The Season Ahead
Australia's Team MINI will also contest a variety of competitive events from regularity runs to tarmac rallies during 2006. A circuit race before the end of the year should not be ruled out either!
Team MINI will contest the remaining Alphera Dutton tarmac rallies in Queensland (July) and Victoria (September), Targa West in WA and the Mt Buller Sprint in November. Also under consideration are rounds of the Australian Production Car Championship and the Winton 6-Hour relay event.
The three team MINI cars are identical 154kW MINI Cooper S hardtops equipped with factory fitted John Cooper Works Tuning Kits. Both the brake and suspension packages have been upgraded to the 'MINI CHALLENGE' specification.
Follow Team MINI's progress at motorsport events during 2006 by visiting CarPoint regularly. Links below to event news
MINI's Motorsport Tradition
MINI has chosen 2006 for its to return to competition for a good reason.
In 1966, the mighty Mini Cooper S won Bathurst and filled the top nine places. A feat that remains unbeaten in 40 years. Since 1966, no other naturally-aspirated four-cylinder vehicle has won the race.
"MINI is delighted to be returning to motorsport in Australia," said Justin Hocevar, National Manager, MINI. "It is especially fitting that we celebrate 40 years since arguably the most dominant victory ever at Bathurst, where Mini Cooper S cars filled the first nine places.
"Kicking off our 2006 motorsport campaign at Targa Tasmania is a perfect fit for the feisty nature of the modern MINI Cooper S. Just as at Bathurst in 1966, we will be up against some of the giants of international motorsport, but you can be sure MINI will pour its heart and soul into the effort, not to mention a dash of its typically cheekiness to spice things up. As usual, we expect big things from Team MINI," said Justin.
In typical MINI style, the Team MINI entries will be piloted and navigated by a diverse array of drivers, which is likely to change from event to event. Spectators can be assured of one thing; Team MINI will deliver plenty of reasons to cheer all year long.