HAMMOND TO BID FOR SECOND MINI TROPHY CROWN
Mini Challenge Trophy contender Matt Hammond will continue in the series this year as he seeks a second championship victory.
Hammond won the 2017 title in what was then known as the Cooper Pro Class, but struggled to find the budget to continue racing and was forced onto the sidelines until last season. He was instantly on the pace on his return, winning the Snetterton opener, before a number of incidents – including a crash at Oulton Park that left him in hospital – hampered his bid. He finished third.
He had targeted a step up to the top JCW class for this season but instead will continue with Excelr8 Motorsport in the Cooper category, which begins at Pembrey this weekend.
“I didn’t always have luck on my side last year and there were a few incidents that cost me dear,” said Hammond. “However, my pole positions and wins showed that I had the pace, with the lap record in the final round at Silverstone really driving that home.
“We’ll need to see how things go, but I’m racing to win this season. I know the car is good and I know the team is good, so I can’t wait to head to Pembrey to get started.”
Joining Hammond on the grid is Nathan Edwards, who will again compete with the MRM squad he also drove for in the Renault UK Clio Cup. Elsewhere, Baz Ward has been announced as part of LUX Motorsport’s line-up for the next JCW round at Brands Hatch. The Enduroka victor has also undertaken precision driving work, including on The Grand Tour.