Secures Star Billing
Next year, an all-new MINI Challenge will race at some of the UK’s biggest international race meetings including A1GP, DTM and the WTCC, on some of Europe’s most challenging race circuits, in a bespoke sixteen-race championship. The prize of an official test with BMW’s three-time World Touring Car Championship-winning team will be at stake for the winner.
The grid of 25 hopefuls will be racing MINI’s brand new 210bhp MINI John Cooper Works Challenge cars for the chance to win an official test in BMW’s all-conquering 320si WTCC touring car, overseen by the world’s most successful touring car driver, BMW Team UK driver, Andy Priaulx.
As well as enjoying the unique privilege of taking on the Brands Hatch GP circuit twice in a season, MINI Challenge competitors will also tackle the Nürburgring’s infamous Nordschleife when the grids of both the UK and German MINI Challenges come together for the circuit’s May 24Hr endurance race weekend. The MINI Challenge will also guest at Silverstone’s autumn 24Hr race meeting, where a re-match with the German grid is being considered.
Since the 30kg lighter, performance-enhanced 2008 Challenge car’s* unveiling at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, MINI has experienced many enquiries from aspiring tin-top drivers. The eagerly anticipated 2008 calendar announcement and the addition of this coveted touring car prize is set to see demand for places rocket.
Andy Hearn, MINI UK General Manager, is thrilled about the new series:
‘MINI racing has proven hugely popular in the UK since the John Cooper Challenge started in 2002. With the MINI Challenge’s continued participation in the Dunlop Great & British race package as well as this new series, there will be more MINIs than ever on UK circuits in 2008.’
The MINI Challenge will be run by Total Track, whose Managing Director, Paul Harvey is looking forward to MINIs running on the same bill as some of the biggest names in motor sport:
‘The MINI Challenge has always produced great racing action. We’re looking forward to putting our uniquely entertaining bumper-to-bumper racing under the noses of the country’s biggest motor sport crowds.’
Drivers looking to secure a place on the 2008 MINI Challenge grid and see the car in the flesh should contact Paul Harvey 07887594156 or paul@minichallenge.com.
The cost of entry for the 2008 MINI Challenge will be £8950 + VAT, and the MINI Challenge car is priced at €41930 + VAT.
* Overview of technical specification included in Notes to Editors
Provisional 2008 MINI CHALLENGE Calendar
30 Apr–3 May A1GP Brands Hatch GP 21–24 May 24Hr Race Meeting NürburgringJune/July tbc tbc 24–28 July WTCC Brands Hatch GP 3-6 August MINI Festival Donington 28-31 August DTM Brands Hatch, Indy 18-21 September 24Hr Race Meeting Silverstone GP 25-28 September MINI Festival Rockingham
MINI John Cooper Works Challenge car – Specification overviewKey characteristics of the new car include a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction. Performance figures are detailed below:
Power hp Torque Nm 0-62mph seconds Top speed mphMINI CHALLENGE 210 260** 6.1 149
**280Nm with Overboost
Power enhancements are at the core of the striking CHALLENGE car’s modifications. As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.
Numerous chassis and suspension tweaks add to what is a finely-tuned racing package. The new suspension system features adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed specifically for motor sport. A six-speed manual gearbox transmits power to 17" front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new racing tyres manufactured by Dunlop.
Body revisions based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, currently available from all MINI dealers, are key features of the CHALLENGE car’s set-up. To generate increased down-force at higher speeds, CHALLENGE car owners can expect a new adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler. The new braking system performs exceptionally. Large four-piston callipers mean the car can go from 62 – 0mph in just 3.1 seconds. A race-specific ABS configuration and an air-pressure elevating system complete the product modifications, which together equate to a vehicle 30kg lighter than the previous CHALLENGE car.
Safety measures perfect the array of MINI CHALLENGE car features. A roll cage welded firmly to the body of the car houses RECARO bucket seats combined with a six-point safety belt, along with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system used in Formula 1 cars.
