ROOKIE STEPHEN HARRISON READIES FOR MINI CHALLENGE DEBUT

Experienced club racer Stephen Harrison will look to make the most of the opportunity to join the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE grid for the first time this weekend when the 2024 season resumes at Croft.

Harrison will become the latest driver to sample the Sustainable Fuel Development car being run by the championship as an Invitational entry within the JCW Sport category, making him the fifth driver to sample the car this season.

The 34-year-old has been competing in the SW Motorsport ClubSport Trophy this season with the Puretrack team and has secured an impressive three class wins from four starts – with a missed gear whilst leading on the final lap at Oulton Park being the only thing to prevent him from scoring a 100 per cent win record.

Harrison’s entry into the Croft weekend will see him competing on the BTCC support package in the highest profile outing of his career to date, and comes as both he and Puretrack evaluate their future plans.

A move into the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE is viewed as one potential option for 2025 and beyond as the team seeks to take its racing activities to a new level, with a number of members of the Puretrack squad attending the event alongside Harrison to gain first hand insight into the series.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the MINI CHALLENGE grid this weekend at Croft,” Harrison – who will be backed by Aston Martin infotainment specialists Aston Installations – said.

“This will be the most high profile event that I’ve ever taken part in, and the chance to race in a championship like the MINI CHALLENGE and on the BTCC support package is something I’m keen to grab with both hands.

“As well as allowing both myself and Puretrack to see what the MINI CHALLENGE is all about at close quarters as we consider our future plans, it is also particularly exciting to be making my series debut in Sustainable Fuel Development car.

“Sustainability in motorsport is an important issue that we are all passionate about, and I’m looking forward to doing my bit to aid the development programme whilst also chasing the best results possible on track.”