Kent based Bitcoin Racing will make its debut in the Vertu MINI CHALLENGE this season after confirming plans to join the grid in the headline JCW class.

The Kent-based team will run a single car for series rookie Chris Mackenzie as it embarks on its most ambitious race programme to date, having spent the past three seasons competing in the BRSCC City Car Cup.

Mackenzie made the move into car racing for the first time in 2016 in the Fiesta Junior Championship, finishing eleventh in the standings in a field that included future MINI CHALLENGE race winner Jack Davidson as well as TCR UK champion Lewis Kent.

Following the foundation of the family-run Bitcoin Racing squad, Mackenzie joined the City Car Cup for the 2021 campaign, with his best season coming a year later when he battled his way to fifth in the standings.

Having again finished inside the top ten last season, Mackenzie will now swap the 70hp Citroen C1 he has raced for three years for a MINI CHALLENGE JCW with more than three times as much power.

The 24-year-old has already had the opportunity to sample his new car for the first time with pre-season testing having kicked off at Brands Hatch, with his – and the team’s – debut coming at Donington Park in late April.

“Making the move up into the MINI CHALLENGE – and going into the JCW class – is a substantial step up for both myself and the team from the City Car Cup,” he said.

“However, I’m really excited about the possibility of seizing this opportunity with both hands, and furthering my skills in such a high-profile and prestigious series.

“Obviously I want to try and get the best results possible, but I’m also determined to make my family, sponsors and the whole bitcoin community proud!”