The Grid

MINI Challenge will be conducted across eight rounds throughout Australia, with feature events being the Formula 1™ ING Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the Townsville 400, Gold Coast SuperGP and Sydney 400 Grand Finale. The Series will also take in rounds in Tasmania, Western Australia, Melbourne and Phillip Island.

The ROCK Energy Drinks MINI Challenge team now switches its attention back to street circuit racing, with the next MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers event to be held on the streets of Surfers Paradise in support to the Nikon SuperGP, between October 22 and 25.

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BARGWANNA ROCKS TO SECOND AFTER SURFERS MINI CHALLENGE

Scott Bargwanna has taken the ROCK Energy Drinks MINI into second placing in the MINI Challenge Series after this weekend’s events at Surfers Paradise, with team-mates Sean Carter and BJ Cook enjoying solid debuts on the Nikon SuperGP circuit and Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna recorded just the second V8 Supercar pole in his career.

Scott took advantage of Title combatant, Grant Denyer having a difficult weekend aboard his DecoRug machine, bringing the ROCK car home in fourth, sixth and fourth in the three races respectively.

Initially, the team were scratching their heads looking for some additional speed from Scott’s machine, however results fell in their favour as the weekend progressed. Scott’s aim was to keep the car off the walls and bank some Series points

BJ Cook had one of his best weekends of the year. He was encouraged by being just 0.4 of a second off the pace of Bargwanna in qualifying. He was as high as fourth during the chaos of race one, however missing a gear dropped the Sydney-sider back to seventh.

During the final race, he had a mechanical problem which led to him clouting the wall. He had been in a superb race-long battle with team-mate Carter. Fortunately for BJ, the tyre wall cushioned much of the impact and he kept his 100 per cent 2009 finishing record in tact.

In a bizarre incident, the action for the Cook began before the team even left the airport. Scott (accidently!) slammed BJ’s hand in the rental car door! The incident had a silver lining, however, with the pain he was in precluding him from going down to second gear for the slower corners on the Surfers circuit. The net result of staying in third gear was a two second per lap gain!

Sean Carter had a superb debut in the category – a first ever national level motor racing event for him – bringing the ROCK Energy Drinks/Plan4Growth MINI home in tenth in his first race run, following that up with a brace of eighths. The team were stoked with his performance, stressing to him the importance of just gaining experience with the racecar.

The 18-year-old Porsche 944 Series standout’s eyes were like dinner plates after attacking the ripple strips and concrete walls of Surfers Paradise for the first time, both Cook and Carter agreeing that the XXXX chicane curbs in the front wheel drive MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racecar was an interesting challenge!

The round win taken by Paul Stokell saw him stretch his Championship advantage over Bargwanna (unofficially) by an additional 48 points, the gap now 159 points between the two with two events remaining.

Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna took a stunning pole position for Sprint Gas Racing in the second part of the V8 Supercar SuperGP, however suffered from a plug lead coming adrift just after the start of leg one. Recovering to finish ninth, his second leg ended when collected by Jamie Whincup mid-way through the race. Saturday’s event saw Jason finish the legs 11th and 10th respectively.

WHAT THEY SAID:

SCOTT BARGWANNA: “What a weekend! We’re happy to have advanced into second placing in the Series pointscore, however I struggled for pace from the opening practice. We couldn’t get a handle on it through qualifying, but for the races, we were there or thereabouts.

“It’s the first time that I’ve been here in many years, it’s so much fun to drive this track in anything, especially one of these MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racecars. You really have to get the elbows up, I did manage to turn a couple of XXXX signs into XX signs in practice!

“I can’t say enough about Sean and BJ’s performances, they were awesome out there this weekend. Sean did everything we asked of him – basically the deal was, don’t go out there and slam the walls. As John Martin showed, these cars can get away from you very quickly and when they do, they bite.

“Looking at the pointscore, with two rounds to go, mathematically, we have a shot still and will be giving it our best from here on in.

“Next up’s Perth. The racing will be tough with the two driver format and with a few West Aussies looking to impress in front of their home crowd, we’ll be up against it, but don’t count us out yet.”

