This into the MF Mailbox from our very own Jerry Bradbury who has been tearing up the USTCC circuits lately!
>Jerry Bradbury drove his #37 MiniMania/Bay Bridge Motors Mini Cooper S to a successful finish at Infineon Raceway last weekend, holding off hard charging rookie Michael McColligan in his MazdaSpeed RX8 until the race was called due to a spectacular shunt by one of the other drivers. Out qualified by McColligan in the morning session, Bradbury was three cars behind the Mazda on the starting grid but managed to shoulder his way past in heavy traffic at the dangerous off-camber Turn Two and hold on until the end.
>”I was looking forward to some close racing”, said Bradbury, “but Rich Peterson’s Mini retired on the first lap and after I passed him, Michael didn’t have enough time to catch me up again before the race was called.”
>Despite a DNS at the last event at Buttonwillow due to a crash, Bradbury was able to accumulate enough points to become the 2008 US Touring Car Championship Rookie of the Year.
>”I wouldn’t be here if not for my sponsors, MiniMania and Bay Bridge Motors”, said Bradbury. “Words can hardly express how grateful I am for their support and encouragement this season.”
>Bradbury’s next appearance will be driving one of the RSR Koni Challenge Team Mini Coopers in the three hour NASA enduro at Phoenix International Raceway on November 29th.
Want to see Jerry in Action? Watch along for a few qualify laps from Thunderhill Raceway from August.
cool video! can’t wait till he has an R56
The R56 is guaranteed to fall apart. (Ducking for cover now)
time will tell and crow will be served!
A huge congrats Jerry!
Quite a season for you, always good to see a Mini flogging the track. I am going to be at the Phoenix race and will look forward to watching his efforts in the RSR Koni Challenge Team Mini.
Lav just remember the difference between the R53 and R56 are actually pretty insignificant on the track. What makes the biggest difference between the cars is the loose nut behind the wheel, something Jerry seems to have tightened a bit more than most of us.
Congrats, Jerry!
Do you get a lifetime supply of DupliColor touch up paint? That would be sweet.
Thanks guys.
We had a corral of about 20 Minis come out to watch the race at Infineon. It’s great to have such enthusiastic support from the Mini community!
Lav, I’m still waiting for someone to bring an R56 to the track . . .
The old adage, “To finish first, first you must finish” is correct, but so is the corollary: “To finish, first you must show up at the track!”
If anyone can make it to PIR in November, be sure to stop by the pits and say hello.
Watch the MiniMania blog for my upcoming Race Report and some incredible footage of the season finale.
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Cheers,
Jerry
I’ve never watched one of these before and it was fun; although I wished I could have seen the speedo better. Is there also a film showing what the race looked liked from outside?
Good Job! that video was just qually, right? You wouldnt really let all those hondas pass you?
Jerry, I’m waiting for it to be you!
I will try to swing past the pits at PIR, I am going to be taking some business associates to the race so hope to see #37 blasting around the circuit showing off the Mini brand once again.
Shouldn’t the headline read DupliColor not DipliColor?
How is that MINI passing people? I thought the Mazdas were more powerful? Then I see some crappy hondas passing him. Looks like a great time. I can’t wait to take my MINI to the track.
For some strange reason, (I’m not sure why) I really liked when the the MINI passed the White E30. Great driving Jerry; it was a real pleasure to watch.
thats my friend!
good job jerry!