MACKENZIE TAYLOR JOINS EXCELR8 LINE-UP FOR SNETTERTON OPENER

Mackenzie Taylor will be the youngest driver on the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid this weekend at Snetterton after agreeing a deal to join EXCELR8 for the opening round of the campaign.

Taylor, who only turned 16 at the start of February, will be making the move into car racing for the first time in the highly-competitive Cooper class on the back of a successful career in karting.

Starting racing when he was just eight years old, Taylor immediately showed his potential with a string of top six championship finishes despite his tender years, which led to him becoming an ambassador for the Sean Edwards Foundation – the charity created in memory of the British racer who passed away back in 2013.

Looking to now take his career to the next level, Taylor will join forces with EXCELR8 for the opening three races of the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season, with his focus on securing the backing required to contest a full programme in the series.

Should those plans come to fruition, it would see the youngster appear on the high-profile British Touring Car Championship package when the Cooper grid races alongside the BTCC at Brands Hatch, Thruxton and Donington Park later in the year.

“I’m really excited to be joining EXCELR8 this weekend for the opening round of the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, and one that I’m incredible grateful for.

“From the moment I was introduced to the team, Justina and everyone at EXCELR8 has made me feel so welcome and their support has already made a huge difference to me. I’m really looking forward to being part of such a professional and experienced set-up, and I’m hoping to hit the ground running this weekend.

“My full focus is on absorbing as much I can both on and off the track, and I want to make the most of everything that this experience has to offer as we work to turn it into something more long term.”

EXCELR8 Team Owner, Justina Williams said she was delighted to give Taylor the chance to show what he can do in the Cooper field.

“We’ve been working hard with Mackenzie and his family to make this happen, and although it’s all come together at the last minute for the opening round, we’re delighted to have him on track in one of our cars,” she said.

“He is a talented young driver, and we are excited to see what he can achieve this weekend as we work to ensure he is able to showcase his skills throughout the remainder of the campaign.”