SEAN CARTER: “That was an experience! The guys were fantastic to work with across the weekend and helped me through my lack of knowledge with the car.

“The track was great, the chicane down the back straight was absolutely mega. It takes real commitment. I’m just really happy that we could come away from the weekend with three solid finishes and no damage done to the racecar.

“Next up will be Barbagallo, I’m really looking forward to it and building more confidence behind the wheel and get towards the pointy end.

“The Bargwanna guys have been fantastic to me and using Jason’s knowledge of this place helped so much, they were awesome to work with.”

BJ COOK: “Well, another character building weekend, but I have managed to keep my 100 per cent finishing record in tact.

“My pace in practice and qualifying was very pleasing, to qualify within half a second of Scott was really encouraging.

“I got up to fourth on the opening lap of race one when Denyer and Seton collided, but missed a gear and dropped back to seventh – that’s all it takes in these cars, the competition is so close.

“In the second race, I was sitting seventh, but missed the restart after the Safety Car period and dropped back to ninth. In the last one, I was holding a solid position, then the pedal went to the floor and I collected the tyre barrier, but I was able to carry on. I guess in all, there were a few missed opportunities, but we’ll keep battling on!”

JASON BARGWANNA: “We’re really happy with what the boys achieved this weekend. They all performed very well and did what they had to do.

“I had a chat to Scott beforehand and stressed the importance of concentrating on the Championship points and not taking any major risks. He’s been rewarded with his results.

“Sean did exactly what we asked of him. Basically, the weekend was for him to build experience and we didn’t want to have the car come back on a trailer. He achieved that and should be happy with his performances.

“BJ was great, too. To have a 100 per cent finishing record in MINI Challenge is something he should be happy with and hopefully it will keep going for him throughout the rest of the year.

“From a V8 point of view, what can you say? It was just brilliant to qualify on pole, it’s gutting that everything else turned pear-shaped. On the positive, it really buoys the team for the remainder of the year to go out and chase more results, it really shows we’ve got pace.”

CHANGEABLE CONDITIONS CATCH ROCK MINI TEAM ON THE HOP

Scott Bargwanna’s continued consistency has seen him maintain third in the Mini Challenge points standings after the three Mini Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers, races at Phillip Island, whilst BJ Cook had a ball in his first visit to the spectacular seaside circuit.

After finishing fourth in race one on Saturday, damp conditions greeted the Mini Challenge field for Sunday morning’s reverse grid race two. With track conditions drying, the ROCK Energy Drinks team elected to gamble on wet tyres for Bargwanna, feeling the track had enough moisture to warrant the decision.

Unfortunately, the track dried quicker than the team expected. Whilst he had pace in the early sector of the race, the tyres overheated, seeing Bargwanna drop back to eighth and out of contention. He struck back later on to finish the final race in fourth position

Meantime, BJ Cook improved his times around the circuit by nearly three seconds from opening practice to the final race.

The difficult Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit – widely considered to be one of the best driver’s tracks in Australia – saw Cook enjoy a battle with extreme sports megastar – Robbie Maddison – who was the Series Guest driver for the weekend, the two even finding the time to wave to each other during one of their battles!

He was also battling with his namesake – Brendan Cook – for much of the weekend. BJ came home in the three races eighth, 10th and 11th respectively. He commented he is now starting to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the ROCK MINI Challenge machine. Considering the team has completed no testing throughout the season, the enormity of BJ’s performances cannot be underestimated.

In a late development, all weekend results have been posted provisionally, given a potential post-race technical infringement being handed down to weekend winner, Nathan Caratti. It will be subject to a separate hearing. Should Caratti be deemed illegal, it will bolster both drivers points standings significantly.

Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna had an equally challenging weekend in the L&H 500 for Sprint Gas Racing. After finishing his single-driver race in sixth position on Saturday, all was boding well for a strong 500 kilometre enduro, however Jason and team-mate Mark Noske retired with a power steering issue just prior to half race distance.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

SCOTT BARGWANNA: “We had a tough weekend all round I thought. We went the wrong way on the tyre choice for race two and paid the penalty. It was one of those 50/50 decisions, you know. Unfortunately, the coin fell the wrong way for us.

