Gooding joins Mini Challenge JCW grid with the title-winning Jamsport squad after successful Fiesta spell

Mini Challenge JCW title-winning team Jamsport’s 2019 line-up will include Harry Gooding, with whom it has had a very successful relationship in Ford Fiestas.

Jamsport claimed the Mini Challenge crown with Ant Whorton-eales this year and ran Gooding to a class title in the British Racing and Sports Car Club’s Fiesta Championship, having previously won the Fiesta Junior title with him in 2016.

Gooding tested an ex-louis Doyle Mini JCW run by the team at Donington Park last month.

“It’s a bit different to what I’ve been used to but it was a really great experience,” said Gooding, 16.

“They are a bit of a handful, especially through the Craner Curves. You want to push it to its limits and have those sorts of sideways moments to know how the car reacts when it’s been pushed too far.”

Gooding, who missed out on the overall Fiesta title at the final round, intends to test at each Mini Challenge venue over the winter.

“You’ve got to be prepared,” he said. “It’s a bit of a step up from what I’ve been used to so I’ve got to step everything up and just work a bit harder for it.”

Gooding will be joined on the grid by Volkswagen Racing Cup driver Matt Wilson. The 23-year-old was third in the standings and will race with new team JWB Motorsport.

Jac Maybin will also compete in the series again next year after finishing eighth in the series this season and will remain with the Excelr8 squad.