Zelos crowned 2021 Mini Challenge champion

Davanti Tyres-backed Dan Zelos has been crowned the 2021 Mini Challenge champion.

After a tense final weekend at Brands Hatch, Zelos made it happen and went on to secure a hat-trick of titles in the single-make British Touring Car Championship support series.

Entering the final with just a four-point margin due to persistent engine issues at Donington Park, the talented Norfolk ace had a tough start to the weekend, but was full of determination and bravery, as he climbed from ninth to fifth in race one, securing a one-point lead going into the final race day.

After a successful second race, passing Sam Weller for fourth at Westfield before holding off Max Coates all the way to the finish line, there were just three points standing between Zelos and the championship win.

It was a tense final race right to the chequered flag, but after a rise from fourth to third going into the penultimate tour and a last minute snatch of second place from Jack Davidson on the finish line, Zelos took the title.

“What a rollercoaster ride!” reflected Zelos. “It hasn’t sunk in yet what we’ve achieved. Just racing in cars was a dream for me growing up, and even after we started to live that dream, I still always felt like the underdog. To now be the one lifting the big trophy is crazy.

“I started to well up inside my helmet after taking the flag, and having everybody there supporting me – my family, friends, sponsors and customers from work – made it even more special.’’

The excitement doesn’t end there for the Mini Challenge Champion. Dan has been shortlisted for the inaugural Motorsport News National Racing Driver of the Year award, featuring alongside some of the best touring car, GT and F4 drivers in British racing.

Motorsport News has launched this award to recognise the national-level drivers whose outstanding performances have not only put them on the road to victory, but have delighted autosport fans with their drama and bravery.

Whether Dan wins is down to you. You can vote online by simply clicking on Dan’s image, with results announced on November 11.