Tag: MINI CHALLENGE JCW

MINI CHALLENGE to run sustainable fuel development car

Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE have announced that a special guest car will join its grid for the 2024 season to help develop new sustainable fuels as the series aims to transition to 100% sustainable fuels by 2028.

The car, which will run in the new JCW Sport category, will be used for ongoing development of sustainable fuels for use in the series, with a gradually increasing proportion of the fuel to be used in the car coming from a sustainable source.

The long term strategy for the series is to have all competing cars powered by 100 per cent sustainable fuels by the 2028 season, with a phased reduction in the amount of traditional fossil fuels used for race machinery from 2025 onwards.

The fuel development car will be run in-house by a MINI CHALLENGE UK team and will be available to drivers who want to not only sample the new JCW Sport category, but also have a desire to help make motorsport in the UK more sustainable going forwards.

“Sustainable fuels are going to be key part of the landscape in motorsport in the coming years, particularly at national level,” series promoter Antony Williams said.

“Our goal as a championship is to work towards having all cars running on 100% sustainable fuels in the next three to four years, and certainly by the start of the 2028 season.

“The first stage of this is the development car that we will run in the JCW Sport class this season, which will start the year running on a significant proportion of sustainable fuels. Over the year, we will then reduce the amount of fossil fuels required and work on introducing the new fuel for 2025 as development work continues.”

The first driver who will get behind the wheel of the car is Hannah Chapman, who has previously competed in both the Cooper and JCW categories.

Dan Zelos, Louis Sharp & Steve Bemrose top list of special accolade winners at BARC Awards

The British Automobile Racing Club’s annual Awards Evening didn’t just see the championship winners of 2023 celebrated on Saturday (February 3) as a number of other special accolades were bestowed upon hugely deserving winners too.

Leading the list of prestigious recipients was newly-crowned double MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Dan Zelos who claimed The President’s Cup; which is awarded to the most successful BARC member competing under international level.

Becoming the first driver in the modern era of the ultra-competitive tin top series to clinch the coveted crown for a second time, Zelos chalked up an impressive ten victories and a further two podiums on his way to championship superstardom.

Zelos lauded: “It was totally unexpected and a complete honour to pick it up. We had an amazing year in 2023 and sometimes when your in the middle of getting deals together in the off season you forgot how much you may have achieved – so to be rewarded with a trophy like this has left me lost for words.

“Me, my Dad and the rest of the family have and continue to work incredibly hard to go racing and this is a fantastic accolade to receive. I think I’ve been part of the BARC for more than a decade now too.”

One of the biggest raptures of applause deservedly went the way of this year’s BARC Marshal of the Year, Steve Bemrose. In memory of Dennis Harris and designed to recognise the dedication and special efforts of the Club’s marshals, Bemrose was worthy winner after being selected by the Marshals Core Group.

Attending a multitude of race meetings over the course of last year, his actions in particular at the BTCC season-opener at Donington Park played their part in saving the life of a driver following a high-speed accident.

“It is a complete shock I must admit,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of motorsport and I remember reading a review about being a marshal, what it entails and I never really comprehended how close you could get to the action, etc. 

“After I had done my taster day my love for it grew and I’ve never looked back. The marshal community is incredibly tight-knit and if there is anyone out thinking about getting involved then do it, because it is just fantastic.”

Elsewhere, Junior Saloon Car Championship and Track Action Coordinator Dave Beecroft saw his diverse and distinguished motorsport career be celebrated as he scooped The Gerry Marshall Trophy, having epitomised the philosophy for motorsport that Gerry once had.

He said: “This award really means a lot to me because Gerry Marshall was a childhood hero of mine; I remember watching him at Oulton Park and was fortunate enough to meet him several times – so it was touching to be this year’s recipient.

“I love everything about this industry and its nice to be kicking off the year like this; especially because we’ll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, which is an incredible achievement.”

For the second year in succession, The Densley Trophy – which is bestowed upon the female in the Club that has been deemed to have a successful year – was handed out, with the Classic Touring Car Racing Club’s Sonia Gibbons claiming the prize. 

“I never ever expected to be given this award,” she admitted. “I didn’t even think I would be up for it so I am extremely proud to have won. At the Classic Touring Car Racing Club we are all volunteers but it is a real family. It’s a wonderful Club and I’m honoured to be a part of it.”

Louis Sharp’s charge to the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title didn’t go unnoticed as he was honoured with The Peter Collins Trophy, which is awarded to the most promising junior drive competing in a BARC championship.

