May
31, 2009 Press Release – For Immediate Release
Braselton
,
Georgia
:
The MINI of Charleston Racing team driver Robbie Davis had a
flawless drive this weekend and not only won the SSB Class race,
but finished 6th overall in the combined class 45
mile race. The Showroom Stock Classes were combined with the
faster T2 and T3 classes, in addition to the large Spec Miata
Class for a total of 32 cars starting the race on the 2.25 mile
Road Atlanta race course.
Davis
used the first Qualifying session on Saturday to scrub in some
new tires and using the cooler morning air, Bill Haggerty of
Los Angeles
,
California
actually placed his SSC track record breaking Cobalt in front of
Rob on the starting grid. However, Rob took less than a lap to
get past Haggerty and at the finish built over a 30 second lead
over the next closest showroom stock entry. “Crew member
Adolph Kosibucki appears to be our good luck charm. When he
makes the drive from
Jacksonville
to join us, we always win. I think I’ve talked him into
another road trip for the Fourth of July race weekend. He must
have a rabbit’s foot in his pocket”, said team manager Brad
Davis. Adolph was part of the team that made the clutch and
throw out bearing change at Sebring when Robbie moved from 4th
qualifying spot to the race win.
This win moves Robbie safely into 2nd place in the
South East Divisional standings with 2 wins, a second and 2 3rd
place finishes. The team hopes to conclude the regular season
with 2 more wins at the Double National race weekend July 4th
at
Roebling Road
in Pooler, Georgia.
For
additional information contact Brad Davis 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
Photos
by Brad Davis
May
29, 2009 Press Release – For Immediate Release
Friday May 29th, there will be a new arrival at the
MINI of
Charleston
showroom. MINI of
Charleston
competition team member, MINI hot-shoe on the autocross circuit,
Per Olof Ezelius
, will be taking delivery of his new John Cooper Works MINI
Challenge Race Car. The car is not currently for sale in the
United States
, but after seeing the car on display at the Geneva Auto Show,
Per decided to purchase one of the race cars directly from the
MINI factory and jump through the multiple hoops required to
legally bring the off-road only race car to the
United States
. Per will be travelling oversees for the next several weeks and
has agreed to allow us to display the car in our showroom. The
race car is the newer big brother to the JCW Challenge car that
MINI of Charleston Manager, Brad Davis, got the opportunity to
race at the MINI United World Final in
Italy
in 2005. A “fleet” of the new body style Challenge cars was
used last weekend at the 2009 MINI United event, when the German
MINI Challenge Series brought their race show to Silverstone
Race Track, north of London, England. Photos and a brief write
up of the two Challenge races can be found on the MINI United
blog: http://www.miniunited.com/web/10224/blog?p_p_id=33&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_33_struts_action=%2Fblogs%2Fview&_33_advancedSearch=false&_33_andOperator=true&cur=2
Currently
there is no MINI Challenge Series in the Untied States, but will
Per breaking the ice for the importation of this exciting car,
the US, MINI largest world market, could soon so top racers in
the states going wheel to wheel in these factory built race
cars. Stop by the showroom and see this exciting car, or visit
our website next week for fresh photos, up close and personal on
this beautiful race car.
For additional information, contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or
brad.davis@hendrickauto,.com
January
12, 2009 Press
Release – For Immediate Release
MINI
of Charleston Racing Team starts the season with a big win
Charleston
,
SC
– The MINI of Charleston SCCA Showroom Stock racing team
returned from the season opening
Florida
road trip with 3 podium finishes, including the team’s first
victory of the season at Sebring International Raceway.
The
Southeast Division (SEDiv) of the Sports Car Club of America
kicks off the season each year with three races in early January
with SCCA National Series races in
Florida
the first two weekends of January. The Double National races at
the new Palm Beach Raceway (formerly Moroso Raceway) were the
first events at the new 2.0 mile, recently redesigned, repaved
and renovated road course. Robbie Davis, the defending SEDiv SSB
Champion, was on hand with the MINIUSA.com 2005 MINI Cooper S to
begin his title defense. Quickly learning a new track, it looked
like Rob would be giving the competition a run for the win, but
a rare and late qualifying mechanical problem made the car a
challenge to race. In race one on the first lap, a first
turn spin found Robbie driving hard to get himself back in the
race, managing a 3rd place in class finish. In race
two, Robbie voluntarily moved himself to the back for the field
for the start in case the mechanical problem might cause another
problem under hard braking during the start. Rob soon mastered
driving around the problem and steadily came through the field
moving from 26th starting position to 17th
during the 23 lap race. On the last lap he went side by side
with
Ken Payson
from
Worchester
,
Maine
, finishing right behind Ken for another 3rd in SSB.
The
following weekend the Series moved to the famous 3.7 mile 17
turn Sebring International Raceway. Even more drivers from all
over the country filled the 220 car event. After a quick repair
to the ABS system from our new friends at Braman MINI in
West Palm Beach
, the team felt ready for a better finish at Sebring. A Thursday
test day allowed team manager, Brad Davis his first opportunity
to drive the famous track in the morning and the afternoon was
spent with Robbie in the car trying to improve on his times from
the previous two trips to Sebring. Saturday morning the MINI of
Charleston
team confidently attacked the track for qualifying and after one
hot lap, Robbie radioed in the clutch was not working. A freak
clutch throw out bearing failure (that’s way we race them in
stock form to find out these things before the customers!) left
the team without a working race car. Without mechanic and crew
chief Rick Butler making the trip, the mechanical repair was in
the hands of team manager Brad Davis. “Robbie and crew member
Adolph Kosobucki’s blind confidence that we could make such a
major repair on the car while laying on our backs on the
concrete, made me crazy enough to say, ‘let’s start tearing
it apart (no easy job on a showroom stock front wheel drive
car!)’”, said the older Davis.
Eleven hours, many cut knuckles and a few unsavory words latter;
the car was ready for the Sunday race. A Sunday morning warm up
found the car ready to go. Top Qualifier Mike Scornavacchi from
Manheim
,
Pa
dropped out, unable to fix an engine miss computer problem on
his Pontiac Solstice. Robbie moved from 4th place
starting position in the 6 car field to 3rd for the
start. Richard Cullen of
Marshfield
,
Maine
took the early lead with Robbie Davis passing
Ken Payson
in his Mazda Miata on the start. Robbie stayed in Cullen’s
Honda Civic SI’s rear view mirror until the Honda’s brakes
faded and Robbie took the lead on lap 8. Payson stayed about 1-2
seconds behind
Davis
for many laps but his tires faded and in the end Robbie walked
away with his first 2009 win, over 8 seconds ahead of Payson.
Robbie said after the race, “I had to talk my Dad out of
putting the car in the trailer and heading home Saturday. But I
was confident, or stupid, we could get the car back on the
track. What a great way to win your first race of the season.”
