Changeable Conditions Catch Rock MINI Team On The Hop

SEPTEMBER 14, 2009: 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 to finish the final race in fourth placing.

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 guesting in the Series, 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.

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.

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.”