Harry Hickton has his sights set on success in 2024 as he prepares to embark on his sophomore season in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, which kicks off this weekend (13-14 April) at Snetterton.
Remaining with Westbourne Motorsport for a second successive campaign, the 17-year-old has outlined that an all-out assault for championship glory in the tin top series is the sole target this year.
Hickton - who is backed by Hysons Chartered Accountants, The Platform Lift Company, Vernham Labels, Addventure, Woodstock, Hippo Campers and Brandfixx - made his debut in the category last year and quickly established himself as being one to watch.
Despite suffering a huge shunt at Thruxton, which saw his car roll before being impacted by several other drivers, the Motorsport UK Academy driver managed to power his way to a total of three overall podiums and a top-five finish in the Rookie Cup.
Now with the benefit of having a years’ worth of experience in the ultra-competitive category, the teenager is eager to make his mark - starting with this weekend’s triple-header in Norfolk.
“I’m excited to be back in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy and to finally be able to start the new season at Snetterton this weekend,” said Hickton. “It’s always been a happy hunting ground for me so it’s the perfect place to begin!
“Last year I learnt an awful lot and although we had some good results, we also had a fair bit of misfortune which ultimately meant we perhaps didn’t finish as high in the standings as we should have done.
“Now with the benefit of those experiences, I feel a much more rounded driver and I’m keen to utilise all of that knowledge and push on; contending for both the overall championship and the Graduate Cup has to be the target.
“The aim this weekend is to make sure we have a strong showing and put three strong points finishes on the board. If we can do that then that should provide us with a solid platform to take into the subsequent events that follow.”
Qualifying at Snetterton kicks off the new season at 10:50 on Saturday before the opening encounter takes place later that afternoon at 16:40. Two more races - at 10:05 and 14:40 - will follow on Sunday.
All three races will be streamed LIVE via the British Automobile Racing Club YouTube channel across both days.