NATHAN HARRISON REJOINS MINI CHALLENGE GRID AT BRANDS HATCH

Nathan Harrison will make a return to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this weekend at Brands Hatch after signing a deal to rejoin EXCELR8 Motorsport for the season finale.

The 29-year-old will return to the team that carried him to the JCW title back in 2020, with his one-off outing coming at the same circuit where he made a similar appearance with EXCELR8 two years ago.

Then, despite being out of a JCW car for three years – and having not contested a full-time programme in 2023 – he qualified in fifth place and bagged a best finish of fourth amongst a hat-trick of top six finishes.

Harrison, who also won the Cooper title back in 2015, is one of the most successful drivers in MINI CHALLENGE history and is second only to Dan Zelos in terms of both race wins and podiums – although a podium finishing record of more than 62% is the best of any driver to have contested multiple seasons.

Alongside his success in the MINI CHALLENGE, Harrison has secured class honours in the Renault Clio Cup and was runner-up in the Pro-Am class of the Porsche Carrera Cup, whilst he has also has experience of competing in the high-profile British GT Championship.

Nathan will race this weekend under the EXCELR8 Motorsport banner alongside Harry Campey.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to jump back into the JCW a few years ago, and when the chance came around again for this weekend, I wasn’t going to say no,” he said. “Rejoining EXCELR8 and getting back into a MINI CHALLENGE car is like returning home, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“As ever when you jump into a car at the last minute, I’ll need to get back up to speed but I’m confident that by the time we get round to qualifying on Saturday, I’ll be right in the mix.

“Like last time, it’s not about a championship for me this weekend, so I’m going to go out and enjoy myself as much as I can and am keen to fight at the front.”

Team Owner Justina Williams said she was delighted to bring Harrison back for the finale.

“Nathan is one of the top drivers to have raced in the MINI CHALLENGE, and is a big part of our history in the series,” she said.

“We’re delighted to welcome him back this weekend for the season finale and as was the case a few years ago, are confident he will be right on the pace from the start.”