Robbie left
Florida
and returned home with the divisional points lead by 2 points
over
Palm Beach
twin race winner Scornavacchi. The next race on the schedule
will be March 7-8 at
Savannah
’s Roebling Road Raceway.
For
additional information, contact Brad Davis at MINI of
Charleston
843 402-6551
Brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
August
25, 2008 Press Release – For Immediate Release
Kershaw
,
SC.
– The South Carolina Region of the Sports Car Cub of America
hosted the final South East Division National Championship
series race today at the 2.2 mile, 14 turn
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
road course. The father/son
Davis
team of Brad Davis in Showroom Stock C and Robbie Davis in
Showroom Stock B both dominated their races and finished the
season in style with two class wins. Robbie’s class win locked
up his title as the 2008 SSB South East Division Champion. Rob
won the Championship in the same 2005 MINI Cooper S that his Dad
won the SSC SEDiv Championship in 2006. “I want to say a big
thank you to MINI USA, MINI of
Charleston
, Carbotech and Hoosier for the great support this season and
the quality products that let us win the Division Championship.
When you take a street car in basically stock form and ask it to
do what we require to win races, it is a tribute to our great
sponsor’s products” said
Davis
. The one race winner takes all National Championship Runoffs
will be in
Topeka
Kansas
in October. Unfortunately Robbie’s work schedule with a
marketing company that represents the Sprint Racing Experience
currently will not allow him the opportunity to fight for a
podium position in this prestigious event. “I really hate to
think we’ll miss the Runoffs with Rob having such a great
chance this season to win ‘the big one”, but since this is
amateur racing, work and career priorities come first. I’m
proud he has learned this important lesson and we’ll be back
another year” said fellow driver, team manager and proud
father Brad Davis. Robbie’s 6 victories and a great showing in
the 12 Hours at the Point race have really gotten him the
national recognition he deserves. Thanks would be too small a
word for the support we’ve gotten from our crew chief Rick
Butler who has kept us mechanically on track all season.”
The
team will be taking some well deserved racing time off and begin
preparing for the January start of the 2009 season. Brad will be
changing classes and is preparing a 2002 MINI Cooper for the H
Production class and Robbie will be sticking with the 2005 MINI
Cooper S.
For
additional information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
July
6, 2008 Press Release – For Immediate Release
July
6, 2008 Pooler, Georgia – Being flexible is an important thing
for an amateur racing team. After changing plans at least three
times, the MINI of Charleston Racing team was able to get driver
Robbie Davis in the car and on the track for both races in the
South East Division (SEDiv) Double National this weekend at 2.0
mile Roebling Road Raceway. A change in Rob’s business
commitments allowed him to get dropped off at Interstate 95 in
Pooler, Georgia, get picked up by a waiting “street” MINI
Cooper and then rushed to the track in time to run Saturday’s
45 mile SCCA National Championship event. After missing both
Qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday morning, Robbie was
forced to start at the back of the field. Rob quickly picked his
way through the field and was soon the top running showroom
stock car in the multi-class race. When a summer thunderstorm
started dumping rain on some parts of the track, Rob showed his
car control skills and never made a mistake, taking the SSB win.
At times it was raining hard in turns 2, 3 and 9 and dry in
turns 1 and 4-8.
Sunday
morning, a rare and minor crew mistake spoiled the chance at a
qualifying spot for Sunday’s race and Rob was again forced to
start at the rear of the field. He again surgically worked his
way through the field and 23 laps later had his second win of
the weekend and sole possession of first place in the SEDiv
points championship. With only one more SEDiv race remaining,
but a few out of region race opportunities, the points battle
between Rob and Mike Scoravacchi of
Manheim
,
Pa.
is not yet completed.
Rob’s
new full time position on the Sprint NASCAR fan experience
trailer will leave plans for the final SEDiv race, The South
Carolina Grand Prix race at
Kershaw
,
SC
in August and the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in Topeka
KS., during October, up in the air.
For
further information or additional photos, contact Brad Davis at
843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendricauto.com
June
2, 2008 - For Immediate Release
Braselton
,
Ga.
:
Robbie Davis and the MINI of Charleston Racing Team returned to
the famous Road Atlanta race course to claim another SCCA South
East Divisional National Series win, winning his third national
of the season and second at Road Atlanta.
Davis
now has four straight wins at the 2.54 mile road course. The win
puts Robbie only 3 points behind SEDiv Showroom stock “B”
points leader Mike Scoranavachi. With only three races remaining
before the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in
Topeka
,
Kansas
, it is still up in the air as to which of the two will head to
the televised championship with the South East Division SSB
Champion title. The battle resumes at Roebling Road Raceway in
Pooler,
Ga.
on the July 4th weekend.
Davis
will be moving from the British BMW product (MINI) to the German
BMW product as a co-driver in the 12 Hours at the Point Race at
Summit Point Raceway in
West Virginia
, June 14th. Rob will be co-driving with Jeff Lucas
in a BMW 330, sponsored by Piper Motorsports. It will be
Davis
’ first experience in an endurance race longer than 2.5 hours
and his first turn at the wheel at night. But Rob’s ability to
quickly adjust to different cars, changing driving conditions
and smooth driving style should do well for his endurance team.
Rob won his SCCA National in his MINI at
Summit
in May.
May
18, 2008- For Immediate Release
Summit Point, West Virginia – Racing in the beautiful
Shenandoah Mountains can only be made better by a decisive
victory, and Robbie Davis in the factory MINIUSA.com/MINI of
Charleston 2005 MINI Cooper S did just that last weekend at the
2.0 mile ten turn Summit Point Raceway. After spending the
beginning of the South East Division schedule battling the
northern snowbirds that have been running against Rob this
season in his home division, Rob returned the favor heading to
the Northeast Division to grab a victory on their turf (asphalt
actually!).
Rob
returned to the track where he completed his
SCCA
Drivers
School
in the fall of 2004 to win the Showroom Stock B class race
Sunday. The top 5 cars in the class qualified within a window of
less than one tenth of a second. From Rob’s fourth place
qualifying position, he got a great start when the green flag
dropped and was in 2nd by the 3rd turn. Within two
laps Rob tracked down and passed the twin factory MINI Cooper S
of Fred Pignataro from
East Northport
,
NY
. Fred and the BMW Z4 driver Chris Dryden of New Freedom, Pa.
chased Robbie for the rest of the race, but were never able to
close the gap to attempt a pass. “Rob’s consistency won this
race” said crew chief Rick Butler of Moncks Corner, SC. “Rob
was not happy with his 4th place qualifying effort,
but I said from the beginning, my money was on Rob. He can
outrace them all.” The cloudy skies turned to rain the
last 3 laps making the track conditions very slick. Dryden in
the Z4 held on for 2nd while Pignataro went off
course on the next to the last lap leaving the third place to
the MINI Cooper S of Michael Keravich from
Shriley
,
NY
. Both Davis and Pignataro were under the track record on the
newly repaved circuit, but
Davis
’ fastest lap was just a tick behind Pignataro, just missing
his 2nd track record of the season.
