MINI Challenge – try before you buy!

The organisers of the Australian MINI Challenge have come up with one pretty cool idea. It’s a try before you buy scheme that enables prospective racers an opportunity to drive one of the JCW racecars with current team owners present to offer advice and answer questions.

There will be three dates on offer, taking place along the eastern seaboard towards the end of this month. The MINI Challenge roadshow will be stopping in at Melbourne—Sandown, Sunday 20 September; Sydney—Oran Park, Thursday 24 September; and Brisbane—Queensland Raceway, Friday 25 September.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to show off what these cars are really capable of,” says Chris Brown, Marketing Manager of MINI, “we’re confident that when someone gets in and has a real go they’ll be keen to step it up and go racing in the MINI Challenge. It’s that simple.”

Applicants need to apply for one of the three test sessions by 5pm this Friday, full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

A reminder, too, for MINI Challenge fans to check their local guides for television coverage of this weekend’s round of racing from Phillip Island. The usual three race format will take place with one race live on Channel 7 this Sunday, with a highlights package to follow next weekend.

MINI Challenge Announces New MINI Roadshow

Organisers of the MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers, have announced an exciting new opportunity for prospective series racers.

Drivers can now get behind the wheel and try before they buy, or effectively pace before they race!

Following this weekend’s Phillip Island round, MINI Challenge will be conducting the 2009 MINI Challenge Road Show.

The road show will consist of three consecutive half-day events at Sandown Raceway, Oran Park and Queensland Raceway respectively.

At each of these venues prospective drivers not currently involved in the series will be given an opportunity to sample the category first hand by test driving one of three MINI Challenge race cars.

Each day will commence with invited drivers and team owners arriving and signing in from 12:30pm, followed by a short introduction presentation at 1:00pm.

Test drives will commence at 1:30pm and will continue through the afternoon until approx 4:30pm. Light refreshment will be available for all guests throughout the course of the afternoon.

Prospective drivers and/or team owners that may benefit from attending the event should email Craig Nayda (craignayda@spherix.com.au) their relevant contact details along with a brief explanation of their motorsport history before 5pm Friday 11th September.

The purpose of the road show is to introduce the category to several prospective new competitors and team owners whilst also potentially securing new owners for some of the remaining MINI Challenge race cars.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to show off what these cars are really capable of,” says Chris Brown – Marketing Manager of MINI, “we’re confident that when someone gets in and has a real go they’ll be keen to step it up and go racing in the MINI Challenge. It’s that simple.”

All current drivers and team owners are encouraged to attend their local event and mingle with the invited guests as a show of support and also add some words of experience.

Apart from helping to promote the category, teams may also benefit from their involvement in the day by potentially being introduced to prospective competitors looking to align themselves with an existing team.

It’s a win-win for all concerned.

“We see this as a great opportunity for prospective series or even round entrants who have been thinking about racing with us in 2010. There’s now the perfect opportunity to come out and effectively test-drive the R56 JCW Racecar! We’re about to announce an exciting 2010 series schedule as a V8 Supercar support category and a great television package on Network Seven,” says MINI Challenge Category Rights Management agency (Toleman Motorsport) Principal Ted Toleman, “this will really whet your appetite.”

Dates

• VIC, Sunday September 20 – Sandown Raceway
• NSW, Thursday September 24 – Oran Park
• QLD, Friday September 25 – QLD Raceway

Please visit www.minichallenge.com.au for more information on the series!