How do i go about entering the Mini Challenge, what are the costs and what license is required?

Unfortunately it has been reported that the John Cooper Works operation is closing in August. Since they built up the Challenge cars in the UK I would speculate that the future of that series is up in the air right now. Hopefully MINI will step up and find a way to continue it.

Good place to start: http://www.minichallenge.co.uk/index.php?option=com_staticxt&staticfile=contacts.php

There has been some clarification by Mike Cooper about the Works operation. The retail garage is closing but tuning development is to continue apparently for DIY installs. The Challenge cars were not explictly mentioned so I would assume no decision has been made. I thought his comments were incomplete at best, we'll just have to wait for an announcement about the Challenge.

I didn't think to ask about the Works cars for the challenge directly. I'll see what I can do.

Pre owned Challenge Coopers go for around £10000 i think if Keith and others are anything to go by. The big expense is running the car through the calender - try that amount again minimum for race entry, repairs, Hotel bills, fuel, tyres, more repairs etc :D. I know it costs over £20000 to have someone race prep and look after your car for a season. It was never a "cheap" novice series!

You would need to do your ARDS test, and get licence too. Ards test can be taken for around £200+ at a number of circuits, eg castle coombe i think.

From Mike Cooper:

"Regarding the MINI Challenge,this year the challenge is run by total track
As I understand they will continue for further years.
Total track will also arrange supply of new race cars for customers
I hope this helps"

Sounds like he didn't get the contract or it hasn't been decided.

MINI Challenge is £6k + Vat for entry fees alone. Then u need to buy/build a car. Or hire one.

The championship Coordinator is called Alan Maynard, his contact details will be on the challenge site.

You could do the Scottish cooper challenge;)

There are a few English drivers,an Irish driver but mostly Scottish drivers so as a Welshman you could represent your corner:)

Contact Vic Covey 07831514226

cheers John Barrie ex challenger;)

My Challenge car is up for sale(probably) .

If the price is right.

K

Please post all items for sale in the MINI2 Classifieds: http://www.mini2.com/classifieds/ (It's free).

Im still only 15 (16 in December) and Ive alwys wanted to do the Mini challenge. Cant wait to get some funding!!! Used to do karting until a year or so ago (that was as close as I could really get to the Mini driving/racing experience) until I got the Shogun and now go off-roading. Cant wait to be driving one, let alone racing one :D:D:P

How about MINI2 users funding a driver/car for a season?

My Challenge car is up for sale(probably) .

If the price is right.

K

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo :frown:

Bought an Enzo instead Keith? :D :biggrin:

Good results this year BTW (unless you dont think so :o ) some great pics on the JCW webby of you on 2 wheels :aargh: :biggrin:

2 years in MINI challenge now and feel like its time to move on .

No Enzo but might race Clio cup car in Britcars if MINI sold. However if not ...well you might see me in the MINI Challenge again. Maybe 3rd time lucky?

Still have JCW Cooper road car so I wont feel like an intruder on here.

K

How about MINI2 users funding a driver/car for a season?

OOOOhhhh now you`re talking. Might reconsider !!!!

If i win the Euromillions this week Keith your on my list matey don't worry :D

We'd happily brand one of our cars in MINI2 livery if MINI2 wanted to sponsor it...

Perhaps a collective shake of the MINI2 tin... There must be a few company MD's etc on here....

I've got my sponsorship proposal out at the moment and am in need of assistance if so!! Although its to run in the SEAT Cupra Championship...:(