As the series nears its conclusion, the Power Maxed MINI Challenge races to Britain’s home of motorsport, Silverstone this weekend (16-17 August), where Hamish Brandon will be looking to consolidate his position in the championship.
The MINI Challenge, now in its 12th year, visits some of United Kingdom’s greatest race circuits, such as Brands Hatch and Donington Park, and this week returns to Northamptonshire’s Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.
Arguably the most famous race circuit in the world and with a combination of fast, sweeping bends and long straights, Silverstone’s 3.66mile Grand Prix circuit is a physically demanding track that can also be very rewarding.
Having come close to a podium finish at Castle Combe before a red flag stoppage halted any progress Brandon could make, he showed the necessary skills to challenge the front-runners and is poised to stand on the podium once again.
Pandamonium Racing’s Brandon, who consolidated his position in the championship last time out at Castle Combe, will make his Silverstone debut this weekend and is relishing at the chance to race at the iconic circuit.
“I’m really excited about this weekend, as I’ve never been to Silvestone nor raced on it, so I’m looking forward to getting out there,” said Brandon. “Having watched Formula 1 at Silverstone for many years, it will be great to drive on it rather than watch it on TV. Some of the grid have raced on the circuit before, so they have an upper hand on me, but I’ve got to make sure I’m on the pace and I may still be learning the circuit even in race one.
“It’s very much a power circuit and relies on having a good car set-up through the high-speed corners and long straights. With two sets of tyres for the course of the weekend, it will very much be a case of tyre management.
Brandon continued: “We won’t know where we are until testing on Friday, but similar to Castle Combe, my aim is to be running with the front-runners and see where we end up come the end of the weekend.”
Qualifying for the Power Maxed MINI Challenge is scheduled to get underway at 11.50 on Saturday (16 August), which will then be followed by Round 15 at 15.45.
Rounds 16 and 17 will be held on Sunday (17 August) at 12.50 and 16.30 respectively.
For more information on Panda Racing and Hamish Brandon, please visit the official www.hamishbrandon.com website, ‘like’ the Facebook page or follow @PandaRacingTeam on Twitter.