CHARLIE HAND INKS MANNPOWER DEAL FOR JCW DEBUT

Charlie Hand will make his debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this season after signing up to join JCW newcomers Mannpower Motorsport for the 2025 season.

Hand will join the grid for what will be his return to competitive action for the first time since an incident during the 2023 season left him with a fractured back, leading to a year on the sidelines whilst he recovered.

Prior to that incident, the youngster had marked himself out as one to watch from the moment he launched his career in karting, with his reputation only increasing when he stepped up to cars for the first time with a partial campaign in the Junior Saloon Car Championship.

Taking third overall in his first full season in 2020, Hand then dominated the series twelve months later as he romped to victory in 14 of the 19 races – including hat-tricks at both Silverstone and Pembrey – and only failed to make it onto the podium once.

Carrying his form into the Britcar Trophy, Hand took second in the overall standings, having dominated the Clio category in 2022 before his accident at the third round of the British Endurance Championship at Oulton Park forced him onto the sidelines in 2023 after a promising start to his GT career – scoring a first round win at Silverstone.

Having worked hard to recover to full fitness, Hand’s decision to return to competition in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE will see him embark on the most high-profile season of his career to date, with all seven rounds of the season running alongside the British Touring Car Championship.

As well as fighting for the Rookie Cup crown, Hand will also hope to make an impression on the overall standings in what looks set to be the largest JCW grid for a number of years.

The decision to join forces with Mannpower Motorsport will see Hand line-up alongside former JSCC rival Harry Hickton, who will also make his category debut this year having won the Cooper class title last year.

“It’s fantastic to be returning to racing this season, and to be joining Mannpower Motorsport in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE,” he said. “I wanted to compete in a series with a high-profile this year and the JCW class offers that with its position on the BTCC package, which is where I would ultimately love to be in the future.

“The deal has all come together quite late but I’m looking forward to the season ahead and hope to be able to challenge for some strong results on track.”

Manpower team owner James Manning said he was pleased to give Hand the chance to make his return to action as part of the all-new JCW programme.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to introduce Charlie into the MINI CHALLENGE this season,” he said. “Given the success he has enjoyed in other series in the past, particularly the JSCC, we’re looking to seeing him get to grips with the JCW car and are excited to see what he can achieve.”