Preview: North American MINI Cooper Championship at Summit Point

Summit Point, WV: Coinciding with round 5 of the North American MINI Cooper Championship, Phil Wicks racing officials have announced that a new showroom stock category is being added to the race class groupings effective immediately.

“We heard feedback from racers who were asking if we might add a showroom stock category,” said Phil Wicks, NAMCC organizer. “We think it will prove to be one of our more popular classes and now racers competing in SCCA Showroom Stock classes and similar race classes will be able to compete with their car in our series. We look forward to adding these racers to our events.”

The North American MINI Cooper Championship is hosting round 5 of its 8-race championship on June 29 at Summit Point Motorsports Park. The first year series features the new generation BMW built MINI Cooper and Cooper “S” in a variety of classes to assure that all MINIs in racing trim can find a place to compete against other MINIs. The concept is built around the very successful U.K. based MINI Challenge Series and is quickly building an enthusiasm and brand loyalty all its own on this side of the Atlantic.

“We are very enthusiastic about the series,” added Wicks. “We started this year with modest ambitions and already have far surpassed our goals for this first season of racing. I think the 2007 season will see full grids, enthusiastic racers and strong following from MINI fans.”

The North American MINI Cooper Championship recently reached agreement with MavTV cable network to televise all of its events for the 2007 season. The MavTV network will launch their growing coverage of the NAMCC with camera crews covering the Summit Point event as well as visiting the MINI Meet East club event held that weekend. MavTV hopes to capture the unique enthusiasm that MINI owners have for their car, a fondness that has made the MINI famous for the strong bond that exists between the owners and their cars.

In addition to the North American MINI Cooper Championship event, Phil Wicks will host one of his MINI Driving Academy events. These performance driving events are designed to help MINI owners learn the performance capabilities of the MINI Cooper and Cooper S in a safe and controlled environment. The MINI is noted as one of the best handling cars in the world and boasts performance capabilities not often associated with cars in its price range. Phil Wicks MINI Driving Academy shows attendees how to be more skilled and capable drivers for both road and ultimately if desired, track applications.

For more information on Phil Wicks, the Phil Wicks MINI Driving Academy and the North American MINI Cooper Championship, please visit www.minidriving.com.