This is how we know the weather in the Eifel: Actually, we wanted to ride the Nordschleife asphalt under the wheels today, but now it’s typical April weather. The Nürburgring remains closed due to temperatures around freezing and heavy sleet showers. So we get to know the Mini John Cooper Works on the country road, even if we have to curb the four-cylinder a bit here.
This year, the bright red Mini starts at the 50th edition of the 24-hour race (May 26 to 29) on the Nürburgring. It’s not just the big GT3 cars from Audi, BMW & Co that fight for overall victory here. Even the smaller racing cars, from the Dacia Logan to the Cup Porsche, compete for best times and class victories. More than 100 vehicles are taking part in the anniversary race, including the Mini John Cooper Works.
Our chauffeur is Friedhelm Thelen, manager of the private team “Bulldog Racing” from Nürburg. The idea for the Mini John Cooper Works came to him in September last year. “I wanted to do something special and create a new crowd pleaser,” says Thelen. “The Dacia did it last year too, why not the Mini?” In addition: The last time a Mini competed in the long-distance classic in the Eifel was ten years ago.
For the 24-hour race, the Mini shines in a red and white look based on the brand’s racing tradition.
Thelen put his idea into practice over the winter. The Mini John Cooper Works is powered by a turbo engine with 306 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission, in conjunction with the modified mechanical differential lock (locking effect up to 70 percent), ensures that this performance actually translates into propulsion. Even today, in wet and cold country road conditions, we are pushed deep into the seats when accelerating. No doubt: This Mini is a real racing dwarf!
This is also reflected in the optics. For the 24-hour race, the Mini shines in a red and white look based on the brand’s racing tradition. There are also adjustments to the aerodynamics, including the massive rear wing, a completely clad underbody, rear diffuser and front splitter. An adjustable racing suspension from KW ensures optimum traction. Only the brake system comes from the series.
On the roads of the Eifel it goes around the ring, past well-known sections of the track and the GP track. Despite the adverse conditions, the Mini lies firmly on the asphalt and can be maneuvered precisely around the tight bends. Typical racing car: It rumbles and rattles, of comfort – with the exception of the air conditioning – not a trace. The legendary Nürburg slowly disappears into the fog while the first snowflakes fall.
The Mini John Cooper Works is powered by a turbo engine with 306 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm.
At the 24-hour race, Friedhelm Thelen’s team hopes to reach the finish line. The Mini John Cooper Works starts in the SP3T class for racing cars with a displacement of up to two liters and a turbo engine, where it has to hold its own against the VW Golf TCR of footballer Max Kruse’s team, among others. “It’s going to be difficult,” Thelen is honest. “But the race is long and you have to get to the finish first! We enjoy motorsport – that’s the most important thing.”
In any case, Thelen is “really happy”. And he’s not the only one. After two years, spectators are allowed back to the Nordschleife to make the 24-hour race the world’s largest motorsport festival. Hopefully the weather will be on its better side then.
TV tip
Nitro is planning a new world record for live broadcasting and will be entered in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Airtimes: Friday, May 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.: Top qualifying Saturday, May 28, 1:15 p.m. to Sunday, May 29, 4:40 p.m.: Live races
Stream, Ticker & Timing: 24h-rennen.de/live Live stream: youtube.com/24hNBR facebook.com/24hNBR
