MINI champions Graves Motorsport announce five driver line up for Trophy class
2022 MINI CHALLENGE UK Trophy champions, Graves Motorsport, can today announce a five strong driver line up for the 2024 season. Four returning drivers; Alex Solley, James Black, Alex Keens, and Frankie Taylor will be joined by Leo Purches at the team who won more than 50% of last season’s races as well as finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the championship standings.
The highest placed returning driver Alex Solley will start as one of the championship favourite’s having scored 4 wins from the second highest qualifying average in 2023. Alex said, “I’m over the moon to be back in the MINI Challenge Trophy with Graves Motorsport after last year’s strong performances, I hope we can make more progress this year and create our best season yet.”
James Black and Alex Keens enjoyed fantastic seasons, James taking multiple rookie race wins and a regular front runner throughout. His prior endurance racing experience kept him out of trouble at times and ensured a solid season of results 8th overall and 3rd rookie in 2023. Alex Keens got stronger as the season went on and took the Brands Hatch Indy lap record as well as a first race win in November last year. Entering his second season of car racing, his karting background proved fruitful in wheel-to-wheel battles last year.
Frankie Taylor progressed throughout last season with much more consistent results and a season best of 5th. He’ll be aiming to be a regular at the front this year and go in search of a podium result and race win in his striking Frankie Taylor livery.
Leo Purches will be the teams only rookie driver and said “coming into car racing this year I am really looking forward to the first race of the season. I am aiming to work my way up and get points where I can.” With a over nine years of karting experience including winning various club championships, twice a Wessex Champion and also Southern Champion, as well as top ten placings in national championships, he’ll be one to watch as the season progresses.
Team manager Sam Pearce said “Retaining four drivers from last season puts the team in a great position to fight for overall honours again this season, after narrowly missing out last year we have one goal in mind and plenty of drivers capable of achieving championship success. The Alex's both won races last season, James was a regular contender for top 6 positions and Frankie had a great year developing with us, taking his best finish in 5th. Leo is joining an experienced team with fantastic teammates who will help his forward progress. We are looking forward to starting the season at Snetterton this weekend."
