Mintex, a leading supplier of aftermarket braking components, has developed and launched the Mintex Race Star Scholarship with the aim of supporting drivers entering the MINI Challenge Championship.
The initiative has been developed to assist talented drivers with the cost of entering the JCW class, which currently stands at GB£7,950+VAT (US$10,120) per season. Mintex has partnered with the MINI Challenge to offer sponsorship to motor sportspeople who show incredible potential but are unable to justify or afford the costs.
To apply for the scholarship, drivers or teams must display a Mintex Race Star decal on their vehicle and help to raise awareness of the Mintex brand. The winner will be chosen based on driver skill, sportsmanship, innovation and efforts to help raise awareness of Mintex and the benefits of its brakes on the track.
The MINI Challenge has been the official championship for the new MINI since 2002, and enables drivers with varying degrees of experience to race at the event. The challenge visits the UK’s top circuits including Brands Hatch GP, Donington, Oulton Park and Silverstone, with all competing cars in the championship braked by Mintex, following extensive testing of several brake brands.
“Backing motorsport drivers is very important to us, as is encouraging young racers who aspire to take up racing professionally,” explained Nick Hayes, Mintex’s UK sales manager. “Our brakes feature on all the cars competing in the challenge, and a large portion of our business comes from the racing community. With this in mind, it’s only right that we give a little something back and support drivers where we can.”
Scholarship prizes will range from GB£6,000 (US$7,637) sponsorship with GB£2,000 (US$2,545) worth of product, GB£1,000 (US$1,272) sponsorship towards fees, GB£500 (US$636) sponsorship to cover entry costs, Mintex products to the value of GB£300 (US$381) or Mintex braking tools valued at GB£250 (US$318). There will be five prizes in total.
“The Mintex scholarship will undoubtedly support up-and-coming drivers,” added Antony Williams, MINI Challenge promotor. “Raising the funds to race can be difficult and unfortunately, by nature, does eliminate some talented sportspeople. This initiative gives ambitious racers that chance and we’re really pleased to be working with Mintex on such a worthwhile, inclusive initiative.”
