'Challenging' Grand Prix weekend for rock energy drinks MINI Challenge Team.

The ROCK Energy Drinks Bargwanna Motorsport team has made a solid but testing start to its MINI Challenge season at the Formula 1™ ING Australian Grand Prix, with both drivers - Scott Bargwanna and BJ Cook overcoming numerous challenges.

Early in the weekend, the team uncovered a wastegate issue with Bargwanna's car, meantime Cook's introduction to the MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racecars was hampered by an issue with its ABS.

Having sorted through both problems, Bargwanna was on track for a podium finish in front of the massive Formula 1 crowd, however never got to taste the podium champagne after Andrew Mill got out of shape and collected the ROCK Energy Drinks supported car late in race three.

It was a bitter pill to swallow and the disappointment was evident on the team straight afterwards.

Nevertheless, showing strong qualifying pace (Bargwanna was second quickest after the 20 minute session) has proven encouraging for the remaining seven rounds of the 2009 MINI Challenge, presented by Baskin Robbins.

For BJ Cook, making his return to motor racing, getting used to the car was the major task he had to perform for the weekend and he did that superbly. Qualifying in 14th place, he made steady progress throughout the weekend and with more time in the car, the team is confident he will comfortably approach the top 10.

After finishing race one in 18th - the ABS issue rearing its head - he recovered to finish the final race in 13th.

All in all, the ROCK Energy Drinks, Bargwanna Motorsport team leave Albert Park feeling encouraged for the season ahead.

The event was taken out by DecoRug Motorsport's Paul Stokell. Scott Bargwanna enters round two running sixth in points, whilst BJ Cook is 16th. The next round will be held May 29‐31 at Symmons Plains Raceway in conjunction with the Falken Tasmania Challenge - Round 5 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Team principal and brand ambassador for ROCK Energy Drinks, Jason Bargwanna showed some good form in the Sprint Gas V8 Supercars Manufacturer's Challenge - taking his Sprint Gas Racing Commodore to 12th overall.

What They Said:

Scott Bargwanna: "It's really disappointing to have ended the way things did. We were looking so good for a podium finish in the last race and up until the point where I was hit, it had been a sensational race.

"As usual, the MINI was awesome fun to drive and we really got to open it up around Albert Park, but I'm upset for ROCK Energy Drinks and all the boys that we weren't able to get up there.

"Even so, we managed to overcome the problems we had well and I think it's looking good for the rest of the season.

BJ Cook: "I was pretty happy with what we achieved across the weekend all things considered.

"It was my first time back in a racecar for a couple of years and the first time driving a MINI and at Albert Park! Wow!

"Having a couple of issues didn't help my progression at all, but the boys did a sterling job to get on top of the problems when they did and gave me a car that I could move forward in.

"I'm confident that with a bit more time behind the wheel, the rust will disappear and you'll see both ROCK Energy Drinks cars up toward the head of the pack.

"I've got to thank the Bargwanna Motorsport team for what they did this weekend, it was an awesome effort from all the guys to get us out there and to get Scotty to the front.

"Bring on Symmons Plains!"

Jason Bargwanna – Team Principal: "It would have been fantastic to give our new sponsor in ROCK Energy Drinks a podium finish in the company's first association with motorsport, but unfortunately, that was taken away from Scott with three laps to go.

"Getting on top of the niggling issues they had and still having enough pace to challenge the podium has shown the boys are on the money and we'll definitely win races this year!

"We have to thank ROCK Energy Drinks for jumping on board, the Grand Prix was a fantastic platform for the association to begin and we're sure it is going to deliver some good results for all of us as the year progresses.

More Information:

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