ROCK ENERGY DRINKS MINI TEAM'S MAXIMUM TOWNSVILLE ATTACK

TOWNSVILLE – July 6, 2009: Excitement is building among the ROCK Energy Drinks/Bargwanna Motorsport Team ahead of this weekend's third round of MINI Challenge at the brand new Townsville Street Circuit, where a whole host of variables will greet team drivers – Scott Bargwanna and BJ Cook.

Leaving the heat of Townsville aside for a moment, in an effort to add a yet another dimension to the Series, MINI Challenge organisers have introduced a unique format with a brace of 20 minute races, followed by a 35 minute grand final – including a 60 second compulsory pitstop.

An option to bring in a second driver to each car was left open to all teams, but ever the hard task master, Team Principal – Jason Bargwanna – won't provide respite to his two drivers from the physical Townsville street circuit. He is instead preferring to leave both Scott Bargwanna and BJ Cook behind the wheel of their own ROCK Energy Drinks machines for the entire weekend.

The focus for the team is ensuring both drivers continue their rise up the Series rankings, with Scott now within striking distance of the Series lead following on from his hard fought podium result at Symmons Plains in Tasmania.

BJ will be aiming to continue on from his top six result at Symmons Plains, now he's getting towards a degree of comfort behind the wheel of the 1.6 litre turbocharged MINI John Cooper Works Challenge rocketship.

Results at Symmons Plains have built significant momentum among the ROCK Energy Drinks team and to assist both team bonding and a chance to acclimatise, Scott and BJ will travel to Townsville a couple of days early to walk the circuit. They'll join Jason, who has been chilling by the pool on a family holiday for the last week.

Both drivers admit the challenge of Townsville is three-fold – the heat, a new race circuit lined with concrete and the different race format will all combine to provide excitement plus for spectators at the circuit and television viewers live on the Seven Network around Australia.

To date, the stars in the ROCK cars have proven a hit on the MINI Challenge television coverage, resulting in outstanding exposure for ROCK Energy Drinks.

Meantime, Jason will be continuing his V8 Supercar Championship Series charge for Sprint Gas Racing and with Townsville providing a level playing field for all teams, believes the strategy they've mapped out puts him in good stead for a top result come Sunday afternoon.

WHAT ARE THE BOYS UP TO?

SCOTT BARGWANNA: "From the time it was announced, we've been keen to get to Townsville for this event. North Queensland has a huge 'revhead' population and we think MINI Challenge will be a hit there.

"The heat and the new racetrack is going to be tough, that's for sure. We also have to contend with teams that are taking up the two driver option, so they'll have someone fresher behind the wheel at some point during the 35-minute race.

"Our game plan though is to stick our guns and consolidate our position. Street circuits bring with them some inherent risks – we have to concentrate on minimising risk and maximising our points scoring opportunities.

"The heat will play a part, we'll have the eskies stocked with ROCK Energy Drinks to make sure we get plenty of fluids on board between races!"

BJ COOK:"It's a level playing field for everybody at Townsville. We really won't know what the circuit is like until we get out there and turn a lap.

"Scott and I will be there a few days early to walk around it and check it out. Jason's already been acclimatising to the weather, but I don't know how much track knowledge he's gained from beside the pool!

"The tropical weather of North Queensland will be a nice change from the icy cool of Tasmania, but that can also bring with it some rain, which will mix up proceedings. We also need to keep an eye on the cars and how they will perform in the warmer conditions.

"The two driver format is going to make life interesting. I've been training hard in preparation for the event. Scott and I are obviously sticking to our own ROCK Energy Drinks cars, so whether it evens itself out or there's an advantage in having two drivers, we won't know.

"Either way, it's a great chance to be part of the first running of an enormous event in a city that just loves its motor racing. I can't wait to be part of it."

JASON BARGWANNA: "This event promises to be just awesome. I've been up here for a week just having some time with the family and to ensure that I'm prepared for the weather conditions.

"You can really feel the atmosphere building among the community. Everywhere you go, everyone is talking about the V8 Supercar event, which is fantastic.

"The new format for MINI Challenge will really test the boys, but I think we've had them working hard to ensure the heat won't affect them too much.

"Really, the aim is for Scott and BJ to continue their charge. The team is keen for a win and what better place than at the newest event on the calendar. To be the first winner around the Townsville Street Circuit is something that will remain with you forever and it would be great if one of the boys could achieve that.

"Since ROCK Energy Drinks have come on board, the results for them as a new sponsor to motorsport could not be better. The television coverage they have received has exceeded our expectations and at the track everyone is keen to check out the ROCK cars. I'm sure its translating at the checkout for them, too, which we hope continues throughout the rest of the year."

The ROCK Energy Drinks/Bargwanna Motorsport MINI Challenge team will be racing between July 10 & 12 at Townsville, as part of the new Townsville 400. The final race will be shown on Sunday afternoon on the Seven Network, with a 30 minute post-produced program to air later in the month.