Maidenhead's Gravett hopes to compete for top honours in Vertu Mini Challenge series

Bradley Gravett and Justina Williams

--

Maidenhead’s Bradley Gravett has confirmed his return to the Vertu Mini Challenge series this season with the aim of claiming a first race win and competing for top honours with his team EXCELR8.

Gravett, the son of former BTCC champion Robb, joined forces with EXCELR8 towards the end of the 2022 season and in 2023 went on to enjoy his most successful racing season to date, coming sixth in the championships.

He missed out on a podium during the opening weekend of the campaign at Donington Park due to a technical issue but wasted little time in breaking into the top three after picking up his very first podium finish at Brands Hatch in the very next race.

From there he would go on to score a further podium finish at Oulton Park - where he also qualified on the front row of the grid - and then picked up the fastest lap at Silverstone late in the season.

Bradley now hopes to go through the gears once more as he chases further milestones, including a first race win as well as the goal of challenging for the coveted championship title against a high-quality field.

Bradley has also re-signed as part of EXCELR8’s Driver Development programme, which will provide him with the opportunity to continue working alongside the Team Bristol Street Motors BTCC outfit.

With his long-term goal to follow in his father's footsteps and compete in Britain's premier racing series, Bradley hopes to gain the necessary knowledge and experience this season to help him climb the motorsport ladder.

Speaking about his hopes for the 2024 season, he said: “There is no doubt that last season was the best of my career so far, and I feel I took a big step forward as a driver. Scoring my first podium was an amazing feeling, particularly at my home circuit, and I showed that I have the pace to run at the front of the grid on merit - which isn’t something I’d been able to say before.

“My performances last year gave me a lot of confidence going into the winter, and after a lot of hard work with my amazing partners to put the budget in place, I’m delighted to be returning to the JCW grid again in 2024.

“I feel there is a bit of unfinished business for me as I’m still chasing that first win, but I feel confident that I’ll be able to tick that box this season. Staying with EXCELR8 means I’m with the best team, and we can benefit from all the work that has gone in since I joined them in late 2022 and fight not only for wins, but also push for the title.

“Extending my deal to be a Development Driver is also a big boost going into the new season because it is no secret that the BTCC is where I ultimately want to be in the future, and the knowledge I can gain from having close ties to such a successful team can only be of benefit.”

Justina Williams, EXCELR8 Team Owner, added: “We’re really pleased to confirm Bradley will remain part of our JCW line-up for 2024. Last season he produced some impressive results on track and with a little bit more luck on his side, I have no doubt he would have taken a race win.”

“That’s got to be the first target going into the new season but I’m also confident that Bradley will be amongst the contenders for overall honours when we get to the business end of the year. I know how hard he has worked behind the scenes to secure his place on the grid and look forward to seeing him battle to achieve his goals.”

Bradley Gravett is supported by GERKO, Third Millennium, Ultimate Car Control, My Custom Workwear, Scalextric, Elite Vehicle Chargers, Flying TV, Bradbury Racing, VARANACCI and Tesouro Timepiece.