In
the SSC Class, 2-time National Champion Joel Lipperini of
Pittston, walked away with the class win. , leaving MINI of
Charleston
’s Brad Davis to battle with arch rival and close friend
Jeff Wendell
for 2nd. After trading the position multiple times,
Davis
crossed the wet finish line several car lengths ahead of Jeff
for 2nd place in SSC. The MINI of
Charleston
team resumes SEDivsion competition in two weeks back at Road
Atlanta where Robbie won earlier this season.
For
additional information and additional photos, contact Brad Davis
@ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
April,
2008 – For Immediate Release
The MINI of Charleston
racing team today announced the signing of a young future
driver, Wyatt Robert Thompson born this afternoon in Murrells
Inlet, S.C. The future MINI racer weighed in at 8 lbs. 5 oz.
"We expect he will not need extra ballast by the time he
gets his novice permit." said team manager and grandfather
Brad Davis. Both baby and mother are doing fine.
April
14, 2008 – For immediate Release
Danville
,
Va.
– The MINI of Charleston Racing team had a couple of firsts,
even though they didn’t win either of the two National Races
held last weekend at the 3.27 mile Virginia International
Raceway. With Robbie Davis currently in second place in the
South East Division national series points, it was important for
him to not loose ground to class leading Mike Scornavacchi of
Manheim
,
Pa.
The double national gave Robbie the opportunity to cut into
Mike’s slim lead with a points race both Saturday and Sunday.
The
Davis
’ 2005 MINI of Charleston MINI Cooper S enjoyed the cool
weather of the weekend to qualify ahead of Scornavacchi and the
other Showroom Stock B competitors, excluding Chad Gilsinger
from
Marysville
,
Ohio
in his 2007 Honda Civic SI. Gilsinger, a Honda factory engineer,
used the 200 horsepower of the Civic to build enough of a lead
in the straight-away to keep
Davis
from passing him in the corners, even though the MINI Cooper S
had the superior handling and braking. “It was a little
frustrating to use the Carbotech brakes to out-break the Honda
every turn, use the MINI JCW suspension package and MINI Mania
Strut support to out-corner him and then to watch a car with 27
more horsepower pull away from me in the straights,” said
Robbie Davis, “but it was still a great race with only 1-2
seconds between us after 45 miles.” MINI of Charleston
Executive General Manager Brad Davis commented, “Rob ran a
perfect race with out putting a wheel out of place. Two second
place finishes and a track record are a good weekend no matter
how you look at it.”
Both
Davis and Gilsinger ran lap times that were over 2 seconds below
the existing track record. Robbie’s fastest lap in Sunday’s
race was the quickest of the weekend and established a new SSB
track record of 2:18.997 for an average speed of 84.692 mph. The
MINI of Charleston 2005 MINI Cooper S now holds both the SSB and
the SSC track records at VIR. Team manager, co-driver and
Rob’s father, Brad Davis set the VIR SSC track record in the
same car two years ago when the MCS was in SSC with an intake
restrictor and carrying 250 pounds of penalty weight.
The
team will return to action in May 17th and 18th
at Summit Point Raceway in Summit Point West Virginia.
For additional information contact Brad Davis at 843 402-6551
March
23, 2008 - For Immediate Release
Braselton,
Georgia – Robbie Davis continued his dominance at Road Atlanta
this weekend by winning his third straight SCCA National series
race at the 2.5 mile 12 turn Road Atlanta Raceway. Robbie’s
2005 MINI Cooper S has been on the podium every race this
season, but he never got to stand on the top step this year,
until last weekend. Rob finished 2nd at Sebring
International Raceway, 3rd at
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
and 2nd at Roebling Road Raceway, taking 2nd
place in the division standings in the process. But this weekend
Rob was determined to keep his streak alive and not let Mike
Scornavacchi of
Manheim
,
Pennsylvania
get another Southeast Division win. Rob used the supercharged
power of this Showroom Stock MINI Cooper S to power his way past
Scornavacchi. Mike had qualified on the pole, continuing a
streak of his own that goes back to Mike being the fastest
qualifier at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs last fall in
Topeka
,
Kansas
. The two SSB class leaders swapped positions several times
during the 18 lap race. At one point in the race the two
immaculate showroom stock cars hit hard nose to tail when car
from another class spun in front of them. The nose of
Scornavacchi’s Pontiac Solstice hit the rear bumper and
exhaust of
Davis
’ MINI, but both cars were able to continue. By the end of the
race both cars had tire rubs (donuts as NASCAR calls them) down
both sides of both cars, but neither driver ever hit hard enough
or with the intent to spin the other. “This was the most
intense race I’ve ever run”, said Robbie. “Mike raced me
hard but clean and any contact was just close racing.”
Proving
again that a Counterfeit MINI is no substitute for the real
thing, team manager and proud father, Brad Davis finished 6th
of 9 in the Showroom Stock C class that was won by Joe McClughan
of New Braunfels, Texas.
The
MINI of
Charleston
team hopes to gain some more points on Scornavacchi at the
double National April 12th and 13th at
Virginia International Raceway in
Danville
,
Virginia
.
For
additional Information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
www.minicooperracing.com
Photo credit to Mark Boudoucies
Press
Release – For Immediate Release
January
6, 2008 – For Immediate Release
Quick and responsive is the description of the MINI Cooper S
handling, but also describes the MINI of Charleston Racing
Team’s 2008 race team strategy. Six days into the New Year,
the 2008 SCCA Southeast Region National Championship Series has
already begun. Drivers from around the country assembled at
Sebring International Raceway in Sebring
Florida
to compete for that first class victory of the season. In the
Competitive Showroom Stock B class, Saturday’s qualifying was
dominated by Mike Scornavacchi of
Manheim
,
Pa.
Mike was the pole sitter at the SCCA National Championship
Runoffs in Topeka in October, but was hungry to get back on the
podium after contact with a Honda Civic SI cost him a shot at a
Championship. In 2007 Scornavacchi and the other Pontiac
Solstice drivers dominated most races after being “awarded”
an aggressive competition suspension package. To equalize the
competition for 2008, the MINI Cooper S was allowed to upgrade
to the factory Limited Slip transmission, and hopes to have the
John Cooper Works Suspension package approved by February. The
transmission change did allow MINI of
Charleston
driver Robbie Davis to improve significantly over last years
Sebring times. However, the Scornavacchi Solstice and the
Solstice of Charles Guest of Cascade, NC still took the top two
qualifying spots. Davis qualified Third, leading the MINI Cooper
S brigade; followed by the MINIs of Austin Theen of Venice,
Fla.; Jill Urso of Orlando, Florida and Jonathan Start of
Caledonia, Mi.
