These unusual cars were created at the British engineering firm Prodrive. This company, founded in 1984, quickly gained worldwide recognition, becoming one of the few firms producing sports cars for the WRC World Championship. Now the MINI Cooper RRC is a new chapter in Prodrive's history. The Mentos Ascania Racing team chose this car because it combines excellent handling, sporting heritage, high quality, and reliability.
RRC category cars represent the most current direction in world rallying among the "junior classes." From the top WRC category machinery used by factory teams of global automakers, these cars differ only in slightly reduced engine power.
Two MINI JCW RRCs of the Mentos Ascania Racing team have already received their baptism of fire at the fourth round of the world championship, which took place in Portugal. Ukrainian motorsport fans will be able to see the team's new machinery in Kherson, where on May 18-19 the anniversary, 20th edition of the Chumatsky Shliakh rally will take place.
The team's plans for the 2013 season include competing in seven rounds of the World Championship (in Portugal, Greece, Italy, Finland, France, Spain, and Great Britain), as well as participating in all races of the national championship. The team's goal is to fight for podium places in the WRC-2 class on the international stage and to win the Ukrainian championship.
"The Ukrainian rally championship, in terms of competition format, organization, quality, and track difficulty, is approaching the European level," says Valeriy Gorbany. "And the fact that world-class cars are appearing on Ukrainian tracks will raise the sporting prestige of our country and also spark new interest among our fans in Ukrainian rallying."
MINI Cooper RRC — brief technical information:
- Engine — BMW Motorsport 1.6 L with direct injection
- Turbocharging Garrett (SPC/WRC restrictor 30 mm)
- Engine management system Cosworth
- Drivetrain — all-wheel drive
- Gearbox — manual 6-speed sequential X-Trac with AP Racing twin clutch
- Shock absorbers Ohlins
Wheels:
- Gravel: 15 inches
- Tarmac: 18 inches
Brakes — AP Racing:
- Gravel: 300 mm
- Tarmac: 355 mm
Dimensions:
- Length: 4110 mm
- Width: 1820 mm
- Weight: 1200 kg.
