RECOVERING GABE FAIRBROTHER RULED OUT OF COOPER TITLE SHOWDOWN

Title hopeful Gabe Fairbrother will miss the final rounds of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Brands Hatch next weekend as he continues to recover from injuries sustained at Silverstone last month.

Fairbrother was one of a number of drivers to be caught up in the dramatic incident that caused the final race of the weekend at the Home of British Motorsport to be red-flagged, which resulted in him being transported to hospital in Oxford for treatment.

The EXCELR8 driver had initially hoped to be able to return to action for the season finale, where he was seeking to try and overhaul Alex Keens at the top of the championship standings.

However, given the nature of his injuries, Fairbrother has been left with no option but to sit out the season final on medical grounds and will now instead turn his focus towards the 2026 campaign.

“Following the incident last month, I sustained six fractures to my pelvis, two fractures in my neck, three broken ribs, and a punctured lung,” he said. “Basic movements became a challenge, and mobility was extremely limited. We had some initial hope of getting fit for the final round, but even though things have improved, the fractures are still too severe and I’m still not near full fitness, so I can’t be signed off to race. There just wasn’t enough time.

“I’m incredibly grateful that there are no long-term complications and that, after a full recovery, I’ll be able to return to being myself. I want to say a massive thank you to the marshals who attended to the crash, the medical team at Silverstone, and everyone at John Radcliffe Hospital. Your care and quick actions made all the difference.

“On a more positive note, the support and messages I’ve received during this time have truly powered me through. In what’s been one of the hardest periods of my life, your kindness has brought real happiness. Thank you to everyone who reached out or interacted with my posts – it honestly means the world. To my family, my friends, and my manager Jonny: thank you for your patience, love, and constant support. I really don’t know where I’d be without you.

“I also want to thank every single person who made this season possible – my amazing sponsors, the EXCELR8 workshop techs, tyre guys, my #1 Fordy, engineer Dom, and TM DZ. You all worked your socks off. I’m gutted we couldn’t convert your hard work into the title.

“It’s definitely not the ending we hoped for, after a P2 and P1 and with some real momentum on our side, we were sitting P2 in the championship and closing the gap to the leader with some real momentum on our side.

“Now, my focus is on recovery and rebuilding, with eyes firmly set on the 2026 season. I’m more determined than ever to get back in the car and do what I was made to do.”