NGK-sponsored Max Coates will once again take on the MINI CHALLENGE Championship THIS YEAR and is in confident mood ahead of testing.

The 27-year-old North Yorkshireman is driving for Graves Motorsport, a new team to the MINI JCW class supporting the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), and is aiming to take the title in his second season in the competition.

Max, who will partner Bradley Gravett, son of 1990 BTCC Champion Robb, at the team, is delighted to be receiving the support of ignition and sensor specialist NGK Spark Plugs Ltd for a third year running. He said, “This will be the second season NGK has sponsored me in the MINI CHALLENGE after supporting me in the Clio Cup. NGK is a massive global brand within motorsport and the general automotive world and it is great to have our relationship continue and I am really grateful for their support.”
 
Mark Hallam, Marketing Manager, NGK Spark Plugs said, “We are delighted to once again be supporting Max in the MINI CHALLENGE and together with the many thousands of our customers who are fans of the sport cannot wait to see him try to win the title.”

The 2021 MINI CHALLENGE season starts at Snetterton on June 12-13 with the second round hopefully allowing for a full resumption of spectator support as the UK starts to relax Covid restrictions. The championship will take in iconic circuits, Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Knockhill, Donington Park and Coates’ home circuit, Croft, during the 2021 season in which it remains as a support series to the BTCC events. It will be featured live on ITV4.