On the start of Sunday’s 45 mile race,
Davis
got an excellent start and passed Guest and Scornavacchi going
into the first turn. Although Scornavacchi re-passed
Davis
for the lead, the two pulled out a safe margin from the rest of
the field. Guest spun in turn eight and later dropped out with
brake failure, but Theen and Urso had a classic MINI battle for
the third position with Theen making the last past with two laps
to go. Urso held on for fourth, with Start close behind. Sixth
place went to Rudy Consolation of Akron, Oh., driving a Mazda
Miata.
Robbie Davis’ fellow team driver, father and team manager,
Brad Davis, didn’t compete this weekend, electing instead to
be Robbie’s crew chief. “I was extremely proud of the race
Robbie ran today”, said Brad, “He proved he is becoming a
faster and wiser driver with each race. The limited slip
addition brought us a little closer to being competitive with
the
Pontiacs
, but the addition of the JCW suspension is still needed to
level the playing field. Our contacts inside the SCCA report we
should have a favorable response in the next few weeks.”
The team will be skipping the long road trip to Homestead
Speedway outside
Miami
for next weekend’s double national, but will return to action
in February at
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
in Kershaw, SC. Brad has had three straight national wins at CMP
and is hoping to add to the total next month.
For
additional information contact Brad Davis at brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
or 843 402-6551
.
October
16, 2007
Charleston
,
SC.
– The final event of the SCCA National Championship Racing
Series is the invitation only SCCA Runoffs, Presented by
AT&T. For the second year the event was hosted by Heartland
Park Topeka, in
Topeka
Kansas
. The 14 turn, 2.5 mile paved road course was changed from last
year’s event to produce higher speeds and a new challenge for
returning drivers. The changing weather conditions also added
additional excitement to the week long event. Temperatures
ranged from 38 degrees in the morning to high 80s the first of
the week. Severe thunderstorms that lasted throughout Friday
night continued on Saturday morning. Road racers race even in
rain conditions, but the excessive lighting caused a potential
hazard to the volunteer track workers, so the event was held up
for over 2 hours Saturday morning. By Sunday, 25 new class
champions had been crowned.
The
first MINI of Charleston Racing Team race was the SSC
Championship race Friday morning. Team Manager Brad Davis
competed in the class in a Counterfeit MINI that upon closer
inspection was a 2000 Honda Civic SI. This class was won the
last two years by a MINI Cooper S and then the MINI was
unceremoniously bumped up to the faster SSB Class. After being
the SE Division Champion in 2006 and finishing 10th
in the Runoffs, Brad chose to stay in the same class, even if
driving an “off brand” car was required. Brad Qualified 16th
in the 20 car field of invitees from all over the nation. After
coming to an almost complete stop in turn three for the usually
first lap accident, Brad rejoined the field 15 feet from the
last place car, but at least avoided body damage. A good drive
pulled Brad back up within the pack and was gaining spots until
an overheating condition slowed his charge with several laps
remaining. Despite the mechanical problem (happens when you’re
not in a real MINI!), Brad hung on for a 12th place
finish. First place was taken by John Heinricy of
Royal Oak
Michigan
. John is a multiple class, multiple time national champion and
a GM engineer and test driver.
Saturday
in the SSB Class Championship race the MINI contingency was
pitted in an unfair fight against the Pontiac Solstice, that
through a rule error, received a full racing suspension, limited
slip differential and lightweight carbon fiber roof, even though
it is the same horsepower as the MINI Cooper S. The MINI also
found tough going this year with the addition of the 197
horsepower Honda Civic SI. Jonathan Start (
Caledonia
,
Michigan
) led the MINIs with an 11th place qualifying
position, followed by Ralph Porter (
Kokomo
,
Indiana
) in 15th, MINI of
Charleston
’s Robbie Davis in 18th, Jill Urso (
Orlando
,
Florida
) in 21st and
James Place
(
San Antonio
,
Texas
) in 28th.
On
the start, Jill tried to get a jump on the start and knocked
Robbie Davis’ right outside review mirror into the next
county. As Rob entered the high-speed right-hand turn 8, he
could not see Ralph Porter on his right rear corner and the
contact sent Rob for a 260 degree spin. Rob regained a few
positions and came past start finish on lap one in 22nd.
Robbie drove hard and steady and was right behind 11th
and 12th place with 1 ½ laps remaining. The trio of
Tippens (BMW Z4), Porter (MINI) and Davis entered turn 8 and
were surprised by fresh mud and water kicked onto the track by
another competitor in front of them. Porter managed to spin on
track and continue, Tippens ran hard into the next turn wall and
Robbie when through the grass and headed back towards the
pavement and the next turn. Unfortunately the heavy rains of the
night and morning before caused the soft dirt to settle leaving
a ridge between the grass and the track surface. When Rob got to
the track the left front wheel suffered a severe impact and
bent, flattening the tire (no run-flats on this MINI). Rob
completed the lap with a flat front tire and continued to
complete the last lap on nothing but the wheel on the left
front. With this gutsy drive he managed to maintain some of the
positions he gained and finished in 18th place. The
highest finishing MINI was Start in 10th. The new SSB
Champion was Ken Flory of
Commerce Township
,
Michigan
in a Solstice. Other MINI finishing positions were; Porter in 11th;
Urso in 13th and Place in 20th.
The
races were recorded for delayed coverage by Speed TV. The SSC
Race will air Wednesday November 14th at noon. The
SSB race will air Wednesday December 26th at 1 PM. Be
sure to set your Tivo!
Press Release
– For Immediate Release
August 14, 2007
Charleston
, S.C – The
MINI
of Charleston Racing team has returned home after competing in
their last 2007 South East Division Sports Car Club of America
National Race Series event. Held in the sweltering heat at
Virginia International Raceway outside
Danville
,
Virginia
, the team Drivers had a good showing on the track and a great
showing off the track. Needing a win to close the points lead
with fellow
MINI
of
Charleston
driver Jill Urso, Robbie Davis made the long trip to VIR in
hopes of getting the additional class win he needed to put him
in a position to beat Jill to the SEDiv SSB Championship. Jill
was left minding the family business last weekend as her Dad,
Phil Simms 2006 GT1 National Champion, traveled to
Topeka
,
Kansas
to test for the upcoming SCCA National Championships in October.
However the class
had plenty of other worthy competitors as the first and second
place points leaders from the North East Division attended and
perennial championship contender Bill Haggerty made the trip all
the way from
California
to compete.
