Pirelli UK has announced an exciting partnership extension with the Power Maxed MINI Challenge, the popular national motor racing series in the United Kingdom. The Italian company, which will continue to supply tyres from its logistics hub in Didcot, Oxfordshire, has supported the championship since 2013.
Pirelli has provided its 225/625-17 DH and 225/625-17 WS P Zero racing tyres to the series, with the number of new and used tyres per event limited to control costs. From 2015, the third-generation MINI will be eligible for the championship, which will also expand to include a second grid at each round.
Matthew Corby, Operations Manager at Pirelli Motorsport, said: “Continuing our tyre supply agreement with the MINI Challenge is great news. As an original equipment supplier to MINI, we cannot wait to extend our excellent relationship with this professionally run and thoroughly entertaining championship into 2015 and beyond. With the series expanding to two grids for 2015 it gives us scope to work with new drivers and teams, while the new-generation car provides an exciting challenge for our engineers. The MINI Challenge always produces terrific racing and Pirelli is privileged to play a key role in delivering this for fans at venues all over the country.”
MINI Challenge promoter Antony Williams said: “We are delighted to renew our tyre supply with Pirelli and extend it to our new Gen 3 race car. Pirelli tyres have proved to be a perfect match with the Power Maxed MINI Challenge. Next year will see the series grow to two grids for the first time in its history and Pirelli’s support in making this happen cannot be overstated. We very much look forward to working together with Pirelli and all our partners to make this bold step the success is should be. We are also delighted to be working with Pirelli on a number of exciting initiatives to give aspiring drivers the chance to take part in the sport they love to watch on TV.”
Among the initiatives pioneered by Pirelli this season was the ‘Are You Raceworthy?’ Facebook campaign, which gave a chance for aspiring racing drivers to fulfil their dreams and line up on the grid at Brands Hatch for the MINI Challenge round. Competition winner Will Dendy won the shoot-out and went on to impress at the very front of the field when he had his race debut.
The 2014 Power Maxed MINI Challenge concluded at Brands Hatch in mid-September. Chris Knox won the overall JCW class three years after he first took the title. The secondary Cooper Class title went to Shaney Stoney after a dominant season.
