Round 1 – Donington Park | MINI CHALLENGE JCW Sport

The 2026 MINI CHALLENGE JCW Sport season burst into life at Donington Park on the BTCC stage, with packed grandstands, a busy paddock and live ITV4 coverage.

For Alfie Garford (#88) and Murray Richardson (#8), this marked a major step up into JCW Sport. Across the weekend, both drivers delivered — combining outright performance at the front with rapid development and consistency.

BUILD-UP

Garford arrived with momentum following a championship-winning season, targeting an immediate impact at the front of the field. Alongside him, Richardson entered the weekend focused on learning quickly and building confidence in a highly competitive class.

The objective was clear — deliver results while maximising progression — and both drivers executed their roles perfectly.

QUALIFYING – FRONT ROW LOCKOUT

Both drivers delivered standout performances in qualifying. Richardson impressed with a composed and precise lap to secure a front-row start in his first JCW Sport session, immediately establishing himself at the sharp end.

Garford then went one better, committing to a high-attack lap to secure pole position, completing a Wera Alliance front row lockout and putting the team firmly in control heading into Race 1.

RACE 1 – STRONG START ON BOTH FRONTS

Garford converted pole position into a controlled lights-to-flag victory, managing the race from the front with precision, pace and composure. Behind, Richardson delivered an equally important performance, handling the pressure of a debut race start, maintaining position and racing intelligently to secure a strong points finish.

While Garford set the benchmark at the front, Richardson laid the foundation for his weekend with a clean, confident and disciplined drive.

RACE 2 – CONSISTENCY AND PROGRESSION

Race 2 saw both drivers build on their Race 1 performances. Garford remained clinical at the front, absorbing pressure and delivering another controlled drive to secure his second victory of the weekend.

Richardson showed clear progression, becoming more confident in wheel-to-wheel situations and reducing the gap to the leading group. His increased pace and assertiveness highlighted how quickly he was adapting to the demands of JCW Sport.Together, the pair demonstrated both ends of the performance spectrum — winning pace and rapid development.

RACE 3 – COMPLETE TEAM PERFORMANCE

With the reverse grid in play, Race 3 demanded patience and racecraft. Garford delivered both, working methodically through the field to complete a perfect three wins from three races — a flawless debut weekend.

Richardson capped off his weekend with his strongest drive yet, combining confidence and consistency to secure another solid finish. Fully settled into the car, his performance underlined a steep and impressive learning curve.

The final race encapsulated the weekend — dominance at the front and clear progression just behind it.

DRIVER COMMENTS

“To come into JCW Sport and take three wins is unreal. The team gave me a mega car all weekend and we executed everything perfectly.” – Alfie Garford

“Massive step up this weekend. I improved every session and by the final race I felt confident pushing properly. A strong base to build from.” – Murray Richardson

TEAM PRINCIPAL – PETE OSBORNE

“This has been an excellent opening weekend for the team. Alfie has delivered exactly what we know he’s capable of — fast, composed and clinical at the front.

But just as importantly, Murray’s progression has been extremely impressive. To come into a new class and improve every time he went out, while delivering consistent results, shows real quality.
What we’ve seen this weekend is the balance we want — performance and progression. That puts us in a very strong position moving forward.”

SUMMARY

Garford: 3 wins from 3 races — perfect debut.
Richardson: Front row start, consistent finishes and rapid improvement.
A complete team performance combining immediate success and long-term potential.

NEXT ROUND – BRANDS HATCH
Round 2 takes place at Brands Hatch (May 8–10), where both drivers will look to build on a strong opening weekend.