MINI To Porsche: Bring It.

The race is on! MINI has challenged Porsche to a race to take place on Monday, June 21. Are they serious?

“Porsche has the most racing victories of any manufacturer out there — 28,000 and counting — maybe we should go for 28,001,” says Steve Janisse, Porsche’s Media Relations Manager. “We just need to see what they’re up to.”

They, they being MINI, are serious. Here is what they wrote to Porsche in a recent ad:

BRING IT, PORSCHE.

Dear Porsche,

You’ve got a pedigree. A cachet. And lots of owners with pastel sweaters draped over their shoulders. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Your legendary handling and performance might make some speechless, but we’re not intimidated. Because we’re tired of Porsche always getting the best valet parking spots, right out in front of the restaurant. And we want to race you for them. That’s right. Porsche against MINI. Mano a mano. For the whole world to see. So, come on, it’ll be fun. After all, rumor has it you’ve got some muscle under that fancy sheet metal. Why don’t you come out and flex it.

See you there, MINI.

Jim McDowell, current MINI USA President, was formerly with Porsche and apparently has an axe to grind. So he sent Detlev von Platen, the President of Porsche USA, to meet him on “Road Atlanta” on June 21 and to bring the drivers of his choice. And if McDowell loses, he has pledged to wear a shirt that says Porsche is faster than MINI.

If you want to see the race you can go to the MINI Facebook page and sign the petition.

Hmmm… the MINI Cooper’s 172 horsepower vs. the Porsche 911 Carerra S’ 385. The MINI’s 2,679 lbs. vs. the Porsche’s 3,151.

Well, guess we’ll have to see if Porsche shows up.