MINI USA has awarded top MINI motorsport competitors each an average of over $5,000 in prize money during the 2006 racing season. The MINI USA Motorsports Awards program grants prize money to MINI competitors who have raced and successfully placed in their respective class at key 2006 race events. The impressive payouts for the 2006 season have been a result of a greater number of MINIs getting out and dominating the world of grassroots racing events.

MINI racers were out en-force as shown with more than 120 winners of contingency prize money over the 2006 season. Some of the notable competitors include Pete Taylor who achieved a consistent first place showing in his class in SCCA Road Racing culminating with a win at the SCCA National Championship at Mid Ohio raceway. His impressive performance earned him over $9,000 in contingency prize money. Craig Wilcox was also a high achiever in SCCA ProSolo with 11 podium finishes winning him over $5,000 for the 2006 season. Beth McClure-Stelnieks dominated the SCCA ProSolo Ladies class, with her performance netting her over $4,700 in prize money. And Marshall Cone, is another notable 2006 competitor, winning $2,000 for the ProSolo National Championship for a total of $3,000 over the 2006 season.

“With more MINIs than ever involved in private competitive racing, it is fantastic to see MINIs dominate in motorsport competition”, said Jeff Stracco, MINI Product Manager. More MINIs than ever are competing and winning – with the awards we have paid out this year it is clear MINI is a very attainable and capable compact sports car for the competitive enthusiast.”

The 2006 MINI contingency program requires a podium finish in select race events including SCCA Solo and SCCA Road Racing, a 5th place-or better win in Speed World Challenge, Grand Am and NASA road racing events and a winner/runner-up and year-end championship in IDRC/NDRA/NHRA drag racing. The full contingency program eligibility requirements are available on MINI USA.com.

For official SCCA event information and race results please visit the SCCA website at www.scca.org.