Tunbridge Wells’ Nathan Edwards begins life in the headline class of the Vertu Mini Challenge this weekend after extending his relationship with Justina Williams’ EXCELR8 Motorsport squad.

Edwards made his debut in the Cooper class with the team back in 2020, and returned to the EXCELR8 family midway through the 2022 campaign - scoring seven top-10 finishes in the final eight races.

That was the pre-cursor for a full season assault on the Cooper class last year where he rebounded from a difficult start to finish fifth in the standings with four wins.

Those four victories came in the final eight races and included a stunning run from 10th to first in the final event of the campaign, making him the highest-scoring driver across the closing rounds.

He’ll be looking to build on that in this season’s JCW (John Cooper Works) category, starting at Donington Park as part of the British Touring Car Championship bill, and will be on home soil for round two at Brands Hatch on May 11-12.

Edwards said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up to the JCW category this season with EXCELR8 Motorsport.

“Whilst this season will be about gaining experience in the car, due to our limited testing programme, I have no doubt that I have the best team around me to get to grips with the new car and start to show what I am capable of achieving later on in the season and into 2025.

“We’ve worked tirelessly away from the track to make this season happen and I’m determined to repay the faith of my loyal partners Intercleanse, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions and WP Commercials, who have made this possible.”

Team owner Williams added: “We’re delighted to confirm that Nathan will be part of our JCW line-up for the 2024 [season] on the back of a fine season in the Cooper.

“Having rejoined our line-up mid-way through 2022, it was fantastic to see him grow and develop as a driver last year and seeing him make it onto the top step of the podium for the first time at Donington Park was a real highlight.

“I know how much hard work and effort has gone in behind the scenes to make this happen, and I have no doubt that Nathan will make sure he grabs this opportunity with both hands.”