and crowns it’s first world champion

MINI is adding another exciting event to 2005’s growing list of great motoring adventures. MINI United will join the ranks of Le Mans, the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monaco when the first international MINI festival takes place in Italy from 28 to 30 October 2005. MINI United is three days of MINI action based around the Santa Monica racetrack in Misano, south of Rimini, that is set to attract MINI owners and fans from around the globe.

The focus of the festival will be the grand final of the 2005 John Cooper Challenge (JCC) where the top drivers from the national championships will compete against each other in fully-kitted out John Cooper Works MINI Cooper S’. The UK has four of the 20 spaces on the grid, and will be competing against drivers from ten other countries including the USA, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, and Bahrain. Competitors will take part in karting, slalom, racing and off-road challenges to find the inaugural JCC world champion.

MINI owners will also get the change to drive on the track and experience a few fast laps with the professionals. Other highlights include a MINI market featuring every accessory to personalise your car, live music, cinema, dance tent, helicopter rides, design workshops, sport competitions, and all a 15 walk from the mud-less Italian coastline.

More information and registration details are on the international MINI website www.mini.com/MINIunited. Registration costs 30 Euros, but this is reimbursed in food vouchers to spend over the weekend.

From July, the website will offer advice on accommodation and host a forum to aid lift shares and convoys. MINI fans from as far as America and Japan have already registered for the trip to Italy. The drive from London is approximately 1000 miles.

Information: MINI Press