After enjoying a hugely encouraging debut campaign in 2022, the New Zealander lived up to the mantel of being a title favourite by edging out Will Macintyre to the single-seater crown in the final race of the season.

“It came as a complete surprise to me and it’s a massive privilege to receive it so thank you to the BARC for recognising me – it was a nice end to a really special night,” he said. “This award is a fantastic reward for everyone that has supported me. 

“My ambition is to one day get to Formula 1 and while it has been a good start to that journey I’m well aware that there is a long way to go and that it will continue to get more competitive. I’m loving the challenge though and can’t wait to see what is next!”

Rounding out the list of special award winners was Adam Weeden, who completed the most volunteering days to lift The Sir Clive Bossom Trophy, and Zena Wooller who was named BARC Trainee Marshal of the Year.

“I’m delighted,” said Weeden. “This award goes to show how much marshals are appreciated because we give our time, which is very precious to us, to show support to the drivers and the championship.”

Albert Webster wins inaugural Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship

Albert Webster has been named the inaugural winner of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship – taking the top prize worth more than ÂŁ50,000.

The 18-year-old saw off the challenge of more than 100 drivers across the three stages of the competition, earning him prize that includes an entry, car hire, fuel, brakes and tyres for the all-new JCW Sport class that is being introduced for 2024.

Capital Karts in London provided the backdrop to stage one of the competition prior to Christmas before those chosen to progress to stage two descended on Croft Circuit where they able to get to grips with a MINI CHALLENGE Trophy car.

A total of 20 drivers were chosen to compete in the final a day later and sample the new JCW Sport car before judges adjourned to pick their winner, with Webster ultimately coming out on top. 

“I didn’t believe it when my name was called as there were loads of good drivers here, and I expected someone else to win,” said Webster.

“I’ve got a long drive home so it might sink in by then, but this is a great opportunity for anyone. It sounds awesome to be named as the Scholarship winner and I can’t wait to get going.”

While Webster claimed the top prize, Harri Reynolds secured runner-up laurels and with it netted a £7,000 contribution to his 2024 racing programme courtesy off Alliance Racing and NAPA Racing UK. 

MINI CHALLENGE opens entry process for 2025 Scholarship

Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE have confirmed that entries for the 2025 Scholarship programme have opened – two months before a winner for the 2024 competition has even been selected.

Launching its inaugural Scholarship in September of this year, the popular one-make series welcomed more than 100 drivers to battle for a host of prizes, with the winner being awarded a package worth ÂŁ50,000 towards a season in the new JCW Sport class.

Such has been the popularity of the 2024 Scholarship, series organisers have moved quickly to finalise plans for the 2025 edition to provide potential entrants with as much time as possible to secure their place.

The 2025 competition will run across two days and will be run exclusively at one of the leading race circuits in the UK. Stage 1 will comprise of on-track activities alongside a motorsport quiz and media interviews; Stage 2 will then include the opportunity to drive a MINI CHALLENGE race car.

“Given the interest we had in the 2024 Scholarship, we were keen to push ahead with plans to bring it back and are delighted to now be launching entries for 2025,” said Rhea Beauchamp, Championship Co-Ordinator.

“As we did this time around, we are packing in plenty of activities as we look to uncover new talent and help them make it onto the race track.

“Seeing the way people competing in the 2024 Scholarship embraced the opening stage of the ongoing competition, we look forward to making things even bigger and better for 2025 and providing people with the opportunity to battle for a place on the grid as part of the MINI CHALLENGE family.”

The competition will run in August 2024 with the winner securing the top prize of a package worth ÂŁ50,000 to compete in the JCW Sport category during the 2025 season.

CLICK HERE to enter the 2025 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship.

More details revealed about new MINI CHALLENGE JCW Sport class

Organisers of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE have confirmed 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.

Introduced to act as a steeping stone for drivers that are looking to graduate from the entry-level Cooper grid, the JCW Sport category will run alongside the headline JCW class at seven British Touring Car Championship rounds next year.

Cars will be based on the F56 variant of the MINI Hatch and although visually similar, the front-wheel-drive machine will feature a number of revisions under the skins that are all designed to reduce cost whilst maintaining the identity of the series. 

Running slightly lower levels of power – 225bhp in total – to their JCW counterparts, JCW Sport cars will also be fitted with a genuine OE-pattern six-speed gearbox. There will be tighter restrictions on the use of tyres and control parts; again to reduce the budgets required to compete.

