[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.17.0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_font=”|||on|||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_font=”|||on|||||” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” module_alignment=”left” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Simon Sweetland will make his debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2025 after his company, Max Tune, entered into a collaboration with series front-runners EXCELR8.<\/strong><\/p>\n Colchester-based Sweetland will enter the Cooper category under the Max Tune Motorsport banner, with EXCELR8 taking on responsibility for preparing and running his car as he embarks on the first stage of his racing career.<\/p>\n The 43-year-old has long harboured dreams of making a move into motorsport, although his only previous track experience has been limited to track days – including a number of trips to Germany to lap the infamous N\u00fcrburgring Nordschleife.<\/p>\n Since making the decision to turn his dreams into reality, Sweetland has enjoyed a number of tests at the wheel of his new car with tuition coming from former Cooper class champion Matt Hammond, and he said he was excited about the challenge that lies ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is going to be the realisation of a 35-year-old dream for me as someone who used to watch the likes of John Cleland and Gabriele Tarquini racing in the BTCC in the 1990s and always wanted to give it a go,\u201d he said.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMax Tune now is at the stage where the business is able to look after itself and it\u2019s time for me to go and live that dream, as I don\u2019t want to get to the stage where the opportunity has passed, and I\u2019m left to wonder \u2018What if?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cHaving never previously raced, I know it\u2019s going to be a big challenge, but I\u2019ve been out testing alongside Matt Hammond and the pace has been encouraging, which leaves me feeling confident about my debut season.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI want to do the best job possible, and a strong result in both the Rookie Cup and the Directors Cup has to be the target.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The decision to run the car under the Max Tune Motorsport name having acquired an Entrants Licence will provide Sweetland with the chance to promote his own brand as Max Tune evaluates ways in which to expand over the coming years.<\/p>\n However, the decision to partner with EXCELR8 will ensure that the rookie is able to benefit from the vast experience provided by one of the most successful teams in the MINI CHALLENGE, with multiple titles having been won through the years.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are lots of places I could have raced, but the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy has a lot more gravitas around it thanks to the chance to compete on the BTCC package,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will mean there is the chance to put the Max Tune name on TV and in front of a big audience – and personally it will be quite cool to see my name on TV too!<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWhilst we are entering as Max Tune Motorsport as we look to develop the business and explore new opportunities, this wouldn\u2019t have been possible without EXCELR8, who I know will do a fantastic job of running the car. When it comes to the MINI CHALLENGE, they have been there, done that and got the t-shirt; their levels of experience are second to none.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe car they have built for me is absolutely immaculate, and I had full confidence in it from the moment I got behind the wheel. I\u2019ve just got to make sure it stays immaculate as the season goes on!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n EXCELR8 Team Owner Justina Williams said she was pleased to confirm Sweetland and Max Tune as the first part of what is expected to be a multi-car assault on the Cooper class again in 2025.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a long-time racing fan, Simon has a huge amount of enthusiasm and we are looking forward to working with him this season to realise his dream of going racing,\u201d she said.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe Cooper class is one of the most competitive championships out there but he is ready for the challenge and we are confident that he\u2019ll be able to make his mark on track as the season goes on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”center_left” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.minichallenge.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/MC1.jpg” title_text=”MC1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.minichallenge.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/MC2.jpg” title_text=”MC2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Simon Sweetland will make his debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2025 after his company, Max Tune, entered into a collaboration with series front-runners EXCELR8.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":27003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1462,1466],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-cooper"],"yoast_head":"\n