Series leader Paul Stokell was no doubt 'surprised' at how racey his far less experienced adversary Robbie Maddison was in the Pizza Capers UBER Star car.

This sequence of shots captures Maddison under fire from the five time Gold Star champion but bravely fighting back and eventually powering by.

MINI Challenge debutant Robbie Jones had an outstanding weekend but on one less than memorable occasion found himself pointing the wrong way after contact from behind with Chris Alajajian. Jones' RE-CAR #1 looked tremendous and it's hoped he'll compete in more rounds with the Peter Doulman owned M3 Motorsport Team.

Robbie Jones and Nathan Caratti go head to head at high speed on the phenomenal Phillip Island GP circuit.

Likeable "Yatala Battler" John Modystach is always surrounded by great friends and sponsors. Here the Prosurv racer hangs out with his supporters prior to Race Three

Unfortunately for the DecoRug team Paul Stokell's crew were busier than usual with the #27 car.

The autograph sessions for MINI Challenge are always popular and here Scott Bargwanna, Robbie Maddison and Brendon "BJ" Cook meet the fans and sign away.

Grant Denyer was fast all weekend and he was naturally pleased to haul in some considerable points in his battle to reign in series leader (and team mate) Paul Stokell.

It's amazing how much debris can be on the track at any given time and how much those awesome sticky Dunlop R's can attract. Here the team use a heater to warm the tyre and clean the surface area - rejuvenating the rubber for the next race.

Paul Stokell had one of those weekends that he'd rather forget. If it wasn't mechanical woes it was spearing off the track and giving away valuable track positions. It HAS to get better for the Tassie born QLD domiciled hard charger at Surfers Paradise in October!

Nathan Caratti and Chris Alajajian are hot young contenders in the 2009 MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers, and also widely regarded as two of the most explosive racers in Australian Motorsport.

Happy faces all around at the podium after the final race of the weekend. The battle for series supremacy is really hotting up!

Robbie Maddison drove like a demon in the Pizza Capers UBER Star JCW (John Cooper Works) and he was also very impressed with Pizza Capers!

Robbie Maddison has a chat with (MINI Challenge Category Rights Agency) Toleman Motorsport Principal and legendary former F1 Team Owner Ted Toleman

The stars of the show in Round Five of the 2009 MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers, pose for fans. If you look carefully to the left you can see Chris Alajajian putting Nathan Caratti in a headlock or a cuddle - we're not sure which!

Livewire West Aussie Nathan Caratti has his hands full keeping the snarling pack of John Cooper Works R56 MINI Challenge rockets behind him.

Nathan Caratti is interviewed by Darren Harvey and the team at V8 Supercar TV. If you know Nathan at all you'll know that he'd rather be going fast in a racecar than talking fast on TV!

The DecoRug Precision Driving Team! Grant Denyer has the inside running on his team mate Paul Stokell as the pair slug it out for second place around a tight Phillip Island right hander.

World renowned Motorcycle stuntman Robbie Maddison called into MINI headquarters in the lead up to the Phillip Island event and checked out the snazzy new JCW (John Cooper Works) Cabrio. He was very impressed!

MINI Maddison. Robbie Maddison and MINI - an exciting combination.

The crews behind the drivers play a large part in the success of any good team. Here Euan McDonald from Stillwell Motorsport and Rebecca Trent from Motorline take time out from their busy schedules for a quick pic.

One piping hot, fresh Pizza Capers UBER Star car coming up!

Brendan Cook's striking green Transquip Hire JCW enjoys some early morning Phillip Island sunshine.

V8 Supercar Star and MINI Challenge Team owner Jason Bargwanna prepares to host a segment for the Channel Seven TV Coverage.

Jason Bargwanna and Briony Ingerson host the opening segment of MINI Challenge's Phillip Island TV coverage on the Saturday morning.

What a debut! Robbie Jones was on the podium in his first attempt at MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers.

Robbie Jones' helmet reflects his happy go lucky attitude.

Despite a bad weekend of mechanical misfortune Paul Stokell could still muster a grin.

One of the real characters of MINI Challenge is Brendan Cook - the likeable larrikin from QLD is always good for a laugh and loves his racing.

The fantastic team from Pizza Capers gather around the Robbie Maddison UBER Star JCW R56.

Gold Coast MINI Dealer Beric Lynton is all smiles after another impressive performance. Lynton has plenty of experience at 'the Island' and was fast all weekend in his Crimsafe JCW.

Robbie Maddison hangs out with fellow Red Bull ambassador V8 Supercar star Rick Kelly prior to Race Two.

Robbie Maddison's smile says it all - hanging over the pit wall at Phillip Island.

Cheeky, fun and always gaining attention - MINI Challenge.

Robbie Jones' striking RE-CAR #1 looks magnificent.

Robbie Jones can feel very pleased with the way his weekend panned out - a podium finish on debut is something to rave about!

Robbie Maddison at speed through Siberia.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for Robbie Maddison. In practice he got it all out of shape and spun at the exit to turn one. It was about the only mistake he made all weekend though.

Maddo...

MINI Challenge, delivered by Pizza Capers, Series Announcer Wade Aunger interviews Robbie Maddison for the Giant Video Screens on Sunday.

Scott Manson was terrific in his MINI Challenge debut - the hard charging Victorian had an enjoyable weekend and was very fast on occasion.

Dial 134 PIZZA for the best Pizza anywhere!

We know we're biased, but we happen to think that we have the most stylish Pace Car going around!

Two iconic items. The main straight (Gardner Straight) at Phillip Island and the MINI Clubman.