GIOVANNI SANTORA SELECTS EXCELR8 AND MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY FOR RACING BOW
American teenager Giovanni Santora will make his car racing debut in the Mairon Motorsport MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after agreeing a deal to join forces with multiple champions EXCELR8.
The 16-year-old is the fourth driver named as part of a multi-car programme alongside Ashley Gregory, Jorrel Julius and Adam Curtis and will be one of the youngest drivers in the field when he lines up on the grid for the season opener this weekend at Silverstone.
Santora has enjoyed years of experience in karting back in his home country, with his performances on track allowing him to secure a place to represent Team USA in the RMC Grand Finals event in Bahrain – which brings together the top talents from across the globe.
Having also gone on to impress during a one-week scholarship at the F4 FEED Racing Academy in France against vastly more experienced rivals, Santora explored a number of options for his first step into car racing including both TC America and the GT4 European Series.
However, having forged a relationship with Dawson Racing focused on aiding his career development, Santora has relocated from his home in Paradise Valley, Arizona to join arguably the most competitive one-make series in the UK.
Santora’s programme this season will be backed by HUNU Soda, an innovative new carbonated drink created in the USA that contains a range of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes and has been designed to help athletes to perform at their best.
“I’m so excited to announce my move into the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season, especially with a team as successful as EXCELR8,” he said.
“The chance to compete in such a competitive, high-profile series is something I’m really looking forward to, and I can’t wait to hit the track at Silverstone this weekend to get the season underway.
“I’ve been working hard with the team at Dawson Racing to make sure I’m as ready as I can be for the challenge ahead, and with some good testing behind me, I feel confident about pushing for some strong results in my rookie season and hopefully will be fighting for podium finishes.
“I’m also proud to be an ambassador for HUNU as it enters the UK market this year and am looking forward to representing the brand in the best way possible during 2026.”
Team Owner Justina Williams expressed delight at securing the services of the highly-rated youngster for the season ahead.
“Giovanni is a very talented young driver, and the fact that he has taken the decision to relocate from the USA in order to compete in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season shows how seriously he is taking this programme,” she said.
“Despite the fact he will be one of the youngest drivers on the grid, we have every confidence that Giovanni will be one to watch on track this year and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses as the season goes on.”