“We were lucky to even make it to the finish – one of the fronts had worn right through. Another lap or so and I reckon she would have blown.

“Outside that decision we’ve maintained our consistent run and third in the Series points. We didn’t have an answer for the guys out front today, they were very fast.

“We’re looking forward to heading to Surfers now. It’s one of those big events that’s iconic on the Australian motorsport landscape and we’re hoping that we can get a decent result. We’ve been quick on the street circuits this year, but the cards just haven’t fallen our way. Yet!”

BJ COOK: “What a race track and what a weekend! It wasn’t the easiest place to turn up to and learn, particularly when you throw some changeable weather into the mix as well! But, that’s the Island and you expect that before you come here.

“Aside from a small spin on the opening lap on Sunday, we were pretty consistent throughout the weekend and I was happy with how I performed. To bring the times down across the weekend to where I did was pleasing.

“I’m really starting to feel comfortable behind the wheel of the ROCK MINI Challenge car. We haven’t done any testing and I don’t get to do any additional driving between events – so basically I rock up to the track and go racing once every four-six weeks.

“Having a fight with Robbie was cool. He’s a legend that has taken extreme sports to the mainstream and it was great to be racing against him. We were able to wave at each other and generally have a bit of fun, which is what this MINI Challenge deal is all about.”

BARGWANNA’S PODIUM REWARDS ROCK TEAM’S ENERGY AT SANDOWN

After a mammoth effort to even be on the grid this weekend at Sandown, the ROCK Energy Drinks, Bargwanna Motorsport Team have walked away with a podium result and position three in the MINI Challenge Series.

With a new sponsor on board in Thermaline, Scott Bargwanna was leading race one before the red flag came out as a result of the huge accident that befell Chris Alajajian. With that declared a no race, it was a fresh focus for race two on Saturday and an eye on the podium.

Although the team were still bolting parts to the car before first practice on Friday, Scott felt as though the ROCK Energy Drinks machine had the pace to go on and take its first win. Scott was turning some incredibly fast laps toward the end of the final race, but was caught up behind a battle involving the DecoRug machines and Nathan Caratti.

Scott was originally fourth overall, but was awarded third after Caratti was excluded from the results.

Meantime, Bargwanna’s fellow star in a ROCK car, BJ Cook, was enjoying his first visit to the quick Sandown layout and had a box seat for the action involving Alajajian.

“All I could see was the bottom of his racecar and tyres going everywhere,” a wide-eyed BJ explained. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and wasn’t sure if he was going to land back on the racetrack or not, but he was out of the ballpark.”

After that excitement, BJ was able to salvage another top 10 finish – recording positions nine and 11 respectively in the two races and a weekend long battle with Andrew Fisher. He admitted it could have been a little better if it wasn’t for some over-exuberance on his behalf getting to grips with the racetrack.

The team also welcomed a new corporate partner to motorsport in Thermaline Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. The Hunter Valley based company is perhaps best known for constructing the cauldron lit by Cathy Freeman at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna, enjoyed a solid weekend for Sprint Gas Racing in the V8 Supercar Championship Series, completing both races in 20th and ninth respectively, leading Sunday’s race for a considerable period.

SCOTT BARGWANNA: “We were so close to being right up there and challenging for that race win. The car certainly had the speed towards the end of the race, but we were just unable to get the ROCK Energy Drinks car in position in the end.

“The cancellation of the first race was really unfortunate. I’m glad that Chris is OK, but from our point of view, we were leading and I think we could have gone on to take the win, which would have put a different complexion on the weekend.

“From where we were two weeks ago with a bent MINI to even be on the grid is an amazing effort from the team. We were still bolting it together on Thursday and we weren’t sure if it was even going to run, let alone finish on the podium!

“I’m stoked to be walking away with a podium finish, particularly given we had a huge contingent of supporters here this weekend watching.”

BJ COOK: “I’m happy to come away from here with another top 10. I think it could have been a little better, but I was over-trying in some places, just trying to get that little bit extra out of it.

“Particularly going down into turn one, braking a few metres later compromised me on a couple of occasions – but you never know if you don’t have a go.

“The ROCK Energy Drinks team did a sterling job to get here after Townsville and we’re pretty happy that we could come away with two strong results for them and especially with a new sponsor in Thermaline on board.

