Castrol MINI John Cooper Works in championship contention

The Castrol MINI John Cooper Works team of Gavin Cronje and Lee Thompson tackle the ninth and final round of the Bridgestone Production Car Class T Championship at Kyalami this weekend as the only team that can still challenge current leader Graeme Nathan for the title.

It’s been an impressive season for the two MINIs, which have accumulated 10 race wins and 22 top-three finishes between them. Cronje, with six wins and 14 podiums, is second in the title chase, 25 points behind championship leader Graeme Nathan. With a maximum of 46 on offer this weekend, he is the only other driver who can overtake Nathan. Thompson has four wins and eight podiums to his credit and, although out of contention in fifth place, will hope to play a major role in assisting his team-mate to win the championship.

“We go to Kyalami with the sole objective of coming home with the championship,” said Cronje. “This is our best shot at the title and we’ll be giving it a full go this weekend. My team-mate’s support has been relentless and I’m sure he will have his hand in helping me achieve the team’s goal. We aim to put MINI on top again!”

Thompson has not enjoyed the best of luck this season, but has always responded positively after setbacks – like in Cape Town in the penultimate round where he won both sprint races after failing to score in two of the three races at Zwartkops Raceway in the previous round.

“Yes, we’ve had our frustrations this season, but we’ve also had some great results and I’m looking forward to doing my bit for the team on Saturday,” said Thompson.

Team principal Donovan van Heerden is full of praise for his charges: “Gavin and Lee have done everything we’ve asked of them this season and the results have shown this. The MINI has proved to be a consistent race winner and as a result we’re still in contention for the title. We can’t afford to make any mistakes this weekend and the whole team is putting every effort into backing Gavin for the win.”

In addition to principal sponsor Castrol, the team enjoys backing from MINI John Cooper Works, Endless Brake Pads, EPS Courier Services, Akrapovic Exhaust Systems, Powerbrake and Monster Energy.

Ends

For more information on MINI Motorsport, please contact Mr. Edward Makwana, Manager: Automotive Communications at BMW Group South Africa Edward.Makwana@bmw.co.za or visit http://www.mini.co.za.

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