing together, just like the “Old Days”.
COOPER CLASS ROUND 2 AT OULTON PARK
After the great fun at Snetterton, the MINI CHALLENGE settles down for the season knowing who to look out for. In the Pro class, Toby Goodman showed a great turn of speed as did Martin Poole and Robbie Dalgleish.
DOUBLE FOR PALMER, TROUBLE FOR GORNALL
Ben Palmer completed a dream weekend at Silverstone by taking a second victory in the final race of the weekend, as the championship chase was blown wide open by a first retirement of the year…
PALMER BAGS MAIDEN WIN IN THRILLING SILVERSTONE RACE
Ben Palmer became the fourth different winner of this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW season when he emerged ahead of a thrilling three-car fight during the opening race at Silverstone.
GORNALL ON TOP IN JCW QUALIFYING AT SILVERSTONE
James Gornall continued his flying start to this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW season by grabbing his second pole position of the year in a tight session at Silverstone GP Circuit.
DAVIDSON KEEN TO IMPRESS AS JCWS HEAD TO SILVERSTONE
Scottish teenager Jack Davidson is hoping to build a name for himself across the remainder of this year’s JCW campaign, and he’ll certainly do that if he can maintain his strong start to the season…
DAVIDSON ON TOP IN TRICKY SECOND SNETTERTON RACE
Scotsman Jack Davidson celebrated his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship victory in a tough final outing at Snetterton, made tricky by light rain falling towards the end.
GORNALL EXTENDS HIS LEAD WITH VICTORY AT SNETTERTON
James Gornall secured his second MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory of the season in the first outing at Snetterton to extend his strong start to the campaign and further edge clear in the points.
POINTS LEADER GORNALL GRABS SNETTERTON POLE
MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship leader James Gornall continued his strong start to the season by snatching an impressive pole position for round two at Snetterton.
COOPER SNETTERTON WEEKEND RACE REPORTS
Read the race reports from the first round of the Cooper, Cooper Pro and Cooper S Classes as they headed to Snetterton in what would be an action-packed weekend of racing.
JCW SNETTERTON PREVIEW
Early points leader James Gornall says he’s figured out the “five or six” different drivers he’s expecting to be going head-to-head with in the battle for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship,
COOPER, PRO & S SNETTERTON PREVIEW
Uniquely this year’s 2019 MINI CHALLENGE sees the start of the Cooper, Pro and S class championships at Snetterton on the 300 circuit and finishes the year on the same circuit.
MAYBIN MAKES BREAKTHROUGH AT OULTON
Jac Maybin proved his championship potential with a stunning display of overtaking to score his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in the second outing at Oulton Park.
GORNALL GRABS MAIDEN VICTORY IN JCW OPENER
James Gornall claimed his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in the season opener at Oulton Park after emerging on top of a thrilling three-car battle for the lead in the closing stages.
NEWCOMER ZELOS SNATCHES OULTON PARK POLE
Dan Zelos made an instant impact on his full MINI CHALLENGE JCW debut, scorching to pole position under the sweltering sun during the first day of the season at Oulton Park.
CAPACITY GRID EXPECTED FOR EASTER MINI CHALLENGE JCW OPENER
The MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship has attracted a bumper entry for the 2019 season, with registrations surpassing 30 ahead of the first round of the campaign.
NATHAN HARRISON RETURNS TO THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP SET ON THE TITLE
Tin-top star Nathan Harrison is hoping it will be third time lucky this year as he returns to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship with his eyes firmly set on the title.
TIN-TOP ACE KENAN DOLE TO SWITCH TO JCW CHAMPIONSHIP WITH TEAM JAMSPORT
Tin-top ace Kenan Dole will switch to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year with reigning champion team JamSport.
ZELOS ‘UP FOR THE FIGHT’ AS HE MAKES SWITCH TO MINI CHALLENGE
Dan Zelos will make the full-time move to the MINI CHALLENGE in 2019, as the talented young Norfolk racer continues to inch ever-closer to a coveted seat in BTCC.
RICHARD NEWMAN GRADUATES FROM COOPER TO JCW FOR 2019
Cooper Pro Class star and double karting champion Richard Newman will step up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year after joining EXCELR8 Motorsport’s multi-car line-up.
REIGNING COOPER S CHAMPION WILL FAIRCLOUGH STEPS UP TO JCWs WITH MINI UK VIP
Will Fairclough doesn’t believe his lack of racing experience will be any sort of barrier to success this year as he steps up to the JCWs with the MINI UK VIP Team.
BIRD TAKES UP THE MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2019
Following on from 2 successful years in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, Max Bird, an 18 year old college student from Chichester will be racing in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW class for 2019.
CATCHING UP WITH: TOBY GOODMAN
We caught up with Toby Goodman, following his first season in his Mini Cooper Pro Class.
LUKE READE RETURNS FOR THIRD SEASON IN JCW WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
Luke Reade is hoping that added consistency and an upswing in luck can help his efforts toward this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship…
TOBY GOODMAN RETURNS TO COOPER PRO FOR 2019 WITH SIGHTS ON THE TITLE
Toby Goodman has set his sights on landing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Pro title after confirming his return to the category with EXCELR8 Motorsport.
JOSH STANTON PLANS TO USE HIS MAIDEN SEASON IN THE JCWs TOWARDS THE 2020 TITLE
Karting graduate Josh Stanton plans to use his maiden season in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year as building blocks toward a title challenge in 2020.
RORY CUFF RETURNS TO JCW CHAMPIONSHIP WITH MINI UK FOR 2019
Rory Cuff is aiming high in this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship after confirming his return to the series this season.
MINI CHALLENGE OFFERS BIG DISCOUNTS AHEAD OF 2020 BTCC SWITCH
A raft of financial incentives have been announced for MINI CHALLENGE competitors in the wake of huge interest in the championship…
BEN PALMER JOINS MINI CHALLENGE WITH TEAM-HARD
Double Renault Clio Cup champion Ben Palmer will join the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship full-time for 2019 to spearhead an attack from touring car squad Team HARD.
MINI CHALLENGE JOINS THE BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2020
The MINI CHALLENGE will form an integral part of Britain’s biggest race weekends when it joins the British Touring Car Championship support bill full-time from 2020…
CALLUM NEWSHAM RETURNS FOR SECOND SEASON IN JCW CHAMPIONSHIP
Callum Newsham, son of British Touring Car Championship regular Dave Newsham is returning to the MINI CHALLENGE for a second year.
JOSH PORTER JOINS COOPER CLASS FOR 2019 WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
A second generation of the Porter family will take on the MINI CHALLENGE when teenager Josh Porter joins the Cooper Am Championship grid for 2019.
JACOB ANDREWS STEPS UP TO JCW CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2019 WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
Australian racer Jacob Andrews will return to the UK for a second season of competition when he graduates to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship for 2019.
CATCHING UP WITH: SAMI BOWLER
Meet Sami, renown for her very charming character in the paddock contrasting against her ferocious raw ability on track has instantly cemented Sami as a huge hit amongst fans and fellow competitors.
