Harry Hickton Aiming High Ahead Of 2025 Mini Challenge JCW Opener

Harry Hickton is targeting three strong points-scoring finishes at Donington Park this weekend (26-27 April) as the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW kicks off what promises to be a captivating 2025 season.

Graduating to the UK’s premier one-make series on a full-time basis with Mannpower Motorsport, last year’s Cooper champion is fully focused on hitting the ground running at the Leicestershire venue as he looks to make an instant impression.

Bolstered by the back of Maber Construction, Hysons Chartered Accountants, The Platform Lift Company, Vernham Labels, Woodstock Plumbing and Heating Supplies, MDH Roofing & Son, Vertex VT Consultants, GSF Car Parts and DPH Services, the 18-year-old goes into the new season as one to watch.

Having spent the past two seasons in the ultra-competitive Trophy category - winning the coveted crown in 2024 - the Motorsport UK Academy driver is relishing the prospect of taking the next step in his fledgling career.

Going into the new campaign with the benefit of some pivotal pre-season testing under his belt too, the Hampshire race has stated that his goals are clear going into the opening weekend of the seven-event season.

“I’m excited to finally be able to get the season underway at Donington Park this weekend,” said Hickton. “It’s a great track with a brilliant blend of corners that always makes the racing super close.

“Since announcing that we’ll be stepping up to the JCW class we’ve managed to get a couple of test days under our belt and on the whole they’ve been really positive. As a team we’ve worked through a lot of different bits so I feel good going into the season-opener.

“As always, the aim is to stay out of trouble and put three strong points finishes on the board. If we can do that then that will provide us with a solid start to build on. It would be great to come away with some silverware; we’re certainly capable of doing just that!”

Qualifying at Donington Park kicks off the new season at 10:40 on Saturday before the opening encounter takes place later that afternoon at 16:25. Two more races - at 10:25 and 15:55 - will follow on Sunday, the second of which will be aired live on ITV4.