Harry Hickton Focused On Strong Qualifying As MINI CHALLENGE Heads To Oulton Park

Harry Hickton has hailed the importance of having a strong qualifying at Oulton Park this weekend (June 6-7) as the Power Maxed MINI CHALLENGE season reaches the halfway mark.

Ahead of the series’ annual summer break, the Mannpower Motorsport driver is setting his sights on more silverware as he bids to close out the first half of his campaign in style at the Cheshire venue.

The 20-year-old stood on the podium back at Brands Hatch in early May but then endured a somewhat challenging outing at Snetterton a little over a week ago, where he managed to battle his way to a hat-trick of top ten finishes.

Now preparing to descend on the picturesque delights of Oulton Park - a circuit that requires a strong qualifying performance as a key to success - the Hampshire racer is laser focused on translating his practice pace on Friday into a front-running starting spot.

As always, Hickton will bid for glory with the backing of Millers Oils, Maber Construction, Hysons Chartered Accountants, Vertex VT Consultants, MDH Roofing, Woodstock Plumbing and Heating Supplies, Omnific Civil Engineering, Childsey, Q Barriers and the Pool Lift Company.

In addition to competing in the MINI CHALLENGE, Hickton’s weekend will also consist of competing in two Classic Touring Car Racing Club Pre-83 contests at Oulton Park, driving his Dad’s Opal Kadett.

Harry Hickton: “It’s hard to believe that we’re about to reach the halfway point in the season already; these last few weeks have been pretty hectic and the events have been coming thick and fast too.

“I think if you ask most drivers what their favourite circuit is, the most common answer will be Oulton Park. It’s one of those tracks that has everything and it also brings in a huge crowd, which is always incredible to see.

“When it comes to the racing, it can sometimes be difficult to get overtaking done around there so that puts a real emphasis on qualifying. We had to be up towards the front and if we can be, there should be no reason why we can’t be challenging for trophies.

“We’ve shown what we’re about this year and the exciting thing is that there is more to come. If we can go into the summer break with a trophy or two then that would be a great reward for my team, partners and family.”

MINI CHALLENGE qualifying at Oulton Park goes down at 12:05 on Saturday before the opening encounter takes place later that afternoon at 16:35. One more race - at 14:05 - will follow on Sunday, which will be aired live on ITV4 and ITVX.