FORMER BRITISH GT CHAMPION, JAMES GORNALL WILL BE JOINING THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP
Gornall has been racing cars since 2003 and has enjoyed much success in everything he’s raced but the MINI CHALLENGE is his first move to front wheel drive racing.
CALUM KING RETURNS TO JCW WITH JAMSPORT, CONFIDENT FOR A GREAT SEASON AHEAD
Calum King will again return to the JCW Championship in 2019 with 2018 season winning team, Jamsport, confident for some great results.
CATCHING UP WITH: ROBBIE DALGLEISH
Robbie Dalgleish has had an impressive first season in the Cooper Pro Class. He’s finished every race this year with the worst position being 4th and remained consistent throughout the year…
MATT WILSON WILL MAKE THE SWITCH ACROSS TO JCW CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2019
Volkswagen Racing Cup frontrunner Matt Wilson will make the switch across to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship for 2019 with new team JWB Motorsport.
ROB AUSTIN RETURNS TO COOPER S WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT FOR 2019
Rob Austin to rejoin AReeve Motorsport for the 2019 Mini Challenge Cooper S Championship.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI
MINI CHALLENGE is featured January’s issue of Performance MINI magazine. This months issue covers the JCWs at Donington and Coopers at Rockingham.
RISING TIN-TOP STAR JAC MAYBIN IS TARGETING THE 2019 JCW TITLE
Maybin, 17, has re-signed with the EXCELR8 Motorsport team to again handle a 265bhp JCW for the full 2019 campaign.
CATCHING UP WITH: WILL FAIRCLOUGH
When Will Fairclough began his racing career in 2018 in the MINI CHALLENGE he couldn’t have possibly expected the results and success that would transpire over the course of the season.
CATCHING UP WITH: JONO DAVIS
We look back at an up and down season for Jono Davis, beginning with an engine failure at Donington but ending with five wins in a row by the end of the season with a bonus of two guest rounds in the JCW Class.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN COOPER WORLD
MINI CHALLENGE is featured November’s issue of Cooper World magazine. This months issue covers the JCWs at Donington and Coopers at Rockingham.
LEWIS GALER TO JOIN THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP FOR FIRST SEASON IN CAR RACING
Promising teenager Lewis Galer is the first driver to sign up for the 2019 MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship, for what will be his maiden season of car racing.
CATCHING UP WITH: GARY PAPWORTH
Gary Papworth had a great season in the Cooper Am class this year, being consistently in the top three cars at each round and scoring valuable points to come third in the Class overall.
JCW CHAMPIONSHIP STARS TAKE PART IN PRIZE BTCC TEST DAY
JCW Championship stars Ant Whorton-Eales and Nathan Harrison shone on their prize test outings at the wheel of a Motorbase Performance British Touring Car.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN COOPER WORLD
Read this month’s Cooper World magazine which features the action from Brands Hatch MINI Festival with the JCWs and Coopers.
ROCKINGHAM COOPER S WEEKEND REPORT
Read about the weekend’s racing by the Cooper S class and who would take the Class win for the season as we visited Rockingham for the last time.
ROCKINGHAM COOPER AM/PRO WEEKEND REPORT
The final round of the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Am and Pro classes and we determine the class winners from Rockingham.
COOPER PRO CLASS CHAMPION, KYLE REID ALSO WINS SUNOCO 240 CHALLENGE
Kyle Reid will race at Daytona International Speedway after winning prestigious the Sunoco 240 Challenge.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI
Featured in Performance MINI, read the race reports from Oulton Park and Brands Hatch for the Cooper Classes and the JCW class.
ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW
The final deciding round of the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper classes is around the corner and it’s also the last time we ever race at Rockingham Motor Speedway.
DONINGTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT
Nathan Harrison brought new champion Ant Whorton-Eales’ winning run to a finish by fighting to victory in the final race of the season at Donington Park…
DONINGTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Ant Whorton-Eales secured this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship title with another dominant drive in the first race of the weekend at Donington Park…
DONINGTON JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
JCW debutant Ben Palmer shocked the series regulars by scoring pole position during a tricky final qualifying session of the season at Donington Park.
DONINGTON JCW PREVIEW
Ant Whorton-Eales has pledged not to back off in his quest to seal the JCW Championship title, despite his rivals admitting they need a miracle to deny him…
CADWELL PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS
Early Saturday morning, after 6 sessions of testing on Friday, meant all were raring to go. Some had a bit of damage and had their cars and engines patched up.
CADWELL PARK COOPER PRO/AM RACE REPORTS
The Excelr8 guys had been hard at all night fixing up a number of cars that were damaged in testing. 6 half hour sessions certainly excited some more than others.
CADWELL PARK COOPER PREVIEW
With just 5 races to go in this year’s MINI CHALLENGE, it could all be decided this weekend at the East Coast’s answer to the Nűrbugring.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN COOPER WORLD
Featured in Cooper World this month, read the race reports from the Oulton Park MINI Festival including all classes of the MINI CHALLENGE.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST WEEKEND TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Brands Hatch for the seventh round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST COOPER S WEEKEND REPORT
Read how the Cooper S class got on at the Brands Hatch MINI Festival. Some exciting racing over the weekend with changable weather and a few car troubles along the way.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST COOPER PRO/AM REPORT
Catch up on the races of the Cooper Am/Pro classes at Brands MINI Festival. Three action-packed races with some exciting racing.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 3 REPORT
Ant Whorton-Eales completed a perfect hat-trick of JCW victories during the Brands Hatch MINI Fest, but the race for the title will go down to the final event of the year.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 2 REPORT
Ant Whorton-Eales is on the verge of securing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship title after scoring his second victory of the Brands Hatch…
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Jordan Collard was deemed to have overshot his grid spot when the field formed up after the green flag lap, an error that was brought to light some hours after the race…
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Jordan Collard returned to form in qualifying for the Brands Hatch MINI Festival, snatching pole in an extremely tight session.
BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST PREVIEW
Lewis Brown wants to continue his forward momentum at Brands Hatch in the hope that it can pave the way for a tilt at the MINI CHALLENGE JCW title next season.
BRANDS HATCH DTM WEEKEND TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Brands Hatch for the sixth round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 2 REPORT
With just five races remaining, Ant Whorton-Eales tightened his grip on this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship trophy after doubling up in front…
BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Ant Whorton-Eales extended his advantage at the head of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship after taking a controlled victory in the first race of the DTM weekend…
BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
David Robinson celebrated his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position after dominating a tricky qualifying session on the Saturday that the DTM returned…
BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW
Multiple car racing champion David Robinson is hoping that his current run good form can elevate him into the top four in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW points this weekend
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI
Featured in Performance MINI, read the race reports from Snetterton and Silverstone for the Cooper Classes and the JCW class.
OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Oulton for the fifth round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
ANT WHORTON-EALES WILL MAKE ONE-OFF RETURN TO BTCC
Whorton-Eales will rejoin the AmD Tuning.com team to handle one of its MG6 machines for this weekend’s round in Norfolk…
OULTON PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS
No surprises, with Will Fairclough having both of his quickest laps being the top 2 quickest. Rob Austin, trying like mad to put in a good time managed P2 on his last lap.
