From MINIUSA Press:

MINI USA announces new changes in its motorsport awards program for 2004. Following a successful 2003, the program is now expanded to include more classes and offer increased prize money in select categories for MINI competitors.

MINI is now included in all classes under Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Solo competition. In addition, MINI USA has doubled the prize payout for first, second and third place finishes in the Tire Rack Solo II National Championship with a first place cash prize of $1,000.

In road racing, classes for MINI have been expanded, most notably to include the MINI Cooper S in Showroom Stock B (SSB), marking the first time a forced induction competitor has been allowed to run in the class. Also, road racing now allows for first generation and second-generation MINI competitors to run fender-to fender in GT5/H Production Class.

Start bonuses have also been added to select events. MINI USA now pays out a $500 start bonus for the Speed World Challenge and the Grand Am Cup as well as National Auto Sport Association's (NASA) US Touring Car Championship (USTCC).

Motorsport enthusiasts have taken MINI to heart thanks to the cars' great handling and performance. Successful MINI competitors now have more choices and an additional incentive to compete by being eligible to win up to $7,500 depending on their standing in each given series. Both the new MINI (2002+) and the classic MINI (1959+) body style are eligible for prize money.

MINI has a rich motorsport heritage that started soon after the car's introduction in 1959 and Classic MINI became a legendary giant-killer in a host of road-race and rally championships. This continues today with many privateers campaigning both new and old MINIs in various motorsport events, including rallying, auto crossing and road racing.

“An excellent motorsport pedigree combined with the superb dynamics, make MINI an ideal choice for anyone who wants to drive competitively in sanctioned motorsport”, said Jack Pitney, MINI general manager. “MINI offers a lot of bang for the buck to grassroots motorsport enthusiasts. This is our way of saying, 'thank you' and encouraging MINI owners to 'get out there and give it a go'”, he added.