Harry Hickton Looking To Lay Down Early Marker At MINI CHALLENGE Season-Opener

Harry Hickton is aiming to hit the ground running at Donington Park this weekend (18-19 April) as the 2026 MINI CHALLENGE JCW season bursts into life.

Remaining with Mannpower Motorsport for a second successive campaign in the UK’s premier one-make series, the 19-year-old will complete a remarkable comeback simply by lining up on the grid at the East Midlands circuit.

After showing plenty of pace and potential throughout 2025, Hickton ended last season on his roof after a scary high-speed accident at Brands Hatch in October all-but destroyed his front-wheel-drive machine.

Determined to bounce back from that setback, the Hampshire racer spent the off-season not only rebuilding his machine but also continuing to grow his ever-expanding partner network - all of whom have played a vital part in his racing journey.

Hickton - who lifted the Cooper title in 2024 - has retained the support of Maber Construction, Hysons Chartered Accountants, Vertex VT Consultants, MDH Roofing, Woodstock Plumbing and Heating Supplies and the Pool Lift Company.

In addition, the talented teenager also welcomed on-board Omnific Civil Engineering, Childsey and Millers Oils, having become an official Brand Ambassador after winning its Challenger Scheme for the forthcoming season.

Enjoying a successful shakedown at the recent MINI CHALLENGE Media Day. Hickton has been clear about his goals going into the opening event of the seven-event campaign this weekend.

Harry Hickton: “In some ways the off-season has felt never-ending and in other ways it hasn’t felt long enough, given how much work we’ve had to do. The important thing though is that we’ve made it to the opening round and I can’t wait to go racing.

“We’ve been able to clock some miles in the past few weeks and the car feels like its in a good place. With it being my second season I’ve got a better handle on what I want from the car and that should put us in good stead.

“I’ve made it no secret that I want to be challenging for wins and podiums on a more regular basis this year and that starts at Donington Park. We’ll keep our heads down and focus on ourselves; but I’m confident we can be mixing it at the front.”

Qualifying at Donington Park kicks off the new season at 09:25 on Saturday before the opening encounter takes place later that afternoon at 15:55. Two more races - at 09:30 and 15:20 - will follow on Sunday, the second of which will be aired live on ITV4.