In
practice and qualifying a rare mechanical gremlin appeared in
Robbie’s 2005
MINI
Cooper S anti-lock brake system. The excessive use of the brake
system in road racing, exposes the
system to temperatures and applications not designed into
production systems. VIR has 8-9 brake applications per lap were
the car is requested to slow it’s forward speed from 120+ mph
to 45 mph three times and 5-6 other applications reducing the
race car speed by at least 30 mph (usually in the 95-65mph
range). The system detected an abnormal condition and put the
ABS system in its safety mode, but that made driving the car at
speed extremely difficult. Robbie qualified 6th. Race
day, Sunday, brought more challenges as the oppressive heat
drops the efficiency of the Supercharged
MINI
S engine. Like a true race driver, Rob filed all that in the
back of his mind and went off to race hard anyway. At the end of
the 45 mile sprint race, his consistent race laps landed Rob in
3rd, clinching 2nd place in the division
and locking teammate Jill into the SEDiv Championship.
Racing
the Counterfeit
MINI
, Brad Davis started 3rd in the SSC class and got
pushed off the track by a Spec Miata class competitor on the 2nd
lap, but struggled back to 6th in the 8 car field,
only seconds behind the tight 3rd-5th
place battle. Two-time National Champion Joel Lipperri finished
2nd as Brian Peele, the SEDiv points leader, adds
another 1st place to his remarkable season.
Off
the track the
MINI
of Charleston Racing team showed what winners are made of as
they renewed their annual contact with several Boy Scout troops
that camp at VIR each year, during this event.
MINI
of
Charleston
’s new sponsor, CargoTrailersUSA.com, brought their party
trailer to the race track and hosted the scouts for lunch in the
pits on Saturday. Scouts answered
MINI
trivia questions and door prizes for given out, including a
couple track laps in a new 2007
MINI
Cooper S during the “touring” period at the lunch break.
“When Brad mentioned their 4 year tie-in with the scouts, I
saw a great opportunity to do something for the scouts and their
chaperones and jumped right on it”, said Adam Dowe,
CargoTrailersusa.com owner. Brad Davis added, “It’s not
often racers find a supporting business that appreciates not
only the exposure on the race car and trailer, but an
opportunity to become part of the
MINI
experience that we share with all those we contact”.
The
team will take a well deserved rest and prepare for the SCCA
National Championship Runoffs in
Topeka
,
Kansas
October 8-14.
For
additional Information, Contact Brad Davis @ brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
or 843 402-6551
www.minicooperracing.com
Press
Release – For Immediate Release
June
3, 2005
Braselton
,
Ga.
– The
MINI
of Charleston Racing team made its second and final appearance
of the year at the 2.25 mile Road Atlanta race track, north of
Atlanta
.
MINI
of
Charleston
driver Robbie Davis drove the team’s 2005
MINI
Cooper S to victory from the pole position. Saturday Robbie
qualified on the pole position, but was followed closely by the
Pontiac Solstice of Charles Guest and the 2006
MINI
Cooper S of Jill Urso. After holding off the charge of the
Solstice mid-race, Robbie was able to build a slight lead and
finish 8 seconds ahead of Guest. Urso finished third, to place
two
MINI
S of
Charleston
cars on the podium.
“The
car felt perfect the entire race” said Robbie Davis.
“Carbotech makes a great brake pad that allowed us to go deep
into the turns every lap.” Braking is always a challenge in
the Showroom Stock B Class, as the stock braking system used on
every car sold on the showroom is pressed way beyond its design
requirements. The only allowable change is going to a harder
racing compound brake pad material.
With a single point
lead for the SouthEast Division points, Robbie and Jill head to
Pooler, Georgia at the end of the month for a Double National
race at
Roebling Road
.
For more information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
March 15, 2007
Charleston
,
SC
:
The
MINI
of Charleston Sports Car Club of America racing team visited the
historic Daytona International Speedway for the 5th
round of the South East Division SCCA National Racing
Championship. I the Showroom Stock B Class, Summerville, SC
resident Robbie Davis drove the team’s 2005
MINI
Cooper S in what most observers said was one of the closest SCCA
races in years. Rob started the race 2nd in points
behind
MINI
of
Charleston
customer and team member Jill Urso, of
Orlando
,
Florida
. With only one point separating them, it was sure to be a
competitive battle on the 3.5 mile road course, home of the
famous 24 Hours of Daytona.
Rob
qualified 2nd behind Jill but grabbed an early lead
on a good start in the multi-class 45 mile sprint race. Cars
from the production classes with race tires (the
MINI
is required to run street legal tires in the Showroom Stock
class) were faster in the turns, but the
MINI
used its stock supercharged power to get by them on the long
straights and the NASCAR banking. But the heavy traffic allowed
Jill to catch Rob on the 2nd lap and the battle
began. The two cars ran nose to tail or door to door for the
next 40 miles. Another
MINI
Cooper S driven by David Theen joined the battle and a one point
the 3
MINI
s entered turn one, onto the road course, 3 wide. After several
passes for the lead, Jill edged Robbie for the win, with Theen
finishing third for a 1-2-3
MINI
Cooper S finish. Fourth was the Chevrolet Camaro of Tom
Aquilante of Phoenixville, Pa. and rounding out the top five was
Carlo Lira of
Port Orange
Florida
in his Ford Focus.
With Rob and
Jill only 4 points apart, the battle goes back to Road Atlanta
next month, where Rob won his last race in April. Showing that a
Counterfeit
MINI
is no substitute for the real thing, team manager Brad Davis was
forced to come into the pits after 2 laps in the SSC Class with
an overheating problem in the Civic SI.
For additional information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
]
March
6, 2007
Charleston
, SC.: The
MINI
of Charleston Racing team and our racing customers continue to
dominate the action in the Sports Car Club of America’s South
East Division. Last Sunday at Roebling Road Raceway in Pooler,
Georgia,
MINI
of
Charleston
team member Jill Urso provided the
MINI
of
Charleston
team another SEDiv victory. Even with the odds favoring a dominate
performance by the current class leader, the Pontiac Solstice,
Jill ran a quick pace to win the race on the 2.0 mile nine turn
track. In racing there is a saying, “To finish first, first you
have to finish”. The Pontiac drivers learned this lesson as pole
sitter Charles Guest got caught up in traffic and spun hard in the
first turn on lap one. Trying to come back through traffic,
Charles contacted
MINI
of
Charleston
driver Robbie Davis in his
MINI
Cooper S and again spun in turn one, taking Charles out of
contention. The other Solstice driver, Amy Aquilante also spun
coming out of turn two and was never able to return to be a podium
threat. With a bent suspension from the contact with Guest, Robbie
Davis held Amy off the last couple of laps and held onto fourth
place. Jill’s 2006
MINI
Cooper S is now the SEDiv points leader, with a 6 point edge over
Davis
’ 2005
MINI
. Second and third in SSB were held by the remainder of the
Aquilante racing family, father Tom Aquilante in 2nd in
his Chevrolet Camaro and other daughter Elizabeth Aquilante 3rd
in her Pontiac Firebird. The Aquilante family hails from
Phoenixville
,
Pa.
and is well know as one of the best road racing prep businesses in
the
US
. Rumor has it the SCCA Competition Board will allow the
MINI
to change to a limited slip transmission next month, in an attempt
to equalize the class, after
Pontiac
asked for and received quite a few “non-stock” items added to
the Solstice.