“Phillip Island’s next and I really can’t wait to get down there and sink my teeth into it.”

DAVID ROTHERY (Thermaline): “It’s sensational to be involved with the Bargwanna Motorsport team and to top it off, Scott scored a podium result on our first weekend!

“We see MINI Challenge and the Bargwanna team as a fantastic way of gaining exposure for Thermaline, particularly through the Series’ television coverage on the Seven Network.

“We’ve done some major projects in the past, such as the Olympic Cauldron, but we work on a whole range of projects, both large and small scale.

“Thermaline is keen for our partnership to be a long and successful one and one where we can work closely with Jason and the team to derive the benefits that they and the MINI Challenge Series provides.”

JASON BARGWANNA: “It was a good weekend for the boys. Scott’s into third in the Championship chase despite all the drama at the last round and BJ finishing in the top 10 is a great result for him.

“It was pleasing that we scored a couple of top results in front of a group of supporters that joined us across the weekend and for our new corporate partner, Thermaline. I don’t think there’s any better way to welcome a new sponsor to the sport than with a podium finish!

“I’m glad Thermaline and the rest of our partners can see the value of MINI Challenge. With MINI re-affirming its commitment to the Series across the weekend for the coming years and welcoming a major sponsor to the category in Pizza Capers, it galvanises our program and re-assures our team sponsors that the category is a great investment.”

The Chris and The Dude bring excitement back on the track

The Mini Challenge Series has solidified this season as a competition the fans love to watch, as the Series is attracting big name celebrities from on and off the track every round. The big announcement this round, was made on the day before the Townsville 400 event, that V8

Supercars legend Paul Morris would team with Chris Alajajian to form what many saw to be an exciting duo for the endurance round. It was party time at Townsville, and the crowd was given what they were promised by the electrifying pair.

Paul Morris, aka The Dude, has been fairly outspoken in the past about how motor racing has somewhat lost its eccentric edge, and flair of delivering dynamic driving style. So when 22-year old Chris Alajajian, aka The Chris, asked The Dude to pair off for the endurance race in Round 3, it was an easy decision for 41-year-old Morris, as this turned out to be a revitalising change for motorsport fans.

A buzz surrounded the Townsville track as fans waited to see what will ensue once the boys hit the racetrack. In the practice sessions Alajajian pulled the fastest time, while Morris was fourth fastest in only his first drive with the Jack Hillermans Smash Repair Team. The team qualified behind the Carrati brothers, Paul Stokell and Grant Sherrin, taking the first, second and third spots respectively on the grid for the start of Race 1.

The Chris was in the driver seat for Race 1 on late Saturday evening, where a sizeable Townsville crowd hung around after the V8 Supercars finished their first Race of the weekend. The crowd faithful were entertained from beginning till the end of the 12-lap race. Alajajian couldn’t ask for a better start, jumping out and taking second spot after turn 1 from Tasmanian, Paul Stokell.

Stokell drove on Alajajian’s tail, with Chris covering his lines well and attacking the chicanes so hard that he went airborne on a few occasions, much to the crowds’ liking. Whilst Alajajian and Stokell battled one another, Nathan Carrati drew out a large lead and held that to win Race 1 with Alajajian and Stokell passing the chequered flag respectively in 2nd and 3rd place after their fierce battle. “What a nerve-wracking race” exclaimed Alajajian afterwards, “he tailed me from the beginning of the race and really put the pressure on”.

Race 2 saw Morris jump into the #9 John Works Mini Cooper, and everyone wanted a piece of The Dude, in the top 6 reverse grid race. Starting from 5th on the grid, Morris looked very impressive and very aggressive in the race, holding 4th spot for majority of the race, fighting off a number of attacks by Owen in the BMW Uber Star car. But Morris was eventually pipped on the last straight of the final lap by Owen to steal 4th spot away from Morris. Stokell, Bargwanna and Emery took the top 3 spots in Race 2.