OULTON PARK COOPER PRO/AM RACE REPORTS
The sun was shining and 16 MINI Coopers were all set to go. Back from a break with Eurotech/Wix was Martin Poole. Determined to show Kyle Reid he is no walk over.
OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT
Despite leading the championship from the first round, it had been a long wait for a victory for Ant Whorton-Eales before the second JCW race at Oulton Park.
OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Rob Smith celebrated his second successive MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory after successfully converting his pole position into a narrow victory in race one at Oulton…
OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Rob Smith left it late to snatch pole position in a challenging qualifying session at Oulton Park, which kick-started the annual northern edition of the MINI Festival.
OUTLON PARK COOPER PREVIEW
The time is almost upon the MINI Challenge, for the eagerly anticipated pilgrimage to the Oulton Park MINI festival, one of the highlights of their racing calendar.
OULTON PARK JCW PREVIEW
Rising star Jordan Collard is confident that this weekend’s second visit to Oulton Park will help to “separate the men from the boys” in the fight for the JCW title.
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN COOPER WORLD
Featured in Cooper World Magazine, read the race reports from Snetterton from both the JCW and Cooper rounds during the two weekends in May.
SILVERSTONE COOPER S REPORT
Jono Davis was flying with his rebuilt gearbox and clutch. A great pole lap of 1:07.257, Rob Austin was in P2 with Alan Lee in P3. Andy Montgomery stayed in touch…
SILVERSTONE COOPER AM/PRO REPORT
A nice bright start on the National circuit. A short circuit passed the National pits into Copse, sharp right turn at Maggotts, flat out down the Wellington Straight…
SILVERSTONE TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Silverstone for the fourth round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
SILVERSTONE COOPER PREVIEW
A very strong grid at Snetterton last time out saw some very close racing. Kyle Reid in the Pro class continued his dominance in the class with 3 wins out of 3 races…
SILVERSTONE JCW RACE TWO REPORT
Rob Smith claimed his first victory of the season in the second outing at Silverstone, holding off Ant Whorton-Eales in what was essentially a single-lap shootout.
SILVERSTONE JCW RACE ONE REPORT
Jordan Collard battled to his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in a thrilling first race at Silverstone, but had to fight off a four-car train to secure the laurels.
SILVERSTONE JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Jordan Collard continued his quest to be labelled this year’s king of qualifying by storming to another pole position at Silverstone this afternoon.
DAVE NEWSHAM JOINS JCWS AT SILVERSTONE
Dave Newsham will make his JCW debut at Silverstone this weekend, marking his first competitive outing since leaving the British Touring Car Championship.
SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW
Car racing rookie Jac Maybin feels his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory isn’t far away after his stunning performance during the last round at Snetterton.
SNETTERTON TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Snetterton for the third round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
SNETTERTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT
David Robinson claimed his maiden MINI CHALLENGE victory by edging out Jac Maybin in an absolute thriller of a second race at Snetterton.
SNETTERTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Having enjoyed a perfect start to the season so far, Ant Whorton-Eales suffered the disappointment of retirement in the first outing at Snetterton
SNETTERTON JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Jordan Collard was on record time as he secured his second pole position of the season with a blistering lap at Snetterton.
SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW
Luke Reade believes that he can stay firmly in the fight for this year’s JCW Championship if he can continue his run of early season consistency.
SAM WELLER STEPS UP TO JCW CLASS
Cooper Class star Sam Weller will make the step up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship in time for the next round at Snetterton.
SNETTERTON COOPER S REPORT
With lots of testing carried out by some of the teams and drivers on the preceding Thursday and Friday, expectations were high. Stu Lane was continuing his run…
SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT
20 cars all fired up ready for qualifying. Although the circuit is 3 miles long drivers need to get clean air or a tow from the car in front to put in a good time….
SNETTERTON COOPER CLASSES PREVIEW
The second round of the Cooper Am, Pro and S Classes is approaching and we’re in store for some more action-packed racing as we head to Snetterton.
ROCKINGHAM TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Rockingham for the second round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
WHORTON-EALES HITS THE HAT-TRICK
Ant Whorton-Eales couldn’t have hoped for a better start to this year’s JCW Championship, having racked up his third win on the bounce in second race at Rockingham.
ANT MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO
Ant Whorton-Eales fired an ominous warning shot about his intentions for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship title by taking a dominant victory….
ANT WHORTON-EALES SECURED HIS FIRST JCW POLE
Ant Whorton-Eales secured his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season in a tricky session at Rockingham on Saturday.
LOUIS DOYLE JOINS JCW AFTER SWITCH FROM CLIO JUNIORS.
Teenager Louis Doyle is planning a two-year stint in the JCW Championship this year after confirming his switch from the Renault Clio Junior Series.
FORMER BRITISH GT CHAMPION JOINS THE GRID THIS WEEKEND
Former British GT champion James Gornall will joins the MINI CHALLENGE JCW grid at Rockingham as he evaluates a full-time switch into the category.
ROCKINGHAM PREVIEW
Nathan Harrison is hoping to put a troubled first round at Oulton Park behind him this weekend by picking up where he left off at Rockingham in 2016.
CATCHING UP WITH: TOBY GOODMAN
We interviewed Toby Goodman, who is new to the MINI CHALLENGE this season. We sat down with him at the first round at Donington to find out about his background and thoughts on the season ahead.
CATCHING UP WITH: ELSPETH RODGERS
We sat down with Elspeth Rodgers as she begins her first season in the MINI CHALLENGE to find out more about her and her thoughts on the season ahead.
DONINGTON PARK COOPER CLASS RACE REPORT
Find out about all the action at the first weekend for the Cooper Am/Pro & Cooper S classes as they headed to Donington Park.
TEAM DYNAMICS RETURN TO THE MINI JCW CHALLENGE
GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd are pleased to announce that their GS battery brand will sponsor Henry and Will Neal in the JCW Championship.
CHARLIE COOPER JOINS COOPER PRO CHAMPIONSHIP
The third generation of the legendary Cooper tuning family will make his racing debut as Charlie Cooper confirms to join the Cooper Pro Championship.
DONINGTON PARK PREVIEW
Read the web preview about the Cooper Am, Cooper Pro and Cooper S Classes as they head to Donington for the first round of the Cooper championships.
OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES
Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Outlon park for the first round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.
OULTON PARK RACE ONE REPORT [UPDATED]
A post-race penalty to Nathan Harrison handed debutant Ant Whorton-Eales victory in the opening round of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship at Oulton Park.
OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE newcomer Jordan Collard will start Monday’s first JCW race at Oulton Park from pole position after taking a stunning maiden pole position.
OULTON PARK PREVIEW
Rob Smith has designs on fighting for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship, and hopes to bag a strong start to the season at Oulton Park this Easter weekend.
JCW CHAMPION TO RECEIVE SEASON IN SUPER TAIKYU SERIES
This year’s JCW champion will be rewarded with a fully funded season in the Japanese Super Taikyu series worth in excess of £100,000.
CREDO MOTORSPORT FINANCE PARTNER WITH MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2018
MINI CHALLENGE are delighted to announce a new partnership with Credo Motorsport Finance this season.
