The biggest calendar in MINI Challenge history has just been announced, which will see the Series stake claim on eight major events on the 2010 V8 Supercar Calendar including four major street races, including the internationally acclaimed Australian Grand Prix.

Ted Toleman, Category Manager, MINI Challenge Australia, is delighted with the exceptional race schedule and is looking forward to being a part of some great events in 2010.

“As MINI Challenge enters its third year of competition in Australia, we look forward to a fantastic 2010.

“Our current teams and drivers are ecstatic about competing at these premier motor racing events as they represent the pinnacle of Australian motor sport  venues and they allow for exhilarating door-handle to door handle racing. A sure recipe for satisfied fans.

“We are committed to continually growing and improving the category for teams, drivers and fans, and securing these high profile rounds either in, or in close proximity to major capital cities is an important step in the process. We have much more in store for this year, and with the continued commitment and support of MINI, we are confident that MINI Challenge will continue to be an exciting, high profile category,” said Toleman.

“In 2010 we are reducing the Teams Fees to further improve the attractiveness of the category; along with a substantial television package this will encourage more entries and dial up the excitement of this single make category.  Already renowned for being the perfect platform for drivers to test their skills in the BMW Group prepared MINI Challenge race cars. ” said Toleman.

Street circuits are plentiful in 2010 and MINI will kick-start their year at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, which will be their inaugural appearance at the event.

They will then head to the streets of Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix before they race around the 3.12 km circuit for the first time at QLD Raceway.

The halfway point for the Series will take place at the Armor All Townsville 400 and then the Series will make a return to the spectacular Philip Island track for the L& H 500.

Round 6 is scheduled for the Surfers Paradise, Super GP, however like all other categories are awaiting confirmation.

The penultimate round will be at the Norton 400 at Sandown Raceway and then to the Sydney Telstra 500 for the Grand Finale.

2010 MINI Challenge Calendar:

 Rnd/  Date/  Event/  Circuit 1  11 – 14 Mar    Clipsal 500  Adelaide Parklands 2  25 – 28 Mar            Australian Grand Prix  Albert Park, VIC 3  30  Apr  – 2 May     QLD Raceway QLD Raceway, QLD 4   9 – 11 Jul          Armor All Townsville 400   Townsville, QLD 5  10 – 12 Sep  L&H Phillip Island 500  Phillip Island, VIC 6  21 – 24 Oct   Super GP (TBC)  Surfers Paradise, QLD 7  19 – 21 Nov  Norton 360 Sandown Challenge   Sandown, VIC 8  3 – 5 Dec   Sydney Telstra 500   Sydney Olympic Park, NSW