How The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW Title Was Won

Matt Salisbury
Matt SalisburySenior Content & PR Manager
Winning team and driver celebrating on the podium at the MINI Challenge, with the driver holding a large trophy and a board displaying 'D. Zelos P1 2023'. The scene includes a group of people raising their fists in victory, with the MINI Challenge branding visible in the background. The image relates to used cars and new cars through the MINI automotive brand and racing event.
Winning team and driver celebrating on the podium at the MINI Challenge, with the driver holding a large trophy and a board displaying 'D. Zelos P1 2023'. The scene includes a group of people raising their fists in victory, with the MINI Challenge branding visible in the background. The image relates to used cars and new cars through the MINI automotive brand and racing event.

The fight to secure top honours in the headline class of the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE would rage throughout the season as Dan Zelos and Will Orton went head-to-head for the title. 

It would prove to be an intriguing battle between the pair, with Zelos a former champion with more starts in the JCW-spec car than anyone else, and Orton a series rookie returning to front-wheel drive for the first time since his maiden year of car racing.

Despite his lack of experience in the car, Orton grabbed the early advantage in the standings but a tough weekend at Snetterton allowed Zelos to hit the front - with Orton forced to take up the role of being the chaser.

The graphic below shows how the championship battle ebbed and flowed across the season from race to race, with the final totals for each driver incorporating any dropped scores and points lost to championship penalties.

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