Irish ace Byrne switches to Minis

Irish Fiesta ace Jack Byrne will progress into the Mini Challenge Trophy this year, running as a privateer.

Byrne, the 2020 Ginetta Junior Ireland champion and a star in Irish Junior Rallycross, graduated into senior racing last season and finished third in the Irish Fiesta ST standings. He now joins the Cooper class of the Mini Challenge after being selected as part of Motorsport Ireland’s Team Ireland development programme.

“After a successful year in tin-tops in 2021 back home in Ireland, I hope to be a frontrunner in the Rookie Cup – but, ultimately, overall podiums are the aim,” he said. “Running the car through our own team means we will have a lot to learn in a few short months, but I hope to get my 2022 campaign off to a strong start at Pembrey.”

Joining Byrne on the Mini Challenge Trophy grid will be 2021 frontrunner Charlie Mann. He scored his first win in the series last year en route to fifth in the standings, and will again compete as an independent under the Mann Motorsport banner.

Elsewhere, Bradley Gravett – the son of 1990 British Touring Car champion Robb – will continue in the top JCW class. Gravett, who was 16th in last year’s points, is the fifth driver announced as racing for the expanding Graves Motorsport squad.