A while back we featured a “how-to” article for weekend warriors interested in outfitting their daily driver for some amateur club racing. It seems MINI is keenly aware of the motorsport enthusiasts within their community, as they have recently unveiled the MINI Cooper B-Spec Race Car.
For those unfamiliar, B-Spec is new racing classification sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), NASA, and Grand Am, which features production-based vehicles with fixed levels power output. The B-Spec class is designed to (a) give racers an affordable track vehicle and (b) insure that the playing field is (somewhat) level for competitors. Drivers are allowed to make safety and chassis modifications, but engine power is restricted. The SCCA hopes that B-Spec class racing will draw new participants to the sport by offering an affordable, entry-level racing option.
MINI will begin selling its B-Spec Racing vehicles at MINI of Charleston (Charleston, SC) by the end of 2012. MINI will also sell conversion kits for 2007-2012 MINI Cooper hardtops, allowing current MINI owners to retrofit their vehicles to meet B-Spec qualifications.
“B-Spec racing is a great fit for MINI because the car is developed with racing heritage in mind and the races are run with vehicles very similar to those already sitting in the driveway,” notes Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA. “Getting involved with B-Spec racing offers a fun and competitive race environment without requiring MINI drivers to make large financial investment to make their car a serious competitor.
HP: 121 @ 6,000, factory rated
TQ: 114 @ 4,250, factory rated
Steering: Electric power-assisted rack and pinion, 14.1:1 ratio
Weight: 2,535 pounds, 60.4%/39.6% F/R, factory rated
Length / Wheelbase / Height: 146.6”/ 97.1” / 55.4”
Suspension: KW V1 Coilover Struts and Shocks/ Vorshlag front camber plates
Brakes: Standard MINI Brake system with Carbotech Brake Pads and Way Motorworks Stainless Steel Braided hoses.
Safety Equipment: Kirk Racing Roll Cage with Kirkey Intermediate Road Racing Seat and Schroth Hybrid III Harnesses, Cage Nets and Window Net.
Wheel / Tire: 15 x 7 Kosei K1 aluminum alloy / Hoosier SM6 205-50-15
Body /suspension can be altered, engine cannot
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