The MINI JCW Team, looking to build continued success on their strong second-place finish in last year’s grand finale at Road Atlanta, has added new drivers and a third car for the 2016 edition of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. The Team is excited that the new additions, coupled with the return of last year’s team members, and three solid days of testing at the Roar Before the 24, will give them a winning formula for more podium finishes in 2016.

Returning Drivers

The good news for all MINI JCW fans is that Mat Pombo and Derek Jones, the duo who brought MINI JCW its first podium finish at Road Atlanta last year will return in MINI JCW #73—and this time they will be back in the car for the entire season of CTSCC battles. Both Mat and Derek are experienced and very quick—undoubtedly they will bring the MINI fans much excitement during the new racing season. In addition, the Team will be announcing a title sponsor for MINI JCW #73 in the near future.

Also back with the Team will be Ramin Abdolvahabi, who drove MINI #52 during the last half of 2015. Ramin showed consistency and speed in his driving stints, worthy accomplishments for someone who first drove at this level of competition only two years ago. Ramin’s continued improvement will be a big plus for the MINI JCW Team in 2016.

New Drivers

James Vance will be joining the MINI JCW Team in 2016. James is a very quick, young driver from the U.K. by way of Canada. He drove Karts for seven years and competed in SCCA Mazda MX-5 Cup in 2013 with best finishes of second at Road Atlanta and fourth at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. In 2014, James drove a Porsche Cayman in the CTSCC. He is an up and coming young driver who will add to MINI JCW Team’s success.

Additional driver announcements and the driver lineups will be made before the season’s first race at Daytona International Speedway on January 29, 2016.