In the
MINI
’s last year’s class, Showroom Stock B, Brad Davis carried the
MINI
of
Charleston
banner on the team’s counterfeit
MINI
(see www.counterfeitmini.com).
The elder
Davis
qualified as the top class qualifier and led the pack into turn
one. After getting stuck behind a car avoiding the spinning
Charles Guest (yes, both classes run together in the same race),
Davis
dropped to third. In a couple laps
Davis
passed the Honda Civic of Larry Delude of
Easton
,
Connecticut
for 2nd place and held that spot behind Tim Myers of
Marietta
,
Georgia
in his Mazda 3. On the last lap, Brad got a good run up to Tim in
the last turn and did a slingshot drafting pass just before the
finish line. Tim moved Brad to the wall and gave him a “touch”
on the left side, but at the finish,
MINI
of
Charleston
won another class victory, with Myers and Delude within a fraction
of a second behind. It was one of the best 3 wide finishes in an
SCCA race that most club members could remember. Brad is now tied
for the SSC divisional point lead.
The team resumes
action March 24 & 25 at Road Atlanta Raceway in
Braselton
,
Ga.
For additional
information or High resolution photos, contact brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
Or by phone at
843 402-6551
Press
Release – For Immediate Release
February
20, 2007
Charleston
,
SC
:
Somerset
,
Pa.
resident Earnest Trent is taking delivery of a new 2006
MINI
Cooper. So what is the news story? Mr. Trent will be 101 years
old this August. This is the 2nd
MINI
Mr. Trent has owned since they went of sale in the
USA
in 2002. To the best of our records and those of
MINI
International, Mr. Trent breaks his own record for being the
oldest
MINI
Cooper purchaser at 100 years old, breaking the record he set
when he purchased his first
MINI
the day before his 96th birthday.
Mr. Trent has
gotten his medical and driver’s test clearance to keep his
Pennsylvania Driver’s license at least up to his next required
application when he is 102 years old.
“He is an absolute inspiration to all of us, but especially
the Motoring Community.
MINI
owners pride themselves as being part of a group that thinks
driving is more than just going from point A to Point B,” said
MINI
of Charleston Executive General Manager Brad Davis. “When Mr.
Trent took delivery of his first
MINI
I rode with showed him the features of the car and rode with him
to make sure he was OK with the operation of the standard
transmission. His driving skills are still sharp and his
appreciation for the fun driving experience of the
MINI
is remarkable.”
Mr. Trent said he had seen
MINI
s all over the world when he was a pilot and thought, “One day
I want to own one of them. Then I thought I didn’t know how
many ‘one days’ I had left, so I contacted
MINI
of
Charleston
, part of the Hendrick Automotive Group that my son deals with,
and ordered one.” The day after delivery on his 96th
birthday Mr. Trent made the solo drive from
Hickory
,
North Carolina
back to
Somerset
. Now 4 years and more than 1500 ‘one days’ later, he still
drives regularly and wants to do it in style.
MINI
of
Charleston
has maintained a relationship with Mr. Trent that includes
birthday wishes every August, along with his favorite birthday
present, a couple of oil filters, since Mr. Trent still changes
his own oil, even with
MINI
’s free scheduled maintenance.
A delivery key presentation and some special gifts from
MINI
USA and
MINI
of
Charleston
is set for this Friday (2/23/07) at 1:00 at Mr. Trent’s home
in Somerset.
For
more information and directions to the delivery event contact
Brad Davis or Marcus DeBiasi at 843 402-6300
.
February
19, 2007
Kershaw
,
SC
– Cold weather and
wind failed to cool the MINI of Charleston Racing Team’s quest
for points in the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) South East
Division (SEDiv) National racing series championship. In the
Showroom Stock “B” class race, Robbie Davis of Clemson, South
Carolina placed the MINI of Charleston 2005 MINI Cooper S in the 2nd
position for the start of Sunday’s 45 mile sprint race on the
2.2 mile 14 turn Carolina Motorsports Park road course. Fighting a
sinus and ear infection that sent him rapidly to the local “Doc
in the Box” after the race, Rob executed a textbook start and
grabbed the early lead from Mike Scornavacchi from Manheim, Pa.
Mike was making a southern region appearance in the SSB Champion
Pontiac Solstice he purchased after it dominated the SCCA Runoffs
in Topeka, Kansas. Robbie was unable to hold off Mike and settled
into a quick pace and finished 2nd over new MINI of
Charleston Team member Jim Orr, of Moncks Corner, SC in his
recently purchased 2002 MINI Cooper S. Rob’s 2nd
place finish at CMP and 4th at Sebring put him in a tie
for the early season points lead with MINI of Charleston customer
Jill Orso from Orlando, Fla. Jill finished 7th at
Sebring, but rallied to win at Homestead the following week. The
points race goes head to head in two weeks as both Rob and Jill
are entered at the next race in the series, at Roebling Road
Raceway in Pooler,
Ga.
In
the Showroom Stock “C” class (the class the MINI Cooper S
competed in last year before being booted up to SSB for being too
fast!), team manager Brad Davis got behind the wheel of the MINI
of Charleston Counterfeit MINI (a 2000 Honda Civic SI, that used
to be the car to race until MINI returned to the US in 2002!).
Brad qualified 3rd with the pole being won by a mere .4
seconds by Larry DeLude of
Easton
,
Ct.
and Tim Meyers of
Atlanta
in 2nd. At the start, Brad jumped into 2nd
and after 3 laps tracked down DeLude and took the lead. After
changing from the MINI into the Civic, Brad adjusted to the slower
Honda and consistently turned laps faster then his qualifying
effort. At the finish, Brad won easily taking the win over Guy
Pavageau from
Washington
,
DC
who finished 2nd in his Chevy Cobalt and Delude third
in his Honda Civic SI. “My plans were to concentrate on Rob’s
points chase this season” said the elder
Davis
, “but returning to CMP and starting my year with a victory,
just like we did last year, gives me the itch to defend my SSC
SEDiv Championship from 2006. We’ll see what happens at Roebling
in March before we change any plans.”
MINI
proudly brought the new 2007 MINI Cooper and Cooper S to the
US
market last week. The completely redesigned MINI looks like it
will prove to be a worthy evolutionary sibling of the 2002-2006
MINI, but also an exciting opportunity for more SCCA wins and
Championships when it is eligible for SCCA Road Racing competition
in 2008. Details on the new car are available at MINIUSA.com.
