http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i33lT...d.php?t=149742
MINI USA’s Drag Race Cooper S, Prepared by ABF Performance, Readies for “PINKS All Out” This Weekend at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ
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July 24, 2008… After the burnouts are done and the arm-drop signals the start, drag racing enthusiasts attending this weekend’s PINKS All Out competition may find themselves cheering on a new crowd favorite – the 650-horsepower MINI Cooper S Drag Racer, custom built by ABF Performance. Marking the MINI brand’s foray into sport drag racing, the MINI – with its 0-60 time of less than 3 seconds, top trap speed of 134 mph and best quarter-mile run of 10.6 seconds – is expected to turn in a lightning-fast performance at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ, on July 25th – 26th.
The 2002 MINI Cooper S has been extensively engineered and tuned by ABF Performance and features carbon fiber doors, bonnet and boot lid. The 650-horsepower engine is derived from a production engine block, crankshaft and cylinder head and is fitted with a custom ABF Performance turbo system utilizing Garrett GT3582R turbocharger. Internal highlights include custom JE Pistons, Carrillo Rods, and an M2 Race CNC-ported cylinder head featuring Supertech Performance valvetrain components. An Aeromotive fuel system with RC Engineering injectors provides the healthy head of race gas while ABF’s own award-winning intake manifold and Motec engine management system tuned by Mynes Performance manages induction duties. On the track, the car achieves a launch RPM of 7,000 and a shift RPM of 9,000 using the factory six speed transmission and Limited Slip Differential, modulated by a Clutchmasters Twin Disc Clutch. Race tires consist of M&H drag slicks that measure 24.5 x 8.5 x 15, inflated to 8 psi. The car is equipped with a full National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)–certified roll cage and weighs a mere 1,800 pounds (without the driver).
Emblazoned with custom flame graphics, the MINI’s lead sponsor, MINI Financial Services, taunts spectators with “Get Your Hands on a MINI” — just not this one, it’s too quick — and introduces the company’s services to an entirely new audience, particularly the Generation X and Y enthusiasts that sport drag racing attracts. Established in 2001, the MINI Financial Services Division of BMW Group Financial Services provides support for MINI’s dealer and customer networks by offering various financing and leasing options.
MINI USA and ABF Performance, the Los Angeles-based high-performance parts provider and U.S. motorsports affiliate for MINI USA, round out the car’s sponsors.
For this weekend’s PINKS All Out, the popular spin-off program of SPEED TV’s hit reality show PINKS, more than 400 grassroots drag racers will be pitted against each other to qualify for a coveted spot among the Top 8, and the chance to compete for the $10,000 grand prize in a series of two-car elimination races.
Should the MINI – piloted by Vincent Tennessee Kung, MINI USA’s Product Manager – claim the grand prize, the winnings will be donated to choice charities of MINI Motoring Hearts, a program that promotes volunteerism among members of the MINI community and makes it easy for them to find opportunities that match their interests.
Following this weekend’s race, the MINI Cooper S Drag Racer speeds on to other appearances and races, including:
• August 1 – 3: MINI Takes the States 2008 – Los Angeles, Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA (display only)
• October 18 – 19: Battle of the Imports (BOTI), California Speedway, Fontana, CA
• November 4 – 7: Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA), Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV (display only).
The MINI made its racing debut earlier this month at the Battle of the Imports (BOTI) competition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, turning in an adrenaline-pumping 11.0 second qualifying time to earn a spot in the Quick 16 class, before being hampered by drivetrain problems.
For more information about the ABF MINI, MINI USA and MINI Financial Services visit:
www.miniusa.com
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