MINI Challenge driver Brendan Cook has the unique opportunity of celebrating his 50th race in the national series by firing the #25 MINI R56 racecar around his old party playground of Surfers Paradise for the Armor All 600 this weekend.
Cook is now one of only two MINI Challenge competitors to achieve the half century of races in the series, with veteran Paul Stokell the only other driver amassing more races since the category came to fruition in 2008.
The now Brisbane-based Cook currently lies 6th in the official Hertz MINI Challenge – delivered by Pizza Capers Championship standings as is poised to showcase his sporting talents back on familiar ground. Cookie represented the Gold Coast in Rugby League, Surf Life Saving, Athletics and Bike Racing and now will be hoping to add a MINI Challenge trophy to his list of GC achievements.
During his youth Cookie attended Aquinas Collage in Ashmore – some 5 kilometres from the Surfers Paradise street circuit and a school that surrounded the youngster with all forms of sport.
"I have the fondest memories of Aquinas Collage, the teachers and the opportunities they gave me I will be forever grateful, growing up on the Gold Coast was fantastic, the beaches and the support I received in all my sports was second to none." Commented the local.
This will be Cookie’s second outing to the beachside track, only this time it will be an all-new affair with the revamped 2.96 kilometre circuit design. His first time out in 2009 driving the MINI R56 was, unfortunately, not the ideal result he was hoping for.
"I had a good start to last year’s event, but just as we were getting to grips with the track and car set-up, a little weather man [Seven’s Sunrise Weatherman Grant Denyer] with a big ego taped the rear of my car and sent me into the wall on the back straight. The worst part of the whole thing was at the drivers briefing all drivers were told to give way to the lead drivers at that section of the track, I got a bill for $15k and nothing was ever said about it, rules for some hey! But we digress."
This weekend Cook’s major sponsors Transquip Hire will be viewing all 3 races from the MINI Challenge corporate veranda as they watch the number 25 car showcase its phenomenal speed around the high energy circuit.
"The team and I have been hard at work since Phillip Island playing with the setup of the car. Testing at Queensland Raceway has been furious with help from Paul Stokell [2009 MINI Challenge Champion] and David Russell. All I need to find is a second but it’s hard to find it at this level of racing, the cars are so evenly matched in this one-make series that you have to be right on your game, qualify well and have the car setup just right." Cook said.
To catch Cookie and all the MINI Challenge action at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 be on track for Qualifying at 13.05 this Friday before Race one at 17.10 where the men are separated from the boys and the action packed, pocket rockets kick the Gold Coat 600 into gear.