For additional information contact: Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551
January
12, 2007
The 2007 Sports Car Club of America National racing series has
gotten an early start, with the South East Division’s first
event held last weekend at the historic Sebring International
Raceway in
Sebring
,
Florida
. The track is host to the Sebring 12 Hour, one of the most
prestigious endurance races in the world. The SCCA National race
used the same 3.7 mile 17 turn converted airport circuit. The
MINI
of
Charleston
team was one of 4
MINI
Cooper S race cars that made the trip south to participate in the
first race with the
MINI
moved to the Showroom Stock B class.
In
the “off Season” the SCCA decided that the
MINI
’s dominance of the SSC class the last two years had to be
addressed, so they removed 300 pounds of weight, the throttle
restrictor and moved the car up to the next fastest class. With
the competition even stiffer in the SSB class, team manager and
driver Brad Davis decided to put Robbie Davis in the team’s
primary seat this year, in the red 2005
MINI
Cooper S. “The last two years I’ve been proud of my top ten
finishes, but dropping from 6th to 10th last year
forced me to fire myself as the driver and put those 21 year-old
reflexes to work”, said the older Davis. “At Sebring, Rob
proved my instincts correct as he learned one of the most
complicated and difficult tracks extremely fast.
After qualifying 5th, Rob had a great start and ran
most of the race in 3rd, dropping one spot in the last
few laps to 4th. Richard Cullen from the Northeast
Division was the lead
MINI
, finishing 2nd. Jason Meyers won the class in a Mazda
Miata. Between Richard and Rob was Charles Guest in a Pontiac
Solstice. Behind Rob in 5th was David Theen in his
MINI
and
MINI
of
Charleston
customer Jill Urso finished 7th.
The team’s next race will be February 18th at
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
in
Kershaw
,
South Carolina
. Both father and son will be driving, with Brad in the seat of
the Honda Civic Counterfeit
MINI
in SSC. The team’s entire 2007 schedule is posted on the team
website www.minicooperracing.com
October
16, 2006
Topeka
,
Kansas
: MINI Coopers
dominated the Showroom Stock “C” Championship race during the
SCCA National Championship event at Heartland Park Topeka Race
Course. The Runoffs are the largest amateur racing event in the
US
, with over 700 competitors meeting to determine the SCCA National
Champion in 25 racing classes.
Friday
26 competitors finished a week of practice and qualifying with an
18 lap sprint race on the challenging 2.5 mile, 14 turn
Heartland
Park
road course. The field for the SSC race included drivers from both
coasts and everywhere in between. The field was a mixture of Mazda
3’s, a Mazda Protégé, several Dodge Neons, a Chevrolet Cobalt,
8 Honda Civic SI’s
and 9 MINI Cooper S’s. Defending 2005 National Champion Pete
Taylor put his 2005 MINI Cooper S on the pole and led the field
into the first turn. After the dust, tire smoke and flying parts
cleared in turn one, the MINI drivers began to assume a dominate
role in the race. Only the first lap incident damaged MCS of Fred
Pignataro (from
East Northport
,
New York
) failed to make the finish in the top 14. This incident also
effectively eliminated any chance for 7-time National Champion
John Heinricy from adding an SSC Championship to his list of T1
class and American Sedan class titles.
Taylor
held off an early challenge to post his second SSC National
Championship win. John Saucier of Midwest City, Oklahoma finished
2nd in a 2005 Mazda 3 and Ralph Porter from Kokomo,
Indiana brought his 2004 MINI Cooper S to the podium in third
place. The 2005 MINI Cooper S of Jonathan Start (Caledonia,
Michigan) was 5th followed by the MINIs of Richard
Cullen (Marshfield, Maine) and Brad Davis (Summerville, South
Carolina) competing the top ten MINI Parade in 8th and
10th respectively. Also finishing in the top half of
the field in MINIs were Wiley Timbrook (
Arvada
,
Colorado
) in 11th,
James Place
(
San Antonio
,
Texas
) in 12th and James McCarthy (
Smithtown
,
New York
) in 14th.
The MINI of
Charleston
team of Brad Davis, Rick Butler and James Overby spent time making
sure that their fellow MINI teams had the parts and technical
assistance that some competitors required to make MINI USA proud.
The new venue at
Heartland
Park
was difficult to learn and very unforgiving when the drivers
miscalculated and left the racing surface. Bent struts and wires
cut by a non-factory exhaust hanger were the easier repairs. But
the rare internal damage to Pete Taylor’s MINI transaxle on
Thursday proved a lot more challenging. Since transaxle failures
are not everyday occurrence, the MINI of Charleston Parts team
regretfully informed Pete and Brad the only units in dealer
inventory were in
Atlanta
and
Miami
. With the race less than 24 hours away, this was not the answer
the reigning Champion and pole sitter wanted to hear. Luckily,
earlier in the week Brad had a discussion with a fellow MINI/BMW
Dealer, Tim Brecht from
San Diego
,
California
and knew that Tim had brought the Brecht MINI Cooper S to
Topeka
, even though the qualifying driver was not able to attend. Tim
gladly offered the transaxle from their car and all that was left
was a transplant from that car to Pete’s car. Lying on the cold
asphalt, Pete, his crew and MINI of
Charleston
team member Rick Butler, did the swap in record time before
darkness and record cold set in. Brad and two techs from Classic
BMW in
Texas
patched the Brecht MINI back together and rolled it back to the
Brecht transporter. It is this type of camaraderie and cooperation
that make the SCCA such a great organization. The Friday morning
warm-up drew a big thumbs up from Pete and his title defense was
not lost to a freak mechanical problem.
“I
had hoped to bring home a top ten from
Topeka
and we did.” said MINI of
Charleston
driver Brad Davis. “It was a very difficult track to learn and
the week is so busy our practice laps were limited. I drover
faster during the race with a full fuel load then I did in
qualifying, showing I was still learning the track during the
race. Most of the top teams tested and practiced the week prior to
the Runoffs, by my work schedule made that impossible. The
mid-western drivers also have a lot of time on this track and
definitely have the home field advantage on this busy track.” The
team concluded the season with a top ten at the Runoffs and a
Southeastern Division Championship, a credit to the support of
MINI USA, Hoosier Tires and Carbotech Brakes.
Congratulations are also due from September to Wendi Allen for
repeating as the G Stock Ladies Solo Champion in a MINI of
Charleston MINI Cooper S and to Heather Everette and Donna Frank
for placing 2nd and 3rd in the H Stock
Ladies Solo Championship, driving a MINI of Charleston MINI
Cooper.
The solo and racing teams look forward to a couple of month’s
time off until the season restarts in January with two SCCA
Nationals in
Florida
. “We have some exciting plans for the 2007 season if we can get
our hands on the all new 2007 MINI Cooper S and look forward to
SEDiv 2nd place driver Robbie Davis taking the lead in
the 2005 car for next season, with a Divisional Championship and
National Title challenge in the plans”, said Brad Davis.