11:30am Sunday morning was the start of the 3rd and final race of the weekend, with it being an 18-lap duel-driver race. As the light flashed green, The Chris who started second on the grid, strikingly stormed into the lead ahead of Paul Stokell. Almost simultaneously as Chris hit the lead, the middle pack entered the first corner, a spectacular crash entailed, which took out Scott Bargwanna and John Modystach. A safety car was inserted into the race for 3 laps, and Alajajian was taken back into second spot behind Stokell. The race resumed on the 5th lap and Stokell exploded ahead, with The Chris hot on his tail. Alajajian once again hitting the chicanes aggressively put on an entertaining display for the crowd and gained ground on Stokell.

By the 11th lap he entered the pits for the compulsory 1-minute driver change, vacating his Jack Hillermans Smash Repair Mini Cooper for the change over with Morris.

As Morris was on his first lap, Stokell went in for his compulsory pit stop on lap 12, and all eyes were on the Morris/Alajajian Mini Cooper. Stokell pulled out of the pits with a clear lead on Morris, and held his lead till the end of the race.

Morris found himself in a battle once again with the Atkinson/Owen Uber Star car, and was eventually overtaken with a great battle taking place between Owen, Morris and Carrati till the end. Morris drove superbly and had the car under complete control whilst entertaining the crowd with his eccentric racing. The cameras, commentary team, and fans were in awe of both Morris and Alajajian throughout the weekend, proving that the 155KW Mini Coopers are a delight to watch on the track.

The team of The Chris and The Dude finished with an overall second place behind Paul Stokell, and they gave the fans exciting and dynamic racing throughout the whole weekend. “A strong end result considering Paul has never driven our team’s Mini and the minimum seat time that the duel-drivers get in the 18-lap race. So we’re really pleased with the overall second result, and it strengthens our teams’ desire to take out the 2009 Mini Challenge Championship title for 2009” explained Alajajian.

BARGWANNA BOYS BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE IN TOWNSVILLE

The first visit for the Bargwanna Motorsport/ROCK Energy Drinks Mini Challenge to Townsville team ended with mixed results – BJ Cook continuing his upward surge in the Series, whilst Scott Bargwanna’s hopes were dashed in a huge crash at the beginning of race three.

Bargwanna was caught between a ‘ROCK’ and a hard place at the beginning of race three, unfortunately the hard place was one of the four tonne concrete blocks that surround the Dunlop Townsville 400 circuit. The car was seriously damaged in the incident.

Scott emerged from the crash with little more than dented pride, however the ROCK Energy Drinks MINI is going to require extensive work to prepare it for the next event at Sandown at the end of this month.

The weekend had been going well for Scott – having finished fifth in race one, he started on the front row for the second event. His ultimate second placed finish placed him on the second row for the final 35 minute race.

BJ Cook on the other hand continues to impress the team with his performances. With barely any street racing experience, the Sydney-sider finished solidly within the top 10 once again and walks away with considerably more confidence in the car.

His ninth, 13th and seventh placed finishes in the three Townsville races have stabilised his sixth position in the Series and the team anticipates BJ’s forward progress will continue at Sandown – a more traditional race circuit.

Despite the crash, Scott retains a comfortable fourth placing behind Series leader Paul Stokell.

SCOTT BARGWANNA: “I’m fine after the crash, a little sore, but otherwise OK. It was a really big hit and was unfortunately just one of those things which happens heading into turn one. Our ROCK Energy Drinks MINI is looking a little second hand and we’ll have a lot of work to do before the next round.

“Up until that point, the weekend had been very good for the ROCK Energy Drinks team. We were showing some good pace and its been a great event. We were once again looking good for a podium, but it wasn’t to be. I’m looking forward to the first win and hopefully Sandown can provide it.

“I’m devastated after the crash, particularly for the team who put so much work into it, but that’s how things happen sometimes.”

BJ COOK: “There were some contrasting fortunes in our team that’s for sure. Heading down to turn one on that opening lap of race three, it looked like a warzone! Tripping through all that and making sure the tyres didn’t get cut down in the debris was critical.

“I was able to do that and take the ROCK Energy Drinks MINI to a solid placing. I’m really happy with my performance, considering the lack of racing I’ve done on this style of circuit in the past and we’re content with the pace we’re showing at the moment.