JCW RACE WINNER ROB SMITH BACK FOR TITLE BID IN 2018
Multiple MINI Challenge JCW race winner Rob Smith has officially confirmed his return to the hugely popular one-make championship for the 2018 season with just one goal in mind – winning the title.
CHARLIE BUTLER-HENDERSON TARGETS SECOND MINI CHALLENGE JCW TITLE
Charlie Butler-Henderson is targeting a second Mini Challenge JCW title this year after confirming his return to the championship.
ANT WHORTON-EALES RETURNS TO THE MINI CHALLENGE
Former Cooper Class champion Ant Whorton-Eales will make a return to the MINI CHALLENGE this season, and has his eyes firmly set on a maiden JCW crown.
LEWIS BROWN MAKES DEBUT IN JCW CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR
Sportscar racing champion Lewis Brown will make his debut in this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship after joining the AReeve Motorsport team. Brown joins the CHALLENGE having won last season’s Ginetta GT5…
JONO DAVIS RETURNS TO COOPER S WITH EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT
Jono Davis is targeting the MINI CHALLENGE COOPER S Class crown this year, in what will be his second full season in the category. Davis, 22, will join Excelr8 Motorsport to run an R53-spec Cooper S….
LUKE READE WILL RETURN TO THE MINI CHALLENGE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SEASON
Luke Reade will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season, as he hunts for his breakthrough podium finish in the series.
SCORPION EXTEND THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2018
MINI CHALLENGE are delighted to announce an extension to our partnership with Scorpion as joint Championship lead partners.
STU LANE RETURNS TO COOPER S FOR 2018 WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT
Stu Lane returns to the MINI CHALLENGE this season in the Cooper S class with AReeve Motorsport. Last year Lane competed in one round at Silverstone…
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN APRIL ’18 MODERN MINI MAGAZINE
This month’s Modern Mini magazine features a 2018 preview of MINI CHALLENGE. The magazine is out now and available in most stores.
SCOTTISH MINI COOPER CUP STAR JOE TANNER WILL SWITCH JCW WITH JAMSPORT RACING
Scottish MINI Cooper Cup star Joe Tanner will switch to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year as part of a new programme from JamSport Racing.
MINI CHALLENGE TO SUPPORT DTM RETURN TO BRANDS HATCH
The MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship will support the DTM’s return to Brands Hatch this year after confirming a change to the provisional calendar. The 265bhp JCWs will now compete in two races to support…
JORDAN COLLARD TO JOIN JCW FOR 2018
Jordan Collard will be joining the MINI CHALLENGE for 2018 and will be competing for the MINI Challenge Rookie cup which caters to up and coming drivers who are new to the series.
RISING TIN-TOP STAR NATHAN HARRISON WILL RETURN TO JCW
Rising tin-top star Nathan Harrison will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season, and he’s in search of the title that he narrowly missed in 2016. Harrison, 21, has signed with Excelr8 Motorsport…
CATCHING UP WITH: CALUM KING
Scotsman Callum King will switch to Eurotech Racing for his third season in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class this year. King has gradually gained in pace across his first two JCW campaigns, and last year scored finishes inside the top 10 despite a difficult season with mechanical issues and being forced to skip rounds due to unforeseen circumstan
CATCHING UP WITH: ANDY MONTGOMERY
Andy – an IT Project Manager from Yorkshire – is continuing into his second season in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S class with the Mad4MINI Motorsport team this year. Last season was successful, finishing third in class with his R53 MINI.
MULTIPLE RACING CHAMPION DAVID ROBINSON JOINS JCW
Multiple racing champion David Robinson will aim to add this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW honours to his career haul after signing with Excelr8 Motorsport. Robinson, 29, will tackle the full JCW season with Excelr8…
TAELOR SHAND JOINS MINI CHALLENGE IN THE JCW CLASS
Taelor Shand joins Excelr8 Motorsport for her first full season racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in the JCW class. Taelor is no stranger to racing in Mini’s however, Taelor’s first experience of circuit racing was in 2015…
ETHAN PITT TO RETURN TO COOPER CLASS FOR 2018
Car racing rookie Ethan Pitt will return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Championship for his first full season of racing this year. Pitt will campaign with experienced squad Sussex Road and Race.
CALLUM NEWSHAM, SON OF BTCC REGULAR DAVE NEWSHAM JOINS JCW FOR 2018
The MINI CHALLENGE will further strengthen its link to the BTCC when Callum Newsham joins JCW this year, being run by his father – BTCC regular Dave Newsham.
16-YEAR OLD JAC MAYBIN TO COMPETE IN JCW.
Jac will compete in the premier class within the MINI CHALLENGE Series boasting grids of over 30 drivers. With identical 2 litre turbo 265bhp JCW cars the MINI CHALLENGE…
CATCHING UP WITH: GEORGE SUTTON
George Sutton is returning to MINI CHALLENGE in 2018 after a successful first season in the JCW Class, finishing 8th in the championship amongst some very experienced and talented drivers.
CATCHING UP WITH: ANDY GODFREY
We caught up with Cooper Am driver, Andy Godfrey as he gives us his thoughts on the 2017 season and the MINI CHALLENGE.
FORMER CLIO CUP DRIVER, OLLIE PIDGLEY JOINS JCW CLASS FOR 2018
Former Renault Clio Cup driver Ollie Pidgley will switch to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship next season after agreeing a deal with Excelr8 Motorsport.
JCW 2017 SEASON REVIEW
We look back at the 2017 season to see how Brett Smith won the 2017 JCW Championship. Smith’s season began strongly, if not sensationally. A podium at Oulton Park was followed by a disappointing weekend at Rockingham.
2018 SEASON PROVISIONAL CALENDAR RELEASED
Next year’s MINI CHALLENGE championships will be fought over 35 races across 15 weekends as the calendars for both the top-flight JCW category and hotly contested Cooper & Open series have been revealed.
DUNLOP PROVIDE MINI CHALLENGE WINNERS BTCC TEST
MINI CHALLENGE drivers, Matt Hammond (Cooper Pro Class Champion) and Reece Barr (JCW Class Vice-Champion) joined Team Shredded Wheat Racing with Duo at Snetterton…
KARTING CHAMPION TOBY GOODMAN TO JOIN COOPER PROS
Karting champion Toby Goodman will join the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Pro Series for his first season of car racing next year after signing with top team Excelr8 Motorsport.
SNETTERTON COOPER CLASS REPORT
A very early start to decide the outcome of the Pro and Am classes of the MINI CHALLENGE. Expectations were high and the pressure was on to bring home enough points to claim the class wins in both classes.
SNETTERTON OPEN CLASS REPORT
10 cars lined up for qualifying. Great to have Jono Davis back with his super-fast R53 (not a typo it is an R53). Neal Clark joined us with his Norfolk cars R53 too, So plenty of whining! (Supercharger noise).
