SPEEDWORKS ANNOUNCED RISING STARS FOR 2026 FIESTA JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Speedworks Motorsport is delighted to confirm the selection of five exceptionally talented young drivers to compete in the 2026 BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship under its “Rising Stars” driver-development programme. In no particular order, the drivers are:
Max Fenton
Benjy Douglas
Daniel Hartley
Lewis Islin
Eden Spanswick
Together, this group marks the next wave of emerging talent selected to drive for Speedworks
in one of Britain’s most competitive junior tin-top series.
Unprecedented Interest in the Rising Stars Programme
The announcement follows an extraordinary level of interest in the 2026 Speedworks Rising Star intake, with over 85 expressions of interest received for just a handful of available places. This overwhelming response highlights the strength of the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championship as a platform and underlines the reputation of Speedworks Motorsport as one of the UK’s leading driver development teams.
“We’ve been absolutely blown away by the number of young drivers and families who reached out
about the Rising Stars programme,” said Danny Buxton, Speedworks Head of Motorsport.
“To see over 85 expressions of interest for our 2026 intake is incredible — it shows just how
much appetite there is for a structured, professional route into professional racing. We’re proud
of what the Fiesta Junior Championship has become and even prouder that Speedworks can
play such a key role in shaping the future of young British talent.”
The Rising Stars
Max Fenton
After a promising karting career, Max stepped into the Fiesta Junior category at the beginning of the current season, showing plenty of raw pace and huge potential ahead of an exciting 2026. His race-craft is exemplary and with a few tweaks through the winter, will be one to watch next season.
Benjy Douglas
Benjy Douglas is an exciting young prospect in British junior motorsport — combining natural pace, determination, and technical understanding with a mature approach to racing. After developing his skills through online racing, grassroots karting and club-level competition, Benjy now steps into the Rising Stars spotlight, with several excellent performances in 2025.
Daniel Hartley
A driver just out of karting, who combines technical understanding with composure behind the wheel. Daniel has demonstrated a strong work-ethic, attention to data and a mature approach beyond his years, making him a great fit for the Rising Star programme.
Lewis Islin
Lewis comes into the team having turned heads winning the Fiesta Junior Scholarship ahead of the 2025 season. With his blend of raw speed, consistency and a winner’s mindset. His trajectory and professional presentation mark him out as a clear contender for future titles.
Eden Spanswick
Eden is already showing the attributes of a future front-runner with his podium finishes in the FJC. Having made a huge step forward in 2025, and with some winter development both on and off the track; Eden will be looking to add many more visits to the rostrum next season.
The Rising Stars Programme – Structure & Commitment
Speedworks is proud to deliver a comprehensive driver development framework designed to prepare young racers for the transition to professional touring-car and GT competition. The programme includes:
Integration with Speedworks’ engineering, data-analysis resources — the same professional infrastructure that underpins our front-line campaigns.
Structured coaching covering race-craft, vehicle setup, fitness, media and sponsorship communication.
Simulator tracking, on-track testing, performance review cycles and a year-round training plan — not just race weekends.
Support for drivers and their families around career planning, education balance, sponsor
engagement and brand development.
As announced, the Fiesta Junior Championship becomes the home of Speedworks’ Junior Team from 2026, providing a direct pathway from grassroots racing into the professional tin-top and GT world.
Paul McErlean, BRSCC Chief Operating Officer said: “The Fiesta Junior Championship has established itself as a leading programme for young drivers beginning their professional car racing careers, and the addition of the Speedworks Motorsport ‘Rising Stars’ programme further enhances what the paddock has to offer. We’re pleased to see the 2026 line-up confirmed and look forward to another strong year of competition.“