“The next round can’t come quick enough to be honest, this MINI Challenge Series is so much fun. The ROCK team have been absolutely brilliant to work with and have made my transition into the Series so good.”

JASON BARGWANNA: “Thankfully Scotty’s OK after the crash, that was the main thing. It was a huge lick and just really unfortunate. It was nobody’s fault, just bunching going down into the first turn.

“I’m really impressed with the boys all round, they’ve been showing some good pace and Scott was again on track for a podium finish. BJ – considering he hasn’t done a great deal of street racing and hasn’t tested the car outside racing is doing a really solid job for us.

“What can you say about this event, too? Whilst it didn’t end the way we wanted it to (on many levels), it’s been great to bring motorsport to this area and we’ve been rewarded with huge and enthusiastic crowds throughout the weekend. It’s been massive!”

SCOTT BARGWANNA ROCKS TO THE SYMMONS MINI PODIUM

Scott Bargwanna has taken this year’s first podium for the ROCK Energy Drinks MINI Challenge team at Symmons Plains today, whilst team-mate BJ Cook has had his best run in the Series so far – ending up sixth overall.

Cook qualified very strongly in seventh place, which would set a solid foundation for the weekend, however an issue tracked to the turbo saw Bargwanna qualify last of the runners and despite the frustration, the team were able to diagnose the issue and have him ready for the first race.

Scott duly charged through the field to finish in fourth – the qualifying issue well and truly behind him. Sydney-sider BJ was enjoying his first race outing at the Tasmanian motorsport stronghold, finishing fifth, right behind Bargwanna.

Under MINI Challenge racing regulations, the top six finishers from race one are reversed for the second race, putting BJ on the front row and Scott off row two.

Scott scored the ROCK Energy Drinks team’s best result – coming home a strong second placing, finishing well in front of the third placed competitor and just over a second behind Seven Network personality, Grant Denyer.

Meantime, on the opening lap – Cook had his MINI John Cooper Works Challenge race car spun after contact with another driver – ironically it was the ‘other’ Brendan Cook (with an ‘A’) in the field!

It’s a phenomena that will have motorsport historians scratching their heads for some time to come – firstly have there ever been two people with the same name in a motor race and secondly, have they ever collided with one another?!

He would go on to finish in eighth placing.

The third race was a tight affair – with just 0.7s covering runners from second to fifth at the drop of the chequers. Bargwanna was the fifth placed runner, but if things had gone slightly either way, he could well have finished second.

Cook completed an outstanding weekend for the ROCK Energy Drinks team, bringing his car home in ninth place.

The weekend’s results saw Scott finish on the podium and move into the top three of Series points, whilst Cook feels as though he took a strong leap forward this weekend, winding up sixth overall.

Team Principal, Jason Bargwanna enjoyed arguably his best weekend of V8 Supercar competition since being back behind the wheel at Sprint Gas Racing – recording an eighth position in today’s race eight of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

WHAT THEY SAID:

SCOTT BARGWANNA: “We’re really happy, it was pretty tight out there today, so to come away with the podium for ROCK Energy Drinks was just wild. I was so frustrated after qualifying, I was just hoping this wasn’t going to be a problem all the way through the weekend, but the team worked through the issue and got us out there. To charge through and walk away third in points is superb.

“The second race was so close, there was nothing in it. I could have easily finished second or wound up watching from the sidelines! It was heaps of fun and the type of racing that I just love.

“Qualifying aside, the ROCK Energy Drinks MINI didn’t miss a beat. We can’t wait for the next one in Townsville!”

BJ COOK: “I’m ecstatic with our results this weekend, just superb. I’ve never been here before and to finish the weekend sixth is awesome.

“The incident in race two was a racing incident, nobody’s fault really. It’s pretty funny that it was the other Brendan Cook that hit me, I’m sure someone will spend some time trying to work out if that’s ever happened before.

“In all seriousness though, I’m so happy to be part of this ROCK Energy Drinks, Bargwanna Motorsport team. The boys do a sensational job in getting these cars out there. I’m really, really happy with the result and from my point of view, it’s established a platform that we can build from for the rest of the year.”

