NATHAN EDWARDS GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS WITH EXCELR8
Nathan Edwards will move into the headline class of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE in 2024 after extending his relationship with multiple champions EXCELR8!
Edwards made his debut in the Cooper class with the team back in 2020, and returned to the EXCELR8 family mid-way through the 2022 campaign – scoring seven top ten finishes in the final eight races of the year. That was the precursor for a full season assault on the Cooper class last year where he rebounded from a difficult start to the year to finish fifth in the standings.
En-route he secured a maiden win in the series at Donington Park, with three further trips to the top step of the podium making him the joint most successful driver in terms of race wins.
Those four victories came in the final eight races of the season and included a stunning run from tenth to first in the final race of the campaign, making Nathan the highest-scoring driver across the closing rounds.
Eager to try and make the move to the next level, Edwards has worked hard on a deal to try and make the step up to the headline JCW category for 2024, following in the footsteps of the likes of Dominic Wheatley and Nelson King – both of whom won the Cooper title and have since gone on to compete on the JCW grid.
Having secured support from Intercleanse, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions and WP Commercials, Edwards has been able to finalise a deal that will see him race in the JCW class with EXCELR8 during the 2024 season, allowing him to compete exclusively on the high-profile British Touring Car Championship support package.
Following limited pre-season running, Nathan’s debut in the JCW category will come at Donington Park next weekend with the first three races of the new season, which also includes events at Snetterton, Oulton Park, Croft, Knockhill and Brands Hatch.
Nathan Edwards said:
“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up to the JCW Category this season with EXCELR8 Motorsport. Whilst this season will be about gaining experience in the car, due to our limited testing programme, I have no doubt that I have the best team around me to get to grips with the new car, and start to show what I am capable of achieving later on in the season and into 2025.
“We’ve worked tirelessly away from the track to make this season happen and I’m determined to repay the faith of my loyal partners Intercleanse, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions and WP Commercials – who have made this possible.”
Justina Williams, EXCELR8 Team Owner, said:
“We’re delighted to confirm that Nathan will be part of our JCW line-up for 2024 on the back of a fine season in the Cooper.
“Having rejoined our line-up mid-way through 2022, it was fantastic to see him grow and develop as a driver last year and seeing him make it onto the top step of the podium for the first time at Donington Park was a real highlight.
“I know how much hard work and effort has gone in behind the scenes to make this happen, and I have no doubt that Nathan will make sure he grabs this opportunity with both hands.”
