GABE FAIRBROTHER TO LEAD EXCELR8 COOPER CHALLENGE

Gabe Fairbrother will return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy for a third successive season in 2025 after inking a deal to remain part of the EXCELR8 line-up.

Fairbrother goes into the new campaign as the highest-placed returning driver on the grid, having finished the 2024 season in fourth spot after a fine run of form that saw him launched into championship contention.

The youngster was the only driver to be classified as a finisher in every race last season and was a constant presence in the top ten – most notably in the latter part of the campaign.

Seven podium finishes in the final ten races – including a double win at Croft saw the teenager end the season as the in-form driver on the grid and he will now look to try and carry that form into 2025 to launch a bid for the title.

“When things went right last season, we showed what we could do and I think the results we picked up in the final four events in particular are something we can be really proud of,” he said.

“We are determined to continue that form into 2025 and in EXCELR8, I have a team that has all of the expertise needed to win this title. That’s exactly what we’ll be trying to do.”

Team Owner Justina Williams said she was delighted to to retain Fairbrother for a third season to spearhead EXCELR8’s title challenge, which gets underway this weekend at Snetterton.

“Gabe showed a lot of potential in his rookie season, but he really stepped up to another level last year,” she said.

“To finish every race inside the top ten in such a competitive championship is no mean feat, and during the second half of the season, he was arguably the driver to beat.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Gabe will be amongst the championship contenders this season and we’re confident that this will be a hugely successful year together on track.”

Fairbrother is the first driver confirmed under the EXCELR8 name, although the team will also run the Maxtune Motorsport entry and Simon Sweetland.