Whilst teams and drivers will be able to build new JCW Sport cars from scratch if they wish, existing JCW cars available in the marketplace can be down-specced to meet the required specifications, thereby removing the need to invest in a brand-new car to compete in the class.

Cars can then be converted back to full JCW specification should a driver wish to move up a level in future.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in JCW Sport both from drivers who have been competing in the Cooper class but haven’t had the budget to move straight up into JCWs, and also from drivers who have been competing elsewhere,” said Antony Williams, Championship Director. 

“We’re pleased to now be able to release more information about the specification of the car, which we are confident will provide fantastic racing on track when the 2024 season rolls around.

“With a lot of people also interested in being part of the main JCW grid, we are looking forward to a strong season for the MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 and would urge anyone looking to compete to register their interest to fully benefit from the early bird discounts in place.”

Champions triumph on TOCA support bill at Brands Hatch

Champions weren’t just crowned in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this past weekend (October 8/9), as titles were also decided across the four support championships that make up the TOCA support bill. 

On what turned out to be an action-packed finale around the famous Grand Prix circuit, the bumper crowd in attendance were treated to a feast of wheel-to-wheel thrills as the battle for supremacy across each of the one-make categories reached an exciting crescendo. 

In the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, teenage sensation Louis Sharp took a huge step towards fulfilling his Formula 1 dreams by becoming the latest champion of the single-seater series.

Entering the final meeting of the year holding a one-point advantage over Will Macintyre, the Rodin Carlin driver clinched the crown in impressive fashion, starting by blasting to pole position in qualifying and subsequently converting it into a lights-to-flag victory. 

Starting towards the back for the reverse grid race, Sharp made as much progress as he could however Macintyre’s superior result meant that his lead was once again cut – leaving him with a slender points buffer heading into the finale. 

Needing only to finish ahead of Macintyre to secure the title, the Kiwi was happy to shadow fellow front row starter Deagan Fairclough throughout the final race of the season, with MacIntyre hot on his heels but unable to make up the ground he required to deny him.

Dan Zelos wrote his name into the history books of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he was crowned champion of the ultra-competitive tin top series for a second time in three years. 

Having been the driver to beat for much of the season, the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver arrived at Brands Hatch with a commanding 101-point lead and he wasted no time in wrapping things up as he followed winner Sam Smith to the chequered flag in race one. 

With the title in the bag, the pressure was off Zelos for the remainder of the event however he was unable to curtail his season with one more victory. The remaining spoils instead went the way of Smith and last year’s champion Sam Weller. 

Having been the cream of the crop for much of the year, Team Parker Racing’s Joe Warhurst savoured title success as he emerged victorious in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain.

Arriving at the Kent circuit in the pound seat, the rising star was wheel-perfect in races one and two, taking commanding victories, which in-turn proved to be enough to see him crowned champion. 

Warhurst came oh-so close to making it a coronation to remember as he narrowly missing out on a third win to Steve Roberts by just under two tenths of a second. 

The Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain might have already been decided prior to Brands Hatch but that didn’t stop the monstrous field of rear-wheel-drive 911 cars from putting on a show for one last time this year. 

Rosland Gold by Century Motorsport’s James Kellett secured second in the overall championship as he stormed to victory in the opening encounter and then, fittingly, newly crowned champion Adam Smalley reigned supreme in race two to end the year on the top step of the podium. 

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support championships, as well as the final standings for each, CLICK HERE.

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and TOCA support package will return in 2024, with the new season scheduled to get underway at Donington Park on April 27/28.

TOCA support championships serve up Silverstone spectacular

The battle for supremacy on the support package of the British Touring Car Championship intensified at Silverstone this past weekend (September 16/17) to set up what promises to be a grandstand finish at Brands Hatch in less than two weeks’ time. 

Taking centre stage at the Home of British Motor Racing, thrills and spills played out across a total of four support categories, with one title – the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain – being wrapped up with a round to spare.

Having been the form driver for much of the season, Team Parker Racing’s Adam Smalley converted his commanding advantage at the top of the standings into an unassailable lead after producing an exemplary performance. 

Narrowly missing out on pole position in qualifying, the Porsche GB Junior driver shadowed NAPA Racing UK’s Gus Burton in the opening race – which was hit by mixed weather conditions – to put himself on the cusp of glory.

A few hours later, Smalley clinched things with a measured drive onto the third step of the podium whilst his team-mate Harry Foster led home Huge Ellis to take victory.

