New MG Metro for Ashton in 2022

Jack Ashton plans to race a new MG Metro in the 750 Motor Club-run Hot Hatch championship this season, but only in a limited number of events due to family reasons.

The 26-year-old from Milton Keynes, a two-time MG Metro Cup champion in 2018 and 2019, led Hot Hatch races last season and finished a careerbest second in Snetterton’s season finale.

“The old car is getting a bit bruised and tired – we’ve run it since 2015 – so this is a fresh start,” said Ashton. “We’re always up against it with the Honda Civics on the grid, but hopefully the new build will give us a bit more performance.

“A new shell and cage should make the car stiffer. We’re looking to change the old hydro-elastic suspension – which is a 1950s design – with coil-over shock absorbers and increase power from 160 to around 175bhp with a newer Rover K Series engine.

“It might not be until mid-season when we appear, but I want to be challenging for wins straight out of the box after coming close in 2021.”