JCW RACE 2 REPORT FROM DONINGTON
Brett Smith capped his year in perfect fashion by securing a dominant double at Donington, scorching up the order on the reversed grid. Smith drew number four from the hat so began the final race…
JCW RACE 1 REPORT FROM DONINGTON
Brett Smith overcame his starting fears to take a controlled victory in the penultimate race of the season. Having already secured the JCW crown during the last outing at Oulton Park…
JCW DONINGTON QUALIFYING REPORT
New MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Brett Smith again showed his class in qualifying at Donington Park to secure pole position for the penultimate race of the season on Sunday.
JCWs HEAD TO DONINGTON FOR SEASON FINAL
Reece Barr insists he’s feeling no pressure ahead of a tense Rookie Cup showdown at Donington Park this weekend, while his biggest rival Max Bladon is determined to try and hunt him down in the points.
DONINGTON PARK OPEN RACE REPORT
With just qualifying to do on Saturday the drivers and crews were busy polishing and making sure cars were up to their best. Some had been testing on the Thursday and Friday. Chloe Hewitt was having problems…
DONINGTON PARK COOPER RACE REPORT
A nice early start with qualifying and 1 race on Saturday and 1 race on Sunday Morning. Bryony King and Ethan Pitt were guest drivers this weekend, hopefully entering next year’s MINI CHALLENGE.
MODERN MINI FEATURES BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
This month’s Modern Mini magazine covers the Mini Festival which took place on the 8 – 9th July and featured all classes of the MINI CHALLENGE. To find out more, pick up a copy of this Months Modern Mini.
JCW DRIVER SARAH MOORE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI
This Month’s Modern MINI Magazine reported on the JCW driver, Sarah Moore as she tried out racing in the JCW class. Sarah has competed in one round this season and hopes to come back for a full season in 2018.
OULTON PARK COOPER CLASS REPORT
The circuit configuration used for the MINI Festival was the Fosters Circuit. A first time for many. No fast left turn from Cascades entry into Lakeside but an adverse camber right hand turn into Fosters…
OULTON PARK OPEN CLASS REPORT
A small turnout but a quality field of just 7 cars. Up to 12 laps of the Fosters circuit were possible on the wet track. Ben Dimmack was his usual quick straight away, but it took 10 laps to put in the pole time.
OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Having endured four nightmare races prior to the MINI CHALLENGE’s return to Oulton Park, Max Bladon gave the perfect signal that he’s ready to return to form by snatching JCW pole in a tricky qualifying session.
OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Henry Neal broke his JCW duck in emphatic style in the first race at Oulton Park, but the outing ended under difficult circumstances after a multi-car accident at the Knickerbrook corner in difficult conditions.
OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT
George Sutton made it two new winners from two rather frustrating races at Oulton Park, as the rookies came to the fore in the final race of the weekend. Sutton led home fellow Rookie Cup challengers Reece Barr and Max…
OULTON PARK PREVIEW, WITH MAX BLADON
Max Bladon says he needs to turn back the clock this Saturday at Oulton Park, and attack the penultimate round of the season in the same way he did during the opening weekend of the year.
Catching up with: Stuart Gibbs
Catching up with Stuart Gibbs, Stuart starting racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2017 with a JCW prepared and run by ExcelR8. Stuart is just 47 years old and lives in Weston Super Mare and has been married twice. Stuart served in the Army for 14 years and has been...
JCW RACE 2 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP
Brett Smith took another big stride toward sealing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship crown, by claiming his fourth victory of the season after a tight final battle at Brands Hatch.
JCW RACE 1 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP
Rob Smith is fast becoming a Brands Hatch specialist after securing another victory at the Kent venue in a truncated first outing at the Kent venue’s Grand Prix Circuit. Rob led from lights-to-flag to secure a second victory…
BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Rob Smith snatched a dramatic last-gasp pole position at Brands Hatch after making late progress in a tricky, drenched qualifying session. After a gloriously sunny morning at the Kent venue, the storm clouds arrived…
Barr aims for Rookie championship as we head to Brands Hatch
Reece Barr is aiming to make his mark in this year’s JCW Rookie Championship with a strong performance on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit this weekend. The JCW’s head to Kent to start the final third of the campaign.
MARK BLUNDELL POSSIBLE RETURN TO MINI CHALLENGE JCW
Mark Blundell may be set for a return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship in the future after an impressive, if unlucky, debut during the Brands Hatch MINI Festival.
BRANDS HATCH OPEN RACE REPORT
A Nice early start for the 9 open class cars for R53 and R56 “S” or JCWs. 15 minutes around the short Indy circuit. Ben Dimmack (R56) was fast straight out of the blocks and clinched P1 on the 3rd lap. Rob Austin (R56) tried…
BRANDS HATCH COOPER AM/PRO RACE REPORT
With a nice covering of cloud and good temperatures, the 18 Cooper Pro/ Am cars were all eager and pent up ready to “put the pedal to the metal” In the Pro class of 11 cars, favourites to go well was Sam Weller…
BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 3 REPORT
After his race two upturn, David Grady went two better in the finale, with a scorching start helping him to a stunning victory to cap off MSVR’s annual MINI Festival. Grady started fourth on the reversed grid…
BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 2 REPORT
Charlie Butler-Henderson landed his second JCW victory of the season in a tempestuous second race at Brands, but only after a post-race penalty for championship leader Brett Smith.
BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 1 REPORT
Rob Smith withheld intense pressure to secure his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship victory since 2015 in the first race at Brands Hatch. The MINI UK VIP driver produced a superb defensive display…
BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT
Rob Smith scored his second pole of the season in a truncated MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship qualifying at Brands Hatch. The MINI UK VIP driver beat namesake Brett Smith…
Under the microscope: MINI CHALLENGE Girls
Under the microscope: MINI CHALLENGE Girls To celebrate Women is Sports week, I thought we would take a look at the Girls who form an integral part of the MINI CHALLENGE. What was originally thought to be a few actually turned out to be many! Jessica Hawkins Jessica’s...
MODERN MINI REPORTS ON SILVERSTONE ROUNDS
Modern MINI Magazine reported on both the JCW and Cooper/Open rounds from 3rd – 4th June and the 10th -11th June. You can find out more by picking up the latest copy of MODERNMINI Magazine or view the article here.
WAKEFIELD TARGETS PODIUM FINISHES AT BRANDS MINI FESTIVAL
Mark Wakefield has targeted a clean sweep of podium finishes at this weekend’s Brands Hatch MINI Festival as he continues his march up the CHALLENGE points table. The Excelr8 driver is currently third in the points…
BLUNDELL TO COMPETE IN MINI CHALLENGE JCW AT BRANDS HATCH
Ex-Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell will compete in the next round of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship at Brands Hatch on July 8/9. Blundell has signed up to handle the MINI UK-backed guest car in the three races.
JCW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER GRADUATES TO BTCC
JCW Championship leader Brett Smith insists that his surprise graduation into this year’s British Touring Car Championship won’t affect his chances of landing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE title.
ROCKINGHAM COOPER REPORT
Nearly midday but overcast for the 17 Cooper Class cars. 10 in the Pro Class, led by Jessica Hawkins and 7 in the Am class led by Stuart Mclaren. A lot of the drivers were struggling to get to know the Rockingham circuit.
