Race Calendar Resumes In October
The MINI challenge cars, which will resume racing in the Middle East's first one make car series in October, are to lead off the runners in the Grand Prix 5k Charity Run, at the Bahrain International Circuit on September 10th.
The charity event, supported by GOYS and whose principal sponsors include Batelco and Bison Energy Drink, will see runners from around the Kingdom navigating the track for charity.
The MINI Club Sport cars will commemorate the event with a lap of honour, followed by a lap in which they will lead the first group of runners round the track.
"We are proud to be involved in this event as it underlines our commitment to both motorsports and social responsibilities here in the Kingdom," said Zayed Al Zayani, Managing Director, Euro Motors - the exclusive importer for BMW Group cars and motorcycles in the Kingdom.
The MINI Challenge, organised by Euro Motors, will resume with the second race of the series on October 1st after a hugely successful debut.
"The first round of the MINI Challenge was a triumph for everyone involved and we are thrilled that the drivers could demonstrate their abilities in a safe and controlled environment," said Al Zayani. "By presenting the opportunity for amateur racing talents to participate in this motor sports programme, Euro Motors aspires to demonstrate the importance of safe and responsible driving. "
Euro Motors commitment to the MINI Challenge extends the BMW importer's involvement in sport in Bahrain.
"Euro Motors takes pride in promoting both MINI Challenge, the first event of its kind in the region and another first for motorsport in Bahrain, and in its support of local sportsmen. It is part of our on-going commitment to encourage and further promote the youth activities conducted within the Kingdom of Bahrain," said Al Zayani.
The 'MINI Club Sport' Edition, a modified racing version of the MINI Cooper, features an FIA-approved roll cage, a racing seat with five point racing harness, a fire extinguisher and both external and internal electronic and fuel safety cut-off switches. The car also comes with up-rated brakes and a lowered and stiffened suspension, with up-rated dampers and springs, to ensure optimum handling under both road and race conditions.
The 'MINI Club Sport' is converted by the renowned John Cooper Garages in the UK, which have over 40 years of motorsport experience. Featuring a standard 115 bhp MINI Cooper, 4-cylinder engine with 1.6 litre displacement, the conversion has been designed to be a dual-purpose car satisfying the requirements of both daily road use and competitive motorsports.
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History of the MINI Challenge
Back in the 50's and 60's, many privately owned Cooper racing cars competing in Formula One were driven by self-funded independents knows as "privateers".
The late John Cooper, racer and owner of Cooper Car company which later became the John Cooper Works brand name and company, worked in the mid 50's to develop this concept and take it further into the future.
He created, with his team, the rear-engine Formula 2 car with a large 2-liter engine. The Cooper Car Company won consecutive F1 Constructors World Championships in 1959 and 1960 with drivers, Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
In the 60's and 70's privateers were racing with MINI Coopers designed by John Cooper Works. From there the work continued and in the 1990's John Cooper Works was asked to work on the new MINI project, which would ultimately replace the classic car and carry the Cooper brand into the Millennium. John Cooper Works decided to commence work on production of an engine conversion and chassis enhancements for the new MINI Cooper.
Michael Cooper conceived the idea of the MINI Challenge in memory of his father John as a one-make challenge series placing the Cooper name firmly back on the motor sport calendar.
For further information, please contact:
Sam Dulka,
Action Bahrain
Tel: +973 3 996 8806;
Email: sam@mcsaction.com
© Press Release 2004
