Next year, an all-new Mini Challenge will race at some of the UK’s biggest international race meetings including A1GP, DTM and the WTCC, on some of Europe’s most challenging race circuits, in a bespoke sixteen-race championship. The prize of an official test with BMW’s three-time World Touring Car Championship-winning team will be at stake for the winner.

The grid of 25 hopefuls will be racing MINI’s brand new 210bhp Mini John Cooper Works Challenge cars for the chance to win an official test in BMW’s all-conquering 320si WTCC touring car, overseen by the world’s most successful touring car driver, BMW Team UK driver, Andy Priaulx.

As well as enjoying the unique privilege of taking on the Brands Hatch GP circuit twice in a season, Mini Challenge competitors will also tackle the Nürburgring’s infamous Nordschleife when the grids of both the UK and German Mini Challenges come together for the circuit’s May 24Hr endurance race weekend. The Mini Challenge will also guest at Silverstone’s autumn 24Hr race meeting, where a re-match with the German grid is being considered.

Since the 30kg lighter, performance-enhanced 2008 Challenge car’s* unveiling at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Mini has experienced many enquiries from aspiring tin-top drivers. The eagerly anticipated 2008 calendar announcement and the addition of this coveted touring car prize is set to see demand for places rocket.

Andy Hearn, Mini UK General Manager, is thrilled about the new series:

‘MINI racing has proven hugely popular in the UK since the John Cooper Challenge started in 2002. With the Mini Challenge’s continued participation in the Dunlop Great & British race package as well as this new series, there will be more MINIs than ever on UK circuits in 2008.’

The Mini Challenge will be run by Total Track, whose Managing Director, Paul Harvey is looking forward to MINIs running on the same bill as some of the biggest names in motor sport:

‘The Mini Challenge has always produced great racing action. We’re looking forward to putting our uniquely entertaining bumper-to-bumper racing under the noses of the country’s biggest motor sport crowds.’

Drivers looking to secure a place on the 2008 Mini Challenge grid and see the car in the flesh should contact Paul Harvey 07887594156 or paul@minichallenge.com.

The cost of entry for the 2008 Mini Challenge will be £8950 + VAT, and the Mini Challenge car is priced at €41930 + VAT.