MINI JCW Team Takes On IMSA Series

MINI’s John Cooper Works Racing Team, operated by LAP MotorSports LLC out of Indianapolis, are off to the races for the 2016 season of the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (CTSCC).

In what is the first full IMSA season for them, the team recently announced the addition of a third car and three new drivers –Mark Pombo Ethan Lowe and James Vance, along with veterans Derek Jones, Mat Pombo and Ramin Abdolvahabi. The team took their first podium at last year’s season finale, at Road Atlanta, and is hopeful for more podium finishes for 2016.

This season’s first race was in Daytona, with two JCW MINIs qualifying in the top 10. All 3 of the MINI entries ended up involved in collisions which hampered their ability to complete the race, but they still put in a decent showing, placing 13^th, 16^th, and 21^st. JCW Team veteran Mark Pombo, in MINI No. 37, was holding pace for the podium in the top 3, when his vehicle took a hit from a competitor, damaging a shock and sending him back four laps.

Newbie James Vance from the UK, in car No. 72, joined the MINI JCW Team this year.

The team competes in a fleet of MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop race cars derived from the production John Cooper Works Hardtops sold at MINI dealerships across the U.S.

With its wide stance, rigid body and legendary precise handling, MINI has a long history in motorsports, seeming to feel “right at home” on the track. John Cooper first brought out the racing potential of the classic Mini in the early 1960s, and ever since, his name has stood for success and performance on the race track with MINI.

For a full schedule of the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge series, please visit IMSA.com. To follow the team during the races, go to IMSA.com or download the IMSA app. Follow #37, #52 and #73 while they compete in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.