Fakenham driver to compete on the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Andy Langley will fulfil his dream of showcasing his driving skills at the highest level next year when the Mini Challenge becomes an integral part of Britain’s biggest race weekends.
The 45-year-old from Fakenham, who came out of semi-retirement two years ago, will spearhead a four-man team for the Norfolk Cars (Mini Specialist) racing team in two races at the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship.
The Mini Challenge secured a multi-year deal to take over the slot vacated by the Renault UK Clio Cup earlier this year.
Langley and the remainder of the team will compete in the Cooper Challenge, for the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre cars, at both Thruxton and Silverstone on the BTCC circuit, as well as at five other meetings during the summer.
Looking ahead to the challenge, Langley, who collected a race win during a guest appearance at Snetterton back in October, said: “I can’t wait. It’s going to be awesome to be a part of the BTTC rounds and I’m very excited.
“I’d like to build on the last race win and get a few more. I think it’s going to be a tough championship with slick tyres and drivers looking to further their careers, but my aim is to be at the sharp end and fight for podiums.
“With some seat time in the car on slicks and a few new circuits to learn I think we’ll be competitive.”
The Cooper Challenge has been the foundation of the championship since its inception in 2002, offering close and affordable racing for experienced drivers and novices alike.
Norfolk Cars Mini Specialist supply and build the race cars, while Chris Middleton, from Fenland Electrical Vehicles, who has worked with niche projects across the world including TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing), McLaren, Renault, and Holden takes care of the race day support team.
Norfolk Cars Mini Specialist company directors Neal Clarke and Gary Papworth will also be behind the wheel in 2020, along with Kent-based driver Adrian Norman.
Clarke, from Norfolk Cars Mini Specialist, said: “Andy was recommended to us by another mini racer. He has always been a good driver, but hasn’t always had the budget to race.
“It’s a different level being involved with the British Touring Car Championship and there a lot of young drivers coming through looking to use the Mini Challenge as a platform to bigger and better things.
“We’ve always been very confident about our cars and the build quality of them and, with Andy on board, it gives us the scope to be at the front.
“We’ve started preparation for it really early and are working on the cars now. We’re also in the process of building a brand new Mini Cooper which should be ready early next year.”
Langley’s love affair with motorsport started in the summer of 1996 at the Jim Russell Race School at Donington, while his association with the Norfolk Mini Racing Team began back three years ago.
Despite a 23-year absence from the sport he hasn’t looked back since returning to the track.
The professional photographer has recorded some impressive displays in guest entry rounds with Norfolk Cars in the Mini Challenge in the past couple of seasons.
Langley said: “Being the wrong side of 40 started to make me think that if I didn’t have a go now then it wasn’t ever going to happen.
“I honestly don’t feel like I’ve been away from it, I love being at a racing circuit and it feels really normal being on track.
“I couldn’t be happier competing with the Norfolk Mini Racing Team. We all share the same passion, get along well and they know Minis inside out. If I hadn’t met them, then I know I would have done a few races with another team in 2018 and that would have been it for me with racing forever.
“They have helped me so much to carry on with what I love doing and I can’t thank them enough.”
The Norfolk Cars Mini Specialist racing team are looking for new sponsorship partners. Anyone interested or requiring more information should call 01553 600334.
