Pandamonium Racing’s Hamish Brandon will open his 2015 Power Maxed MINI Challenge account in the East Midlands (25-26 April) as he takes to the history-rich Donington Park circuit behind the wheel of his IN:MINI-run R56 John Cooper Works (JCW) Cooper S.
The Power Maxed-backed MINI Challenge once again boasts a bumper grid of colourful cars and promises to provide close racing as it takes in many of the UK’s top circuits, including Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Oulton Park.
Proving that the experience gained in the entry-level category provides an excellent foundation, 2014 was a challenging yet exciting season that exceeded all expectations, as a 100 per cent finishing record the second consecutive year saw the Scottish driver hold his own while fighting hard throughout the season to finish fifth overall – just 23 points off the runner-up position – and earn a place on the ‘Best of British Shootout’.
Brandon has moved on to new pastures for the forthcoming season, having formed a fresh and new partnership with title-winning IN:MINI, and is looking ahead to his first run in anger in the championship’s first port of call at the historic Donington Park, where he will have to overcome some fierce opposition if he’s to meet his objectives.
With little pre-season testing, the Scotsman is focused on getting as much track time as possible, as well as getting to know his new team.
“We did a quick shakedown of the car at Donington Park shortly after the media day in February, but other than that, we’ve not done any pre-season testing,” said Brandon. “Joining a new team for this season, I will be spending some time getting to know the team and making sure we are singing from the same hymn sheet, but I am really looking forward to getting back in the car and getting as much seat time as possible.
“We need a strong weekend as possible, but, being realistic, with no pre-season testing, it will take some time to get back up to speed, which I am sure we will do quickly. There will be some quick drivers on the grid this season, so we have our work cut out, but we will keep our heads down and worry about ourselves. I know where I need to be, but with a new season and new drivers, you never know what could happen.”
Qualifying for the MINI Challenge is scheduled to get underway at 12.40 on Saturday (25 April), with the first of three races taking place later that day at 18.05, before Rounds 2 and 3 conclude the weekend’s action on Sunday (26 April) at 13.20 and 17.40 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.