Both MINI JCW Coupe Endurance finishes Nürburgring 24 Hours

24 hours on the toughest circuit in the world: Both MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance cars have conquered the "Green Hell". And the finals results are nothing to sneeze at either.


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The MINI Motorsport team has shown more than fighting spirit during the 39th running of the Nürburgring 24 Hours. The MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance also made a promising debut in sporting terms.

Hendrik Vieth, Ralf Martin, Jürgen Schmarl and Anja Wassertheurer accepted the challenge of the legendary Nordschleife – and initially had a strong ally in the MINI Coupé Endurance with the number 146. Without any major incidents, the foursome drove 67 laps of the 25.378-kilometre track into the early hours of Sunday morning and even moved up to 49th in the overall ranking.

In the second half of the day, the toughest circuit of the world drained both men and machines. The new MINI racer had to settle for eighth in the SP3T category and 106th overall (114 laps).

Car number 147 also saw the chequered flag in the "Green Hell". Fredrik Lestrup, Nico Bastian and Harald Hennes went on a true rollercoaster – not just on the circuit, but also emotionally. After five laps, Hennes started to skid on some oil and hit the barriers with his MINI.

This was followed by a long stop for repairs. But the crew never considered giving up. The MINI Coupé Endurance rejoined to the race and finished tenth in the SP 3T class after 24 hours and 118th overall (108 laps).

"We were prepared for a dramatic race right from the start," said Dirk Hollweg, Head of MINI Motorsport. "And that is just what happened. I would first like to compliment all the drivers and team members. Every one of them fought and pushed one's limits to turn our adventure with the brand new MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance into a success. I think we have given all fans a nice first impression of the new MINI Coupé and its sportivity and endurance. I would also like to give a lot of praise to all MINI customer teams."

The race did not go according to plan for all MINI teams though. Only one of Schirra motoring's two MINI John Cooper Works crossed the finish line. Car number 142 finished 34th overall (134 laps), the best result of all MINI race cars. The MINI with the number 154 from s.i.g. Motorsport was also involved in an accident in the early stages of the race and finished 116th overall (109 laps). s.i.g. Motorsport's car number 135 finished 126th overall (105 laps). Dörr Motorsport's MINI got to 105th (114 laps).

But by and large, all MINI drivers as well as the crews had reason to be proud of their performances. They are all adventurers that have mastered their trip through the "Green Hell" with success. And last but not least we say congratulations to Manthay Racing for winning the 39th Nürburgring 24 Hour Race.

[ Source : MINI Motorsport ]