Dan Zelos edged ever-closer to becoming a multiple champion in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he guided his EXCELR8 Motorsport machine to a commanding pair of race wins around the 1.64-mile National circuit. 

Blasting to pole position in qualifying, Zelos could do nothing to stop Will Orton from reigning supreme in the weekend’s opening bout before he struck back in style during Sunday’s two action-packed races.

Team Parker Racing’s Joe Warhurst was perfection personified in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Great Britain as he claimed a stunning hat-trick of race wins to open up a five-point lead at the head of the championship standings. 

Proving to be the driver to beat from the get-go, Warhurst hustled his rear-wheel-drive machine onto pole position in qualifying and from there he didn’t put a wheel wrong to claim a remarkable clean sweep. 

Rounding out the weekend’s track action – and making its first-ever appearance on the BTCC support bill – were three races from the Avon Tyres Caterham Seven UK Championship. 

Concluding their campaign with what was arguably one of the biggest events in the series’ history, the all-action one-make category had the bumper crowd on their collective feet as they served up a feast of wheel-to-wheel entertainment. 

Just 0.064s separated Gordon Sawyer and Stephen Lyall in a frenetic opening contest before Aaron Head came to the fore in race two, prevailing from an almighty battle for outright honours which included Jake Swann and Angus Maclaine.

Head was declared the winner in the weekend’s shortened third and final contest too following a sizeable accident just six laps in. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Silverstone, CLICK HERE.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – September 23/24

The end is in sight for the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship and it is all to play for at Silverstone this weekend as Rounds 25, 26 & 27 of the 2023 campaign take centre stage at the Home of British Motor Racing.

With just two events remaining, the battle for supremacy for the biggest prize in UK motorsport is intensifying and it’s all to play for as the series hits the National layout.

Support race action from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW and Avon Tyres Caterham Seven Championship UK will also feature over the course of the weekend. 

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with all the action that is being broadcast:

Saturday 23rd September // 15:30 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 24th September // 11:00 – WATCH HERE

To find out more information about this weekend’s race meetings, CLICK HERE.

New MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship to offer 2024 prize drive

Organisers of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE have announced the launch of a new Scholarship programme that will see one lucky person win the chance to compete in 2024, scooping a top prize worth in excess of £50,000. 

The overall winner will secure a package that includes an entry, car hire, fuel and tyres in order to compete in an all-new class being introduced into the MINI CHALLENGE next season. 

Additional prizes will be handed out to drivers who make it through the final with a 25% reduction in entry fees should they join the grid for 2024 – worth in the region of ÂŁ4,000 per driver.

Stage 1 of the MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship will see competitors head for Capital Karts in Canary Wharf, London in late October to showcase their skills around the fastest indoor kart circuit in the UK. 

Once Stage 1 is complete, those chosen to progress will travel to Croft early next year for Stage 2, where they will take to the circuit alongside a trained instructor to see if their karting skills can translate into a car. 

The top 20 performers from Stage 2 will then go through to the Grand Final to determine who secures the ultimate prize, and the chance to join the MINI CHALLENGE grid.

Antony Williams, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Championship Promoter, said: “For more than 20 years, the MINI CHALLENGE has been a ‘go-to’ series for people looking to make it in the motorsport world and we are hugely proud of the way in which we have grown to become one of the best one-make championships in the UK competing on the biggest stage in British Motorsport.

“We are beyond excited to be in a position where we can now launch the MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship for 2024, which will open the door for new talent to join our grid and experience everything we have to offer as a championship – with packed grids and all-action racing throughout the season.

“This initiative is something we have considered for a while, but with the launch of a new class coming for next season, this seemed like the perfect time to make the plans become reality. We look forward to unearthing some new talent, and giving them the chance to show what they can do on track.”

Further details on the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Scholarship can be found by visiting https://www.minichallenge.co.uk/. 

TOCA support championships make an entertaining splash at Knockhill

Blockbuster entertainment ran throughout the TOCA support package this past weekend (August 12/13) as four championships put on an unmissable on-track show at Knockhill.

Making the annual trip north of the border along with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, a capacity crowd were treated to an abundance of thrills and spills in remarkable and ever-changing weather conditions.

Connor Mills wrote his name into the history books at Knockhill last weekend as he became the first-ever champion of the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM. 

On what – as always – was an entertaining showing from the 5/8 scale series during its last appearance of the season on the BTCC support bill, Mills held his nerve to clinch the coveted crown ahead of Robert Barrable and Jack Parker.

