NGK-sponsored Max Coates recently unveiled the car he will drive in this season’s MINI CHALLENGE. The wraps came off the Elite Motorsport 2020 Mini JCW hatchback at a track day at Croft Circuit, shortly before the suspension of racing permits due to the coronavirus crisis.

Max took sponsors, including NGK Spark Plugs for a hot lap around the track so they could gain an understanding of the level of driving skills required to be competitive in motorsport, before he headed to Donington Park for further testing.

He said: ‘It was really important for me to be able to show my sponsors the new 2020 car and let them experience what I love about motorsport. I’m glad everyone had big smiles at the end of their hot laps. It was then onto the serious matter of testing with the team as we headed to Donington Park. This gave me more track time to familiarise myself with the Mini JCW hatchback having been racing in Renault Clio’s for the last three years.”

Max plans to keep busy while the MINI CHALLENGE is in lockdown as he intends to take part in online racing and will continue to promote the NGK brand on Social Media.

Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs said, “The car looks incredible and it was great that we and Max’s other sponsors had the opportunity to experience what it can do on the track. We are looking forward to following his exploits later this summer when the MINI CHALLENGE eventually gets underway.”

Fans will be able to follow the season via Max’s, Elite Motorsport and the MINI CHALLENGE social media as well as live on ITV4 from each event.