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.

What They Said Afterwards:

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!"

More Information:

• Matt Payne
• Acclaim Media for Bargwanna Motorsport
• Ph: 0413 082 142
• Em: matt--[at]--acclaimmedia[dot]com[dot]au