For
additional Information, contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com.
Photos will be
available later this week.
Press
Release – For Immediate Release
September
25, 2006
September
25, 2006
Charleston
,
SC
: The MINI of
Charleston
racing teams are wrapping up a busy season with all but one of the
Championship events occurring in September. In the road racing
arena, Robbie Davis was at Roebling Road Raceway this weekend in
defense of his 2005 SSC Class South Atlantic Road Racing
Championship title. The series allows drivers the accumulate
points from their best 6 races (out of 16 events) and add to their
totals in the final Invitational race, which counts as double
points. Going into the race Robbie was 4 points ahead of Mark
McCaughey of
Sarasota
,
Florida
. (Robbie 6 wins- Mark 5 wins and a second). Rob qualified on the
class pole with Mark starting right next to him. In the combined
class race, as luck would have it Rob’s starting position put
him in the undesired outside position. When cars from the ITB
class in front of him collided on the first lap in the first turn,
Rob was forced off the track and fell several seconds behind Mark.
Just past the midway point of the 15 lap race, Rob caught Mark in
turn one and attempted a pass. The just repaved track was very
fast “on the racing line” but as Rob found out, very slippery
off line. The car spun in the sand trap and dug in heavy on the
driver’s side. However, Rob was able to keep the car moving and
re-entered the race 17.5 seconds behind Mark, with the laps
dwindling. With damage to the front and rear suspension of Rob’s
Counterfeit MINI, he pressured McCaughey who was now nursing a
blistered left front tire. At the finish Rob had cut Mark’s lead
from 17.5 seconds to 3 seconds, but the battle of the running
wounded saw Mark take the victory and win the championship by 4
points. The pair still had a 15 second lead over third place
finisher Paul Gauzens of
Lawrenceville
,
Georgia
, who clinched the third place in the Championship behind Rob’s
second.
September
is also the conclusion of the SCCA Pro Solo competition series.
This weekend in
Topeka
,
Kansas
, GH Sharp drove Jeff Jacob’s MINI of Charleston MINI Cooper S
to the 2006 Pro-Solo G-Stock National Championship. GH was in
third after his Saturday runs, but came back strong on his Sunday
runs to win the championship by a mere 0.060 seconds. In the
indexed Marque Class, Rob Foley won that class in the same MCS.
2005 H-Stock Solo National Champion Mark Chiles changed jobs and
addresses this year and took the year off, but loaned his car to
teammate Jeff Jacobs to compete in the Pro-Solo. After a 6th
place position on Saturday, Jeff burned up the course with some
terrific runs on Sunday to finish 2nd. This
same group of MINIs and drivers, including 2005 G-Stock Ladies
National Champion Wendi Allen, will compete this week for the SCCA
Solo National Championships.
The final 2006 season event will be Brad Davis’ chase for the
SCCA SSC National Championship October 13th at
Heartland Park Raceway in
Topeka
,
Kansas
. Although not picked as one of the top three, Sports Car Magazine
(SCCA National Publication) has named Brad as a possible
“spoiler” and one to watch in the championship race. Brad is
representing the South East Division as the SEDiv SSC Champion.
For
additional information and photos, contact Brad Davis at brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
or call 843 402-6551
August
14, 2006 -
Danville
,
Virginia
The
MINI of Charleston Racing team concluded the 2006 regular season
events with a disappointing finish, but in a race that shows the
team should be top contenders in their upcoming championship
events. Sunday’s race found Robbie Davis qualified 2nd
and Brad Davis qualified 3rd. On the long 3.27 mile
Virginia International Raceway, Brad was unable to get a clean lap
during qualifying, so he was pleased with his time, knowing the
2005 MINI Cooper S would be able to turn faster times in the race.
Robbie got a good start and jumped into the lead on the
first lap, closely pursued by 3 MINI Cooper S’s, a Dodge Neon
and Chevy Cobalt. Trying to stretch out his lead on the 2nd
lap, Rob’s Counterfeit MINI spun in turn 5 and dropped to 6th.
Rob moved back to 5th and had a race long battle with
the MCS of Owen McKenzie. Meanwhile, Brad Davis was engaged in a
dog fight at the front of the field that saw the lead change
several times between Brad, Juston Poole in his MINI Cooper S and
Kolin Aspegren in a Neon. In the closing laps Brad was solidly in
2nd behind Juston and closing on him. With two laps to
go the leaders of a faster class were working their way through
the Showroom Stock C class leaders. In turn 3, Brad moved the MINI
off line slightly to allow one of the Spec Miatas to pass and
dipped a rear wheel off the edge of the track. The car spun into
the grass and stopped against the tire wall. Suffering only
cosmetic damage, Brad was able to rejoin the field and came back
onto the track just behind son Rob and Owen McKenzie. Juston Poole
hung on for the win, with Aspegren inheriting 2nd,
McKenzie 3rd, Robbie Davis 4th and Brad
Davis 5th. In the process of hunting down
Poole
, Brad in the MINI of Charleston MCS broke the SSC track record.
“It’s
a game of inches and that extra 2-3 I gave up to allow a faster
class car to get by cost me. But all things considered, we had a
good weekend, setting a new track record shows we’re ready for
the Runoffs in October and should be a contender for the National
Championship. Luckily we had already clinched the South East
Division Championship, so my ‘whoops’ didn’t affect the
points”, said driver Brad Davis.
September
24th, Robbie Davis will have his Championship race in
the South Atlantic Road Racing Series Invitational at Pooler
Georgia’s Roebling Road Raceway, as he defends his 2005 SARRC
SSC Championship. Father Brad Davis will compete for the SSC
National Championship October 13 in
Topeka
,
Kansas
at Heartland Park Raceway. That race will be recorded by Speed TV
and shown in November.
Final Regular Season Stats:
Brad Davis 2005 MINI Cooper S
SEDiv SSC Champion
4
National Wins (
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
, Daytona International
Speedway
, Road
Atlanta
[2])
1
– 2nd place
1
– 3rd place
2
– 5th places
2
New Track records (Road Atlanta and VIR)
Robbie Davis
6 SARRC Series wins (
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
[3], Roebling Road Raceway [2], VIR)
2
National Wins (
Roebling Road
)
2
– 3rd place
2
– 4th place
1
– 6th place
For additional Information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551
or brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
For
Immediate Release
July
5, 2006 Charleston,
SC
MINI
of
Charleston
Racing Team Ignites July 4th Fireworks on Track
The MINI of Charleston Racing Team spent a warm weekend in the
Georgia
swamp outside
Savannah
, in Pooler, Georgia. The annual SCCA South East Division Double
National Race was held at the 2.0 mile Roebling Road Race Course.
Just two weