Harry Hickton will embark on the latest chapter of his fledgling career this year as he graduates to the headline JCW category of the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE with Mannpower Motorsport.
The 18-year-old steps up to the UK’s premier one-make series after coming out on top of a captivating battle for the Cooper class championship last season, which culminated in him being crowned champion at the final round.
Now poised to build on that title-winning momentum, the Hampshire racer - who is part of the prestigious Motorsport UK Academy - will take centre stage on the support bill of the British Touring Car Championship with fellow Cooper alumni Mannpower Motorsport.
The team, which is owned by experienced engineer James Manning, has been competing under the MINI CHALLENGE banner since 2019 and has enjoyed a number of standout moments along the way. Like Hickton, they will join the JCW ranks in 2025.
Hickton will be looking to add his own highlight reels as he makes the move to the JCWs on a full-time basis, having made a one-off appearance at the end of the 2024 campaign where he scored a best finish of sixth.
This move would not be possible without Hickton’s ever-growing partner network; Maber Construction, Hysons Chartered Accountants, The Platform Lift Company, Vernham Labels, Woodstock, MDH Roofing & Son, Vertex VT Consultants, GSF Car Parts and DPH Services.
“I’m super pumped to finally be able to announce that I’ll be stepping up to the JCW category this year,” said Hickton. “After winning the title last season this was the next logical step in my career and it’s one that I’m hugely excited to embark on.
“I was fortunate enough to have had a taste of the championship at the Brands Hatch finale last year and I feel like we gave a good account of ourselves there. I’ve got lots to learn still but with Mannpower Motorsport I’m confident we can make progress really quickly.
“It goes without saying that I wouldn’t be in this position without the incredible support of my family, friends and of course, fantastic sponsors. They’ve made all of this possible and I’ll be giving it everything I have to repay them for this opportunity.
“Despite this being my first full-season in the JCW category I’m going into the year with the target of scoring race wins and podiums. It’s going to be as competitive as ever but I don’t see why we can’t mix it at the front on a regular basis. Roll on the season-opener now!”
The 2025 Vertu MINI CHALLENGE JCW season commences at Donington Park on April 26-27.
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