Arriving at the Scottish venue holding a slender advantage in the standings, the former Formula Ford driver blasted his way to victory in the Round 5 Final and second heat of Round 6 to secure an unassailable lead in the fan-favourite category. 

Barrable had bolstered his own title chances with victory in the opening encounter but it wasn’t ultimately to be enough as Mills got the job done. Home hero Ryan McLeish chalked up an impressive brace of wins whilst Marcus Pett also triumphed in the remaining races.

Will Macintyre increased his lead in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA after claiming his second win of the year. Macintyre had originally been demoted to second in race one following a track limits penalty however the decision was ultimately reversed.

The single-seater series – which has served as a launchpad for a number of drivers including current Formula 1 stars Lando Norris and Oscar Pastry – also saw Deagen Fairclough and Dion Gowda walk away enjoying a share of the remaining spoils that were on offer.

Dan Zelos extended his lead in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as he charged to an impressive brace of wins. On the weekend that saw him become experienced driver on the grid in terms of race starts, the EXCELR8 Motorsport was at times wheel-perfect on his march to glory.

Hybrid Tune’s Will Orton denied Joe Tanner a famous home win in the opening encounter before Zelos came to the fore in races two and three, producing a pair of commanding performances to strengthen his chances of clinching a second title. 

Rounding out the weekend’s breathtaking kerb-hopping were two races from the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain. JTR’s Gus Burton served up an imperious lights-to-flag victory in the opener before James Kellett chalked up his third win of the season in race two. 

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support sessions at Knockhill, CLICK HERE.

The British Touring Car Championship and TOCA support categories continue their campaigns in less than two weeks’ time, returning to Donington Park to tackle the Grand Prix layout on August 26/27.

TOCA support package enjoys party in the park at Oulton

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to a memorable two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (June 17/18) as the 2023 campaign reached the halfway marker. 

Sharing the bill with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in Cheshire, four one-make categories wrote the latest chapter in their seasons as they served up a feast of entertainment for the bumper crowd that was in attendance.

One of the headline acts came in the shape of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, which reached its milestone 250th race on Sunday afternoon.

Kenato Le and Sonny Smith claimed a win apiece in races one and two however it was Fortec Motorsport’s James Higgins that etched his name into the history books as he cruised to victory from pole position in the series’ prestigious encounter LIVE on ITV4.

Spoils were shared in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as Dan Zelos maintained his advantage at the top of the championship standings; ensuring he remains on course for what could be a second Drivers’ title this year.

The EXCELR8 Motorsport driver underlined his credentials as being the driver to beat as he charged to a commanding pole-to-flag victory in the opening encounter before NAPA Racing UK’s Jamie Osborne repeated the feat in race two ahead of Nelson King and Will Orton.

Adam Smalley strengthened his stranglehold at the summit of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB leaderboard with an impressive win in race two. James Kellett reigned supreme in the opener before the Porsche GB Junior driver came to the fore in style with a storming drive to stand on the top of the rostrum.

It was to be a weekend to forget for Smalley’s main title protagonist Robert de Haan though as a number of time penalties scuppered his chances of closing the gap to the Team Parker Racing ace.

Making their second – and final – guest appearance on the BTCC support bill was the Hagerty Radical Cup UK. As they did at Snetterton, the single-make series served up three pulsating contests; two of which were won by Daryl De Leon.

Despite narrowly missing out on pole position to James Lay in qualifying, De Leon was wheel-perfect to narrowly edge out Lay in race one before he then repeating the feat in races two and three as well. The weekend’s final bout was won by Abdelmajeed Khateeb. 

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Both the MINI CHALLENGE and Porsche Carrera Cup GB will continue their campaigns at the end of July whilst its now a quick turnaround for the F4 British Championship, which takes centre stage next weekend (June 24/25) on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit. 

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – June 17/18

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches the halfway point in the 2023 campaign this weekend (June 17/18) as it speeds into Cheshire for Rounds 13, 14 & 15 around Oulton Park.

Bringing the curtain down on what has been a frenetic first half of the season for the UK’s premier motorsport series, the BTCC is poised to take centre stage on the Island layout for what promises to be an action-packed Sunday.

Joining them on the support bill will be races from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW, ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Hagerty Radical Cup UK.

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with all the action that is being broadcast live:

Oulton Park

Saturday 17th June // BTCC Qualifying – 15:30 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 18th June // ITV – 12:00 to 14:00 // ITV4 – 14:00 to 18:15 // ITV Website – WATCH HERE