Hamish Brandon and the Excelr8 Motorsport-run Panda Racing team will be targeting top three finishes when the Power Maxed MINI Challenge bursts back into life at Norfolk’s Snetterton ‘300’ circuit (21-22 June).
The Power Maxed-backed MINI Challenge will run as part of the illustrious support bill for the Avon Tyres British GT Championship this weekend at the scenic Snetterton ‘300’ circuit, which offers up a tough challenge by drawing inspiration from sections of other iconic motorsport venues, such as Monza’s Parabolica and the Montreal Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve’s Hairpin.
Brandon, from Hawick in the Scottish Borders, currently stands fifth in the Drivers’ standings and goes into the third meeting of the highly competitive MINI Challenge off the back of a turbulent outing at Brands Hatch.
But, having claimed a podium at Donington Park’s curtain-raiser in April, Brandon, who graduated to the headlining R56 John Cooper Works (JCW) division with Excelr8 Motorsport in 2014, will be looking to stand on the winners’ rostrum once again in Norfolk.
“I really enjoy racing at Snetterton and have very fond memories of it,” said Brandon. “The first time I raced there was last year in the Cooper Class and was a big learning curve. It’s a very technical circuit, as a lot of time is won or lost is in the tight, twisty parts of the circuit and you have to get the balance right. We came away with two third place finishes last year, so I hope we can emulate that success, if not better it.
“I’m really looking forward to racing on the British GT package and in front of the bumper crowds, as it’s a series that interests me and I would like to compete in at some point in the future. It will be good to walk around the paddock and soak up the atmosphere. It’s also Excelr8 Motorsport’s home event, so fingers crossed I can give them something to smile about at the end of the weekend.”
Qualifying for Rounds 8 and 9 of the Power Maxed MINI Challenge is scheduled for 12.05 on Saturday (21 June), with the first of the weekend’s races getting underway at 18.05.
Concluding the weekend’s action, Round 9 will start on Sunday (22 June) morning at 10.20.
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.