MINI Challenge | Partnerships

About MINI CHALLENGE

As its name suggests, the MINI CHALLENGE is a single-make racing championship which began in 2002.

The CHALLENGE has become renowned in the UK for its affordability, fairness, and fun, helping to build an already-iconic brand.

In 2013, the championship was taken over by a new team, introducing Best of British prizes and initiatives such as new tests for specific drivers. With a strong social media following across Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, the CHALLENGE attracts a wide audience and is covered on ITV.

The CHALLENGE features a multi-class structure which makes it open to drivers with different experience levels and budgets, providing equal opportunity for all.

As a single make/model championship, MINI CHALLENGE is strict on fairness with high-standard scrutineering controls in place to ensure that winners are chosen based purely on skill and performance.

The Place to Race

Regular circuits include Brands Hatch GP, Donington, Oulton Park, Silverstone, Snetterton and even the Dutch circuit Zandvoort, introduced in 2013.

MINI CHALLENGE involves two classes - the John Cooper Works Class (JCW) and the Cooper Class. These race at different circuits and times throughout the year.

Though it's not just the place to race, it's also the ideal place for us to expand our brand. The partnership will see the Vertu Motors logo feature on the front screen headers of all MINI CHALLENGE JCW and Cooper Class cars, on the TTL MINI CHALLENGE parts transporter, hospitality trailer flags and more.

Joining our Macklin Motors EXCELR8 team is driver Ronan Pearson, following his own MINI CHALLENGE success. Pearson ended the 2022 season on a high, finishing with three victories, and fourth overall in the championship standing.

Learn more about Macklin Motors EXCELR8

Driving success

"I am delighted that Vertu Motors is now an Official Partner with MINI CHALLENGE for this coming season. We have worked with the organisers for several years now and have admired their commitment, passion and enthusiasm for this series.

"Our Group's brands already have strong roots in motorsport and a history of support across a multitude of disciplines, from the Birmingham Superprix in the 1980s, to sponsorship of Channel 4's coverage of the Formula 1 in recent years, and of course, our Bristol Street Motors British Touring Car Championship team with EXCELR8 Motorsport.

"We strongly believe that this new partnership with MINI CHALLENGE, a very exciting, 'Best of British' motorsport series, epitomises many of the characteristics the Vertu Motors brand embodies including precision, innovation, technical advancement, commitment, determination and teamwork. We look forward to supporting each race weekend and connecting fans and communities with our ever-growing brand.

"I am very excited to see the MINIs out there on the track this season!"

Robert Forrester

Chief Executive of Vertu Motors

"We're incredibly excited and grateful to have the Vertu Motors brand on board with us for this coming season. Their enthusiasm and support have been brilliant already.

"The MINI CHALLENGE is the UK's premier single make race series and offers a great opportunity for drivers to put their skills to the test at some of the best tracks this country has to offer.

"The Vertu Motors group already holds brands that are well-known for championing motorsport at all levels, and we're excited to see the Vertu Motors retail brand, which includes a multitude of MINI dealerships nationwide, fly the 'chequered' flag too.

"We're all looking forward to the season ahead!"