The MINI JCW GP Preps For Its Debut at the Nurburgring 24 Hours

After ten years away from the iconic race, MINI is heading back to the Nurburgring 24 Hours with a race-prepped MINI JCW GP. A few weeks ago we showed you the car and the radical modifications MINI has made. Today we’ve got an update on its most recent testing session at Circuit de Provence in southern France where the car completed the extended test program.
While seeing a MINI race at the Ring is exciting enough, we’re especially excited about this program as we’ll be embedded with the team and bringing you live updates from the track.
While the MINI JCW GP is quick in stock form, there were a number additional areas Bulldog racing needed to modify for the grueling 24 Hours Of Nurburgring (some even beyond the SP3T class regulations):
“During our rollout in March, the task was to ensure that the MINI John Cooper Works basically works. We were now able to test the entire range of development at the BMW Group test site in Miramas. In addition to the obligatory endurance runs and set-up, we were able to make modifications and repairs to our vehicle quickly on site here,”
Friedhelm Thelen, team boss of Bulldog Racing
The aim of the extensive tests was to collect data and knowledge regarding the continuous loads exerted on chassis and drive components and their durability. Chassis engineer of the BMW Group, Patrick Häussler, was behind the wheel of the MINI JCW GP throughout the testing. This is a great advantage for the racing team as Patrick develops BMW and MINI series products full-time and knows the Miramas test site from years of testing.
“I drove the MINI John Cooper Works for the 24h race at Miramas for the first time. The MINI John Cooper Works is brand new, which is precisely why it’s fascinating how far the car has come already. We were able to do more kilometres every test day and start with setup work and tyre testing. My impression of the car is consistently positive. For me it was a great pleasure to be able to play my part in making sure we hopefully have a great race at the Nürburgring”
Patrick Häussler, Chassis engineer of the BMW Group.
Bulldog Racing will continue the development programme with the new
MINI John Cooper Works on the Nordschleife in the coming weeks. The first race will be from May 6th to the 8th at the ADAC 24h Qualifiers at the Nürburgring. The Nürburgring 24 Hours takes place May 28th and Make 29th.
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be bringing you all the latest of MINI’s 2022 assault on the ‘Ring from the drop of the flag. Follow MotoringFile as we gear up alongside the Bulldog race team to bring you the latest from the Green Hell.