JASON BARGWANNA: “That’s cool for the boys and ROCK Energy Drinks to get a podium result in just the second outing for the team.

“They had to work hard after qualifying to get to the bottom of Scotty’s car, but did that and he drove his butt off to get where he did.

“The results both BJ and Scott achieved this weekend give some real momentum to everyone for the next round and beyond. It builds confidence and it’s great we could get the ROCK Energy Drinks cars right at the front to give them plenty of exposure – particularly with the new products they have hitting the shelves at the moment.”

‘CHALLENGING’ GRAND PRIX WEEKEND FOR ROCK ENERGY DRINKS

MINI CHALLENGE TEAM

The ROCK Energy Drinks Bargwanna Motorsport team has made a solid but testing start to its MINI Challenge season at the Formula 1™ ING Australian Grand Prix, with both drivers – Scott Bargwanna and BJ Cook overcoming numerous challenges.

Early in the weekend, the team uncovered a wastegate issue with Bargwanna’s car, meantime Cook’s introduction to the MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racecars was hampered by an issue with its ABS.

Having sorted through both problems, Bargwanna was on track for a podium finish in front of the massive Formula 1 crowd, however never got to taste the podium champagne after Andrew Mill got out of shape and collected the ROCK Energy Drinks supported car late in race three.

It was a bitter pill to swallow and the disappointment was evident on the team straight afterwards.

Nevertheless, showing strong qualifying pace (Bargwanna was second quickest after the 20 minute session) and race pace has proven encouraging for the remaining seven rounds of the 2009 MINI Challenge, presented by Baskin Robbins.

For BJ Cook, making his return to motor racing, getting used to the car was the major task he had to perform for the weekend and he did that superbly. Qualifying in 14th place, he made steady progress throughout the weekend and with more time in the car, the team is confident he will comfortably approach the top 10.

After finishing race one in 18th – the ABS issue rearing its head – he recovered to finish the final race in 13th.

All in all, the ROCK Energy Drinks, Bargwanna Motorsport team leave Albert Park feeling encouraged for the season ahead.

The event was taken out by DecoRug Motorsport’s Paul Stokell. Scott Bargwanna enters round two running sixth in points, whilst BJ Cook is 16th. The next round will be held May 29-31 at Symmons Plains Raceway in conjunction with the Falken Tasmania Challenge – Round 5 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Team principal and brand ambassador for ROCK Energy Drinks, Jason Bargwanna showed some good form in the Sprint Gas V8 Supercars Manufacturer’s Challenge – taking his Sprint Gas Racing Commodore to 12th overall.

SCOTT BARGWANNA – “It’s really disappointing to have ended the way things did. We were looking so good for a podium finish in the last race and up until the point where I was hit, it had been a sensational race.

“As usual, the MINI was awesome fun to drive and we really got to open it up around Albert Park, but I’m upset for ROCK Energy Drinks and all the boys that we weren’t able to get up there.

“Even so, we managed to overcome the problems we had well and I think it’s looking good for the rest of the season.”

BJ COOK – “I was pretty happy with what we achieved across the weekend all things considered.

“It was my first time back in a racecar for a couple of years and the first time driving a MINI and at Albert Park! Wow! Having a couple of issues didn’t help my progression at all, but the boys did a sterling job to get on top of the problems when they did and gave me a car that I could move forward in.

“I’m confident that with a bit more time behind the wheel, the rust will disappear and you’ll see both ROCK Energy Drinks cars up toward the head of the pack. I’ve got to thank the Bargwanna Motorsport team for what they did this weekend, it was an awesome effort from all the guys to get us out there and to get Scotty to the front.

“Bring on Symmons Plains!”

JASON BARGWANNA – TEAM PRINCIPAL: “It would have been fantastic to give our new sponsor in ROCK Energy Drinks a podium finish in the company’s first association with motorsport, but unfortunately, that was taken away from Scott with three laps to go.

“Getting on top of the niggling issues they had and still having enough pace to challenge the podium has shown the boys are on the money and we’ll definitely win races this year!

“We have to thank ROCK Energy Drinks for jumping on board, the Grand Prix was a fantastic platform for the association to begin and we’re sure it is going to deliver some good results for all of us as the year progresses.”

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