Nürburg/Munich. The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring
is considered to be the ultimate endurance test for man and machine.
The 50th edition of the high-speed showdown will take place this year
from 26 to 29 May on the 25.378 kilometre circuit consisting of the
Grand Prix circuit and the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring
with a MINI John Cooper Works competing.
In September last year, the project was launched at Bulldog Racing in
the Eifel region, just a few metres away from the Nordschleife. The
base vehicle is a MINI John Cooper Works with the four-cylinder turbo
engine known from the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John
Cooper Works Countryman with 225 kW and maximum torque of 450 Nm. The
8-speed Steptronic gearbox taken from large-series-production
featuring an integrated, mechanical differential lock with a locking
effect of up to 70% ensures that the drive torque is converted into
thrilling performance without any losses.
Racing modifications
For racing purposes, the following modifications were made to the
standard MINI John Cooper Works, which go beyond SP3T class regulations:
- A racing cage specially developed for this model was installed.
- The fuel tank volume was increased to 100 litres.
- Far-reaching interventions in the aerodynamics, including an
adjustable rear wing, a completely covered underbody, a rear
diffuser and front splitter were made.
- Weight was consistently reduced, e.g. by using Makrolon® window panes.
- A model-specific racing suspension with adjustable rebound and
compression damping was fitted.
- All moving chassis and suspension parts were replaced with
reinforced Uniball bearings
- A pneumatic lifting unit was installed.
- The sports exhaust system was adapted with a racing catalytic converter.
- Original BMW M Performance brake components were installed.
MINI in motorsport
Pat Moss made motorsport history in 1962, scoring the first
international rally victory for MINI at the Tulip Rally. Her victory
marked the beginning of the Classic Mini's unique success story in
rally sport, with three overall Monte Carlo Rally wins in 1964 (Paddy
Hopkirk), 1965 (Timo Mäkinen) and 1967 (Rauno Aaltonen).
This string of successes included six overall Dakar Rally victories
in 2012 (Leonid Novitskiy), 2013 (Stéphane Peterhansel), 2014 (Nani
Roma), 2015 (Nasser Al-Attiyah), 2020 (Carlos Sainz Sr.) and 2021
(Stéphane Peterhansel).
The MINI John Cooper Works racing car "Made in Nürburg"
pays homage to the racing tradition of the MINI brand in the classic
colour scheme of the 1960s racing cars in red / white.
High-speed schedule
Only seven months passed between the start of the project and the
roll-out at the end of March 2022. In the coming weeks and until the
start of the 24h race, further tests are scheduled on the Nordschleife
of the Nürburgring and at the BMW Group testing centre in Miramas in
southern France. Located between Marseille and Avignon, the former
race track offers the best conditions for extensive testing and
optimisation under a wide range of conditions. The chassis of the MINI
John Cooper Works racing car is subjected to an extensive and varied
test programme there. Friedhelm Thelen, Nürburgring expert and team
boss of Bulldog Racing, knows how important comprehensive testing is
before a race: "The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring puts all
components of the vehicle under extreme stress. That's why we're
delighted to be able to use the BMW Group Test Centre to put the John
Cooper Works through its paces there."
The BMW Group has been testing new models and innovative chassis
technology at the Miramas test grounds since 1986.
The driver line-up and the further race programme for 2022 will be
announced at a later date.
In case of queries, please contact:
Press and Public Relations
Bulldog Racing Team
E-mail press@bulldog-racing.com
Andreas Lampka, Head of Communications MINI
E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com