<h1>COOPER CLASSES RACE HEAD TO CADWELL PARK FOR ROUND 5 OF THE SEASON</H1>

7th September 2019

Cooper Pro & Cooper Class

This year is a very special year for the MINI, with the 60th year Birthday celebrations being held all over the country at various times of the year. Including today with all the Minis on track.

As we are now past the halfway point of the 2019 MINI CHALLENGE we can predict who is in it to win it. There are lots of contenders.

In the Pro class, Robbie Dalgleish has thrown down the Challenge and is leading the Class as well as the Sunoco 240 Challenge. Can he add to his points haul? Girl Power could also be witnessed with Lydia Walmesly, a podium last time out, she is on the hunt for another. 2 races, one with a reverse grid will give her a number of chances. Toby Goodman must be in with a chance, he has the experience and is quick, he just needs the luck to be on his side. Currently in 2nd place waiting to seize the lead. Hannah Chapman is looking strong in 3rd place. She is due a podium visit. Martin Poole has a special occasion this weekend, I am sure he would love a trip to the podium. Though being a guest driver he has nothing to lose.

In the Cooper class, Paul Manning in his smart looking car and matching team livery is in with a very strong chance. He currently leads the class and has a good habit of finishing in the top 4. Scoring lots of points and staying out of trouble. The battle of Josh’s, Martin and Porter will keep the commentators on their toes, both are progressing well and are currently 2nd (Martin) and 3rd (Porter) in their class. World Stock car champion Lee Pearce is highly experienced and shows great pace he needs to keep out of trouble and improve his class position.

We are in for some close racing this weekend, lapping and the reverse grid in the 2nd race should liven things up a bit. It should all be a joy to watch. Let’s hope the rain stays away!

Cooper S Class

The home of the R53 (Supercharged) and R56 (Turbocharged) MINI CHALLENGE cars. All limited to 160BHP per Ton.

This year sees Daniel Butcher-Lord doing a full season is his super quick DanKan MINI Shop R53. Last time out at Croft he showed that he can be beaten. Rob Austin, last year’s runner up won both races at Croft and is determined to win some more races. Sami “Jaffa” Bowler had another trip to the podium at Croft. Pole Position in the reverse grid. Both Rob Austin and Daniel Butcher-Lord soon pounced. She led for part of the race!. Her car and race skills are growing all the time and she must be in with a chance in one of the two races.

Stuart McLaren, in the MINTEX R53 run by Mad4MINI had some bad luck at Croft, with a DNF in the last race. he is looking to get back up on the Podium.

We are in for another battle of R53 v R56. The R53’s are winning most of the time, but will the tight Cadwell Park circuit favour the R53’s. I am sure we will find out soon.  A small but very competitive grid awaits. Excitement is guaranteed

8 cars as we went to press should make for some great racing as the field spreads out. Daniel Butcher-Lord, Rob Austin and Stuart McLaren will be strong contenders, can Girl Power win through?  Sami in her R56’s will be competing for honours and the Champagne Shampoo.