Two drivers with single-seater racing backgrounds are the latest converts to the John Cooper Challenge. Martin Wallbank, winner of the BARC Formula Renault title in 2001 and Gary Robertshaw, a Formula Vauxhall Junior contemporary of Dario Franchitti, have both confirmed plans to race in the MINI series this season.

Wallbank has bought a new Cooper S for the season, while Robertshaw is ending a seven-year break from racing to compete in the ex-Tony Skelton Clubsport car. Both are expected to be strong contenders for their respective classes, despite changing to front-wheel drive saloon cars.

Wallbank has been out of racing since winning the Formula Renault title, but is now back with a family run car. Despite the major transition to the Cooper S, Wallbank is hopeful of a good showing. "I think the speed will come," he says. "I'm not sure about the two speed events that start the season, but by the opening race at Donington in May I expect to be somewhere near the front," said the Sussex-based driver.

Robertshaw, from Whitley Bay, competed at British level in karting before switching to Vauxhall Junior in 1991. Since then, he has only raced occasionally, but is now aiming at a full season. Having bought a Cooper road car, he knew he just had to race one. "Once I got the Cooper I started following the Challenge. I absolutely loved the road car, but racing one is completely new to me!"

Both drivers will start their JCC campaigns at the Lydden sprint on 10 April, but will really be aiming to make their mark when the series has its first race at Donington on 15 May.