Harry Hickton will hope to continue his fine start to the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season this weekend (8-9 June) as the ultra-competitive tin top series descends on his home circuit, Thruxton, for what is expected to be three blockbuster races.
Joining the British Touring Car Championship support package for the first time this year, the Westbourne Motorsport driver will head to his local track holding the advantage at the top of both the overall Drivers’ Championship and the Graduate Cup.
Hickton - who is backed by Hysons Chartered Accountants, The Platform Lift Company, Vernham Labels, Addventure, Woodstock, Hippo Campers and Brandfixx - has wasted no time in hitting the ground running in 2024, claiming three wins from the opening six races.
With a further three top-five finishes further bolstering his lofty position in the standings, the 18-year-old is keen to maintain his front-running momentum around a venue he knows all too well, having grown up just a few miles down the road.
“It goes without saying that Thruxton is one of the standout events on the calendar for me this season,” said Hickton. “It’s my local circuit and that means we’re going to have lots of friends, family and guests coming down to watch the action - which all adds to the excitement.
“To be heading into my home race sitting at the top of the standings is a real confidence booster. We as a team have shown we’ve had the pace to run at the front at two very different circuits so the expectation is that we can be in the mix around Thruxton.
“As a circuit Thruxton is one of those places that requires a bit of respect. It’s super fast and you basically just need to attack it from the get-go. It’s all about building up a momentum and getting into a groove - I absolutely love it!
“Last year I did end up skating out of the final chicane on my roof so I think any improvement on that first and foremost is going to be a good start. Three big points finishes has to be the aim though and if we can sneak some silverware then that’ll be even better!”
Qualifying at Thruxton commences on Saturday at 09:00 with races one and two following later that afternoon at 13:35 and 17:40. Race three - scheduled to be run at 13:45 - will then follow on Sunday and will be broadcast LIVE on ITV4.
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.
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