The MINI CHALLENGE will continue to form part of the biggest show in British motorsport for the next three years after agreeing an extended deal to remain on the support package for the prestigious British Touring Car Championship.

The new agreement, which takes effect at the end of the current deal, will see the highly competitive one-make series continue to fill one of the coveted BTCC support slots until at least the end of the 2029 season.

The announcement comes on the back of a dramatic season of competition in the MINI CHALLENGE’s headline JCW class, further cementing its position as one of the leading categories in UK motorsport.

Defending champion Tom Ovenden eventually retained his crown, beating rival Max Edmundson by a single point following an emotional final round on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

As has been the case since the MINI CHALLENGE first joined the BTCC support package in 2020, the JCW class will continue to run exclusively on the TOCA package for the next three years.

JCW cars take visual cues from the current F66 MINI Cooper road car, with two-litre turbocharged engines and aggressive styling giving them the appearance of miniature touring cars.

The entry-level Cooper class, featuring cars based on the first-generation R50 MINI, will continue to run at selected events, with the 2027 calendar to be confirmed in due course.

The extended agreement between the MINI CHALLENGE and BTCC organiser TOCA also ensures the series will continue to benefit from extensive free-to-air coverage on ITV.
The broadcaster’s latest agreement with the BTCC, announced earlier this year, also runs to the end of the 2029 season.

Andy Menzies, MINI CHALLENGE Director, said:
“Following an astonishing final round for the JCW class at Brands Hatch, we are delighted to confirm a new deal that will keep us on the BTCC package for at least the next three seasons.

“Competing alongside the BTCC provides an outstanding platform for our teams, drivers and partners, as well as fantastic exposure through ITV’s free-to-air coverage.

“Extending this deal provides long-term stability for the series, our teams and drivers, allowing them to invest in their programmes and plan for the future, knowing they will continue to compete on the biggest stage in British motorsport.

“We’re proud that the MINI CHALLENGE has become such a popular part of BTCC weekends, and we look forward to building on that success over the next three years.”

Alan Gow, British Touring Car Championship Chief Executive, said:
“The MINI CHALLENGE has established itself as a popular and valuable part of the BTCC package since our relationship began back in 2020.

"The quality of our support races remains an important part of the overall BTCC experience, adding more variety and entertainment for fans at the circuit and those watching on ITV and around the world. The MINI CHALLENGE consistently delivers excellent racing, providing a perfect example of the close competition and drama that help to make our race weekends what they are.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the MINI CHALLENGE over at least the next three seasons.”