ROCKINGHAM OPEN REPORT
Nice bright early start for the Open Class, a quick run around the Motor Speedway International circuit to heat the tyres up and away they all go. Only 8 cars but not a lot to choose between any of them.
Under the Microscope: George Sutton Racing
George Sutton Racing Under the Microscope What an impact George has had in the opening rounds of the 2017 MINI CHALLENGE. George is currently in 10th place after the 4 opening rounds. With 15th and 9th places at Oulton Park, a DNF and 16th at Rockingham (starting at...
SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 2 REPORT
Max Bladon secured his second victory of the season in a truncated second race at Silverstone. Much of which took place under the safety car.
SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 1 REPORT
SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 1 REPORT Brett Smith extended his points lead in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship in an emotionally charged first race at Silverstone, winning the day after his father Jeff was hospitalised after a serious accident in the British Touring Car...
SILVERSTONE QUALIFYING REPORT
SILVERSTONE JCW QUALIFYING REPORT Brett Smith continued his current hot streak by claiming pole for the first race at Silverstone after a nip and tuck battle with his namesake Rob Smith. The two Smiths were the class of the field and between them secured an all-Smith...
SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW
Rob Smith is hoping that consistency and a change in fortune can help him return to the top step of the MINI CHALLENGE podium at Silverstone this weekend, the site of his first CHALLENGE victory back in 2014. Smith looked odds-on to record his first race win for two...
SILVERSTONE COOPER REPORT
Qualifying: Weather: Bright/Dry Duration: 15 minutes The Silverstone National Circuit, the one the BTCC use, suits the MINIs well. 3 blasts and a technical bit around Brooklands and Luffield. With 15 minutes, 19 cars and a potential 12 laps, it was all...
SILVERSTONE OPEN CLASS REPORT
Qualifying: Weather: Bright/Dry Duration: 15 minutes The R53 and R56, 10 cars in all, to race around the National Circuit. A few cars were missing due to Exams and other commitments. A great shame as this is a very competitive class. Andrew Tsang was...
SNETTERTON RACE 3 REPORT
Brett Smith became the first double winner of the MINI CHALLENGE season by taking a dominant victory in the third outing at Snetterton, as yet more of his championship rivals suffered setbacks in Norfolk. Brett completed his double to assume the championship lead...
SNETTERTON RACE 2 REPORT
Brett Smith kept the unprecedented run of different race winners going by becoming the sixth different driver to top the podium in the opening six races this year – and his chances of landing this year’s title received a boost as leader Reece Barr suffered heartbreak...
SNETTERTON RACE 1 REPORT
Jeff Smith secured his first MINI CHALLENGE victory of the season to make it five different winners from the first five races after a thrilling first outing at Snetterton. The British Touring Car Championship regular soaked up intense pressure from championship leader...
JCW QUALIFYING SNETTERTON
Rob Smith snatched his first pole position of the season in a bizarre qualifying session at Snetterton, after which two of the championship challengers will start on the back row. While the cars headed to the collecting area in bright sunshine, rain was on the...
SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW
Brett Smith is hopeful that his impressive race pace so far this season can begin to manifest itself as on-track results at Snetterton this weekend. Eurotech Racing driver Smith has been one of the stars of the campaign so far, regularly showing front-running pace...
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI
MINI CHALLENGE features in the latest issue of Modern MINI. This issue covers all of the classes in the championships and looks at how some of the drivers got into the series.
Catching up with: Jono Davis
Catching up with: Jono Davis Age: 21 From: Market Deeping, Peterborough. Jono starting racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2016 with an R53 prepared by AReeve Motorsport. Doing a full season to get a taster of racing MINIs, and producing some good results....
SNETTERTON OPEN REPORT
Qualifying: Weather: Changeable Duration: 15 minutes This class is a bit special, it allows all comers, R53s, R56s. Be they an ex-MINI CHALLENGE car, a track day car, or a Cooper S JCW of 2005 vintage. 180bhp per tonne is the rule. Yes, power output was checked and...
SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT
Qualifying: Weather: Bright/Dry Duration: 15 minutes Jessica Hawkins showed 17 others that she was the one to beat. A blistering performance, improving each time she went past the pits. There were a lot of new names and new cars all out for the opening...
Under the Microscope: OX4 Racing
OX4 Racing Under the Microscope OX4 Racing are one of the “smaller” teams in the MINI CHALLENGE paddock. But why OX4? Well that’s the post code of the MINI Plant in Oxford where the MINI is built and where all the team work during the week. Of course, they all have a...
SNETTERTON PREVIEW
The long awaited opening rounds of the MINI CHALLENGE Open class and Cooper classes is being held this weekend as part of the MINI Festival at Snetterton. New for this year is the split of the former Cooper Class cars into 2 classes. The Cooper Pro Class running a 135...
CAR MAGAZINE REVIEWS MINI CHALLENGE
CAR Magazine reviews MINI CHALLENGE CAR Magazine's James Taylor joined us for the first round at Oulton Park this April to try out racing in our guest JCW with the MINI UK JCW Team. Read James' review here as he guides you through his race weekend. Having raced...
ROCKINGHAM RACE 2 REPORT
Round: 4 Laps: 14 Weather: Cloudy, dry Reece Barr made it four different winners from as many races this year after scoring an emphatic maiden JCW victory in race two at Rockingham. Barr, a former double Irish karting champion, showed maturity and...
ROCKINGHAM RACE 1 REPORT
Round: 3 Laps: 6 Weather: Sunny, dry Max Bladon learned from his starting errors at Oulton Park to take his maiden JCW victory in a fragmented first race at Rockingham. Bladon didn’t just have to get off the line once to notch his first win in the...
ROCKINGHAM QUALIFYING REPORT
Reece Barr set the pace in the second qualifying session of the season, setting the fastest time on Saturday to sit on provisional pole in what was only his third ever qualifying session in a car, having joined the MINI CHALLENGE from karting. Barr knew a good lap was...
CBH HEADS TO ROCKINGHAM WITH 3 POINT LEAD
Former MINI CHALLENGE champion Charlie Butler-Henderson believes circuit unfamiliarity can mix up the pecking order at Rockingham this weekend. The premier JCW category heads to the Corby speedbowl for the second round of the season this weekend, with Butler-Henderson...
Under the Microscope: MINI UK VIP Team
The MINI UK VIP Team under the Microscope The MINI UK VIP team run 4 cars in the MINI CHALLENGE UK race series including MINI UKs guest drivers. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the drivers and cars that they run are the best in class. An superb example...
Catching up with: Calum King
Catching up with: Calum King Age: 25 From: Aberdeen The King family have become MINI CHALLENGE regulars across the last two seasons, running with the ES Motorsport team. Youngest member, Calum, joined the championship from Scottish club racing, and...
OULTON PARK RACE 2 REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE, Oulton Park Rounds 1-2 RACE REPORT Round: Two Laps: 8 Weather: Cloudy Charlie Butler-Henderson scored victory in race two of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW opening weekend of the season at Oulton Park to once again stake his claim for a championship...
OULTON PARK RACE 1 REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE, Oulton Park Rounds 1-2 RACE REPORT Round: One Laps: 7 Weather: Cloudy Mark Wakefield secured his first victory in the MINI CHALLENGE’S JCW class with an assured drive in a shortened opening race of the season at Oulton Park. Wakefield, on...
OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT
Max Bladon took no time in shaking off the winter cobwebs to continue his fine run of form to take pole position for the MINI CHALLENGE – JCW opening race of the season at Oulton Park. Last season’s Cooper Class champion was fresh from racing an Aston Martin Vantage...
JEFF TO QUALIFY TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS ON ONE DAY
Jeff Smith will pull double duty this weekend, by competing in both the British Touring Car Championship and MINI CHALLENGE at two different circuits on the same day. Smith plans to take part in both the second BTCC round at Donington Park and the CHALLENGE JCW opener...
DOUBLE UK LEGENDS CHAMPION DEAN BRACE JOINS JCW
Double UK Legends champion Dean Brace will join the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season with Lawrence Davey Racing. Brace has a hugely successful background in Legends racing, having won the overall titles in both 2013 and 2014 – his 2014 achievement also...
FULL GRID AT OULTON PARK THIS EASTER
This year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship will roar into life with a capacity grid for its first races this Easter Bank Holiday at Oulton Park on April 17. With just over a week to go until the lights go out on another season, the CHALLENGE’s premier JCW category...
JACKSON JOINS JCW FOR FULL SEASON
Rebecca Jackson will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season. TV presenter and journalist Jackson contested select events in the MINI UK-backed guest car last season, and will now take the plunge into a full season of competition. Jackson has a...
FORMULA FORD STAR GOUGH JOINS JCW
Formula Ford 1600 star Stuart Gough will join this year’s JCW Championship, and be reunited with his old single-seater rivals David Grady and Rob Smith. Gough, 36 from Milton Keynes, will contest his first-ever season of front-wheel-drive racing this year aboard the...
COOPER CUP CHAMPION JOINS JCW
Reigning Scottish MINI Cooper Cup champion Paul Bell will graduate into the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year with the Aaron Reeve Motorsport team. Bell, 42, conquered the Knockhill-based Scottish championship in his second full season of MINI racing last...
JCW RACES GAINS LIVE TV COVERAGE
MINI UK’s Nicolas Griebner says the manufacturer’s part in gaining live TV coverage this season will give the MINI CHALLENGE “the complete package.” The CHALLENGE’s flagship JCW Championship will benefit from live and free-to-air TV coverage this year after a new deal...
SMITH RETURNS IN 2017 AS MINI UK VIP
Multiple MINI CHALLENGE race winner Rob Smith returns to Excler8 Motorsport and the MINI UK VIP team for another season in the Evergreen Tyres backed #37 JCW. Having taken to the podium in his first MINI CHALLENGE event in 2013 and followed this up with a win at...
MINI CHALLENGE TO BE BROADCAST LIVE
Front Runner to broadcast live and free-to-air MINI CHALLENGE UK races from all 6 of the UK British GT rounds British GT Championship & MINI Challenge fans will be able to watch this season’s, as well as those of its MINI CHALLENGE support category, live, for free...
WAKEFIELD JOINS TEAM EXCELR8 FOR 2017
Mark Wakefield has targeted a significant jump up the grid this season after joining Excelr8 Motorsport for his second season in the JCW Championship. The 19-year-old from Cheshire will be entering his fourth season in the MINI CHALLENGE, but his first with a...
BLADON GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS
Cooper Class dominator and Sunoco Challenge winner Max Bladon will graduate to the MINI CHALLENGE’s JCW Championship this season. Bladon has agreed to race a Bizkarts-backed JCW with the Excelr8 Motorsport team for what will be his third campaign in car racing. The...
REECE BARR JOINS 2017 JCW CLASS
Double Irish karting champion Reece Barr will tackle the full MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year with Excelr8 Motorsport. Barr, 16, marked himself out as a rising star in domestic karting, racking up back-to-back titles in the All-Ireland MiniMax championship...
MCUK FEATURED IN MOTORWERKS
MINICHALLENGE features in MotorWorks Magazine, including details on Reece Barr, Paul Bell, and Charlie Butler-Henderson. A MEGA BMW issue with coverage from 2016 and BMW's 100th Anniversary. It is truly International with coverage from New Zealand, Australia, the UK...
JEFFS GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS
Reigning MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S Class champion Scott Jeffs will graduate into the top-flight JCW category this year. The 19-year-old from Stratford upon Avon will run one of the new Gen 3 F56 machines as a privateer entry, following his title success last season in...
MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES IN JAPAN
MINI CHALLENGE Japan showed off a MINI CHALLENGE UK JCW race car at the Auto Saloon Show in Tokyo on the 13th January 2017 to help launch a new race series in Japan. For more information on MINI CHALLENGE Japan, go to https://minichallenge.jp/
GRADY WINS BEST OF BRITISH
Reigning MINI CHALLENGE champion David Grady will return to defend his title this year after landing a budget boost courtesy of being named the winner of this year’s Best of British Award. Grady will benefit from a £14,000 prize, consisting of a package of entry fees,...
BLADON MAKES ENDURANCE DEBUT AT DAYTONA
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper champion Max Bladon is preparing to make his endurance racing debut at Daytona International Speedway next weekend (January 28-29), having won the Sunoco Challenge contest. Bladon beat off competition from 166 drivers competing across 11 other UK...
CHARLIE SIGNS UP WITH ELMS
Charlie signs up with ELMS MINI CHALLENGE star Charlie Butler-Henderson has teamed up with Elms MINI Cambridge for the 2017 season. Former CHALLENGE champion Butler-Henderson, who is also a Brand Ambassador for MINI UK, will feature Elms Cambridge logos on his car and...
CHAMPION TESTS TOURING CAR
Newly crowned MINI CHALLENGE champion David Grady had his maiden test in a British Touring Car recently, as part of his prize for lifting this year’s JCW title. Grady was rewarded with a fully funded test in a Motorbase Performance Ford Focus at Snetterton, courtesy...
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN MODERN MINI MAGAZINE
MINI CHALLENGE features in this month's MODERN MINI Magzine. To find out more, visit MODERN MINI Magazine.
JCW SNETTERTON REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE, JCW, Snetterton Rounds: 17-19 Round: 17 Laps: 10 Weather: Cloudy, dry David Grady stole the momentum in the chase for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE Championship with race one victory at Snetterton, but his rivals are still right on his tail. After...
COOPER, S, OPEN SNETTERTON REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S and Cooper, Snetterton, Rounds 16-18 Round: 16 Laps: 9 Weather: Cloudy, dry Scott Jeffs took a step closer to this year’s Cooper S Class title with victory in the opening race of the Snetterton finale, having recovered from a grid...
SNETTERTON PREVIEW
The four main contenders for the MINI CHALLENGE title are predicting a tense showdown at Snetterton this weekend, with each knowing a single mistake could end their charge. While six drivers from the premier JCW Class go into Norfolk with a shot at the championship...
MINI CHALLENGE 2017 TASTER DAY
TASTER DAYS - NEW DONINGTON DATE ADDED Considering racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2017? Win a chance to win one of two Dunlop Official BTCC tests? Best of British and other prizes worth over £35,000? The dates are: Snetterton - Thursday 17th November Donington -...
MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN MODERN MINI MAGAZINE
MINI CHALLENGE features in this month's MODERN MINI Magazine. To find out more, visit MODERN MINI Magazine.
Catching up with: Keith Issatt
Catching up with: Keith Issatt A MINI CHALLENGE regular for over a decade, Keith Issatt recalls why he got started in motor racing, and why he keeps coming back to MINI racing. What got you started in the sport? “My wife bought a basic Cooper for the road and I took...
2017 JCW CALENDAR
JCW 2017 CALENDAR Following our announcement that the MINI CHALLENGE will join the British GT package from 2017 we are now delighted to announce the provisional JCW Class calendar:
MINI CHALLENGE 2016 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL
MINI CHALLENGE 2016 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL By David Young Sun, more sun, 60 MINIs, the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit and the MINI Challenge returned to Brands. As part of the MSVR MINI Festival, the MINI Challenge played the starring role of the weekend. The pit...
CADWELL COOPER S/OPEN REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S/Open Cadwell Park Rounds 14-15 Round: 14 Laps: 9 Weather: Raining, wet Both Neil Newstead and Carlito Miracco had similar days at Cadwell Park, they had a win each but after Miracco was black-flagged in race one for...
CADWELL COOPER REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Cadwell Park Rounds 14-15 Round 14 Laps 10 Weather, raining – wet Max Bladon returned to winning ways at Cadwell Park, but had to work for it, after qualifying fourth in a twice red flagged qualifying session. But it was enough to crown him the...
CADWELL PREVIEW
Cooper Class dominator Max Bladon has pledged not to back off at Cadwell Park this weekend, despite being on the verge of landing the title. Bladon carries a whopping 225-point lead into the standalone Cadwell Park double-header. With just five races remaining, a top...
MINI CHALLENGE JOINS BRITISH GT
MINI CHALLENGE joins British GT Championship for 2017 • Top-level JCW Championship moves to British GT race package • Major championship expansion across all classes • MINI UK to increase support from 2017 Next season the MINI CHALLENGE will join the British GT...
OULTON PARK JCW REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Oulton Park, rounds 15-16 Round: 15 Laps: 4 Weather: Intermittent rain, cloudy Jeff Smith may have broken his MINI CHALLENGE duck with the first win in a turbulent Oulton Park double-header, but much of the focus centred on a frightening accident...
OULTON PARK COOPER REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper/S/Open Oulton Park Rounds 12-13 Round: 12 Laps: 11 Weather: Cloudy, damp-drying The second attempt at a first race at Oulton Park was ironically a race of firsts – with Carlito Miracco taking his maiden MINI CHALLENGE victory in the Cooper S...
JCW OULTON PARK PREVIEW
Rob Smith says he’s going “all guns blazing” for victory on home turf this weekend as the MINI Challenge JCW title fight rolls into Oulton Park. Smith was a major player in the title battle last season and was the first man to win a race in the new generation F56 JCW...
COOPER, S OULTON PARK PREVIEW
Cooper Class frontrunner Josh Gollin believes that car tweaks can be the key to him ending Max Bladon’s domination of the class at Oulton Park. Bladon has very much had the Cooper Class laurels to himself this season, and has so far gone all 11 races this season...
BRANDS HATCH JCW REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE JCW Brands Hatch Indy, Rounds: 12-14 Round: 12 Laps: 21 Weather: Sunny, warm Having taken his maiden pole position last time out at Rockingham, Brett Smith carried newfound confidence and momentum into Brands Hatch, and made good use of it to convert a...
BRANDS HATCH COOPER, S REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S, Open, Cooper Brands Hatch Indy, Rounds: 10-12 Round: 10 Laps: 22 Weather: Sunny, warm Max Bladon came closer than ever to losing his unbeaten streak this season when he dropped as low as fifth on the first lap of the Brands Hatch MINI Festival...
BRANDS HATCH COOPER PREVIEW
Racing rookie Michael Bamber is hoping to continue his charge towards the top three in the Cooper Class with a strong showing at Brands Hatch this weekend. Bamber, 27, is currently fifth in the Cooper Class points ahead of his first experience of the MINI Festival at...
BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW
MINI CHALLENGE veteran Chris Smith isn’t feeling the pressure of chasing a breakthrough race victory this season, and would be content with a strong haul of points at Brands Hatch this weekend. Smith heads into the triple-header around the Kent venue’s Indy Circuit in...
ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE, JCW, Rockingham, Rounds: 6-8 Round: 6 Laps: 14 Weather: Cloudy, dry Nathan Harrison claimed the MINI CHALLENGE championship lead, and then lost it after being stripped of the first victory of the weekend. Harrison crossed the line first,...
ROCKINGHAM COOPER, S REPORT
MINI CHALLENGE, Cooper & S, Rockingham, Rounds: 7-9 Round: 7 Laps: 13 Weather: Cloudy, dry We’ve seen some periods of dominance within the Cooper Class order throughout the years, and Max Bladon continued his unbeaten streak to make it seven in a row at...
ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW
Car racing rookie Sam Weller is aiming for his breakthrough victory at Rockingham this weekend, after sampling the champagne in the Cooper Class for the first time. Weller was one of the stars of the three races at Silverstone, claiming two second place finishes in...
ROCKINGHAM JCW PREVIEW
Silverstone double-winner David Grady is confident of continuing his climb up the points table as the MINI Challenge season his the halfway stage at Rockingham this weekend. Grady grabbed his first pole position last time out in Northamptonshire and converted that...
ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT
Round: 6 Laps: 19 Weather: Sunny, warm David Grady celebrated his maiden MINI CHALLENGE pole position, and duly turned it in to his first victory of the season in what could work out to be one of the finest races of the year. Grady held off a charging...
COOPER S, OPEN & COOPER REPORT
Round: 4 Laps: 18 Weather: Sunny, warm The old expression says that you only need two cars for a race. The R56 JCW Class may be down on numbers for this year, but they produced a stunning four-way fight for victory in race one at Silverstone. The entry may have been...
Catching up with: Henry Neal
Will Neal will become the newest member of the Neal racing dynasty to join the MINI CHALLENGE when he lines up on the Cooper Class grid at Donington Park this weekend. Will is the youngest son of three-time British Touring Car champion Matt Neal, and the second member...
Catching up with: Mark Wakefield
Cooper Class star Mark Wakefield is the latest star to sign up to the MINI CHALLENGE’s burgeoning F56 JCW Class this year. Wakefield shone with three race wins during his second season in the Cooper Class last term, which yielded a third place finish in the...
Catching up with: Charlie Butler-Henderson
Reigning MINI CHALLENGE champion Charlie Butler-Henderson will return to defend his crown wearing the badge of MINI UK after being named as a brand ambassador. Butler-Henderson took seven race wins on his way to a maiden CHALLENGE title last season when running with...
Catching up with: James Turkington
The younger brother of two-time British Touring Car champion Colin, will join the MINI CHALLENGE this season. The 22-year-old from Portadown, Northern Ireland, has chosen to make his first full-time foray into racing on the British mainland in one of the...