MINI Challenge 2009

3rd July 2009

Twin Driver Format Attracts Power Pairings And Single Assaults For Townsville Dunlop 400 - Australia
 
2009 The new twin driver format for the third round of the 2009 MINI Challenge at the Dunlop Townsville 400 on July 10-12 has lured a number of powerful pairings and even new single driver assaults for the historic event.

At least two two-car teams have already formed with Brendan Cook from Queensland and West Aussie Paul Fiore joining forces in the Motorline MINI Garage prepped Transquip Hire machine and father and son Michael and David Stillwell piloting the Bib Stillwell MINI Garage car. Paul Fiore returns to the fold after a stout 2008 campaign in the Shell Helix Greg Murphy Racing machine to team up with second year runner Brendan Cook.

"I'm pleased to bring Paul back into the fold," admits the sponsor conscious Cook, "he finished third in the series last year and I know we'll race well together. I'm keen as to get out there." Another pairing is that of 2009 MINI Challenge livewire racer David Stillwell and his long time racing and Motorsport supporting Dad Michael. "Dad retired from active duty last year," admits David, "but the Townsville opportunity was too good too pass up. I'm really looking forward to pairing up with him."

 Todd Wanless takes to the track for Townsville for his first MINI appearance in 2009 in the second of the Motorline MINI Garage cars - the one driven by V8 Supercar hot prospect Jonathan Webb at Symmons Plains for Round Two. "The cars are fantastic. They're really surprising. I did some testing in both the Motorline cars last week and they're basically identical, I don't think there's any one-make series on the planet where the cars are so even. The brakes are unbelievable, you can really have a good go into the turns," Wanless grins.

Wanless is nothing if not a versatile steerer in the world of Motorsport - his resume includes V8 Supercars, NASCAR, Sprintcars, Speedcars (he won an Australian Championship like his father Ron) and four rounds of MINI Challenge in its debut year of 2008.

"The Townsville layout has everyone talking, with many saying that the John Cooper Works MINI racecars will be well suited to the circuit and I don't doubt that for a minute," continues Todd, "I'm a proud Queenslander and this event in Townsville is a great event for Queensland. I'm pleased that I'll be racing in it." So is this the start of more MINI Challenge events for Wanless? "I hope so. The reality is I'm pretty busy but I'd like to do a few more rounds if I can fit them in. The MINI Challenge rocks."

The 2009 MINI Challenge coincides with the 50thanniversary of MINI in Australia.

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