ASHLEY GREGORY INKS EXCELR8 DEAL FOR 2026 COOPER TITLE CHALLENGE
Ashley Gregory will look to build on a breakthrough campaign in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after confirming her return to the grid for 2026, alongside a move to EXCELR8.
After three seasons competing with her small, family-run team, Ashley will join forces with the multiple title winners with her sights firmly fixed on becoming the first female driver to win a MINI CHALLENGE title since Jenny Ryan back in 2007.
It will also see her competing for the only team on the grid with a female team owner in the shape of Justina Williams, who competed in the MINI CHALLENGE herself in the past.
Ashley’s 2025 campaign saw her secure her best championship finish to date in arguably the most-competitive one-make series in the UK, with the Lancashire-based racer ending the campaign sixth in the standings.
Along the way, Ashley bagged four podium finishes, including a maiden win at Donington Park, and scored a first pole position after taking top spot on the grid for the Brands Hatch season finale by just 0.003 seconds.
Ashley’s move to EXCELR8 will see her spearhead the team’s assault on the Cooper class as part of a multi-car entry, with the opening rounds of the season set to take place at Silverstone early next month.
“This will be my fourth season in the MINI CHALLENGE,” she said. “In 2025, I achieved my maiden pole position and first race win as a privateer, which wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my dad, and Daniel Rowbottom as my driver coach.
“For 2026, I’m incredibly proud to be joining EXCELR8 for a full title campaign. The team does a fantastic job across everything from MINI Coopers through to the BTCC, and that gives me real confidence that together we can create a winning package.
“Over the winter, I’ve worked incredibly hard to ensure I’m fully prepared and ready to deliver from the very start of the season, and when the opportunity to join EXCELR8 came up, it was something I immediately wanted to make happen. They have such a strong history in the championship, and being a female-led team made the opportunity even more special for me.
“I’d like to thank Salford Van Hire, Klarius, HMS Haulage, Fuchs and GymSafe for their continued backing, as well as a huge thank you to Justina for giving me this opportunity.”
Team Owner Williams said she was delighted to welcome Ashley into the line-up.
“Ashley has proven to be a strong rival on track in recent years, so we’re delighted to be able to welcome her into our team for 2026,” she said.
“We’re confident that Ashley will be firmly in contention for top honours during the season ahead and are hopeful of helping her achieve her goals of pushing for plenty of silverware.”
