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MINI Unleashes Jaw-Dropping John Cooper Works PRO at 24 Hours of Nürburgring

MINI Unleashes Jaw-Dropping John Cooper Works PRO at 24 Hours of Nürburgring
May 27, 2024 - Read FAQs About This Article
The 24 Hours of Nürburgring: Where Legends Are Made

The stage is set for the 52nd edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring, widely acclaimed as one of the most grueling endurance races on the planet. Featuring the world's longest racetrack at a staggering 25.378 km, this event merges the treacherous Nordschleife with the demanding Grand Prix circuit. This year's lineup is brimming with excitement, showcasing 130 formidable vehicles across 23 distinct classes, guided by an astounding roster of over 450 drivers. In the spotlight this year is Bulldog Racing, a team daring enough to bring two exhilarating MINI John Cooper Works models to this relentless battleground.

MINI John Cooper Works PRO

Introducing the MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317

Drawing eyes and turning heads is the MINI John Cooper Works PRO, identified as #317. This car is a treat for enthusiasts, as it's based on the new MINI John Cooper Works model, primed to make its official debut at the Nürburgring ahead of its world premiere in the fall of 2024. Shrouded in a striking red and white camouflage designed by the MINI Design Team, the PRO #317 stands as a symbol of innovation and style. Built in Oxford and fine-tuned by Bulldog Racing in Nürburg, this car emphasizes that endurance motorsport can indeed be both exhilarating and enjoyable.

Meet the Drivers

Competing in the SP-3T class, the driver lineup for the MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 is nothing short of stellar:

  • Charlie Cooper (GBR)
  • Markus Fischer (AUT)
  • Christoph Kragenings (GER)
  • Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER)

The MINI John Cooper Works #474: A Purist’s Dream

MINI John Cooper Works #474

For purists who crave the tactile engagement of a manual gearbox, the MINI John Cooper Works #474 is the lone contender in this year's event equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. This choice underscores John Cooper Works' unwavering commitment to precision engineering and driving excellence, offering a deeply immersive and responsive driving experience. Like its sibling, the #474 is meticulously built in Oxford and further honed by Bulldog Racing to meet the grueling demands of endurance racing.

Meet the German Squad

Participating in the VT-2 class, the MINI John Cooper Works 1to6 #474 boasts an all-German driver lineup that includes:

  • Michael Bräutigam (GER)
  • Andreas Hilgers (GER)
  • Sascha Korte (GER)
  • Marco Zabel (GER)

The race weekend is expected to attract over 200,000 spectators, with the unpredictable weather typically adding another layer of complexity to an already intense race. These John Cooper Works models are not just racing marvels; they also serve as a preview of the upcoming road-legal variants that MINI plans to launch later this year. Enthusiasts can hardly wait to see how these cars perform in one of motor racing’s most testing arenas.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring is widely acclaimed as one of the most grueling endurance races on the planet, featuring the world's longest racetrack.

Bulldog Racing brought two exhilarating MINI John Cooper Works models to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

The MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 is based on the new MINI John Cooper Works model and is identified by its striking red and white camouflage design.

The driver lineup for the MINI John Cooper Works PRO #317 includes Charlie Cooper, Markus Fischer, Christoph Kragenings, and Sebastian Sauerbrei.

The MINI John Cooper Works #474 is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, catering to purists who seek tactile engagement.
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