MINI John Cooper Works returns to the 24h race at the Nürburgring.

The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is considered to be the ultimate endurance test for human and machine. This year, a MINI John Cooper Works will compete in the 50^th edition of the high-speed showdown taking place from 26-29 May at the 25.378 kilometre circuit, consisting of the Grand Prix circuit and legendary Nordschleife.

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 4-cylinder turbo engine known from the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with 225 kW/306 hp and a 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 specially developed racing cage 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 3 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.

Ends

The BMW Group

  With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

  In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a workforce of 118,909 employees.

  The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.

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MINI Press Office Contacts:

Georgina Cox
MINI Media Relations Manager
Tel: 07815 370878
Email: Georgina.Cox@mini.co.uk

Emma Begley
General Manager, Product and Internal Communications
Tel: 07815 371062
Email: Emma.Begley@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs
Corporate Communications Director
Tel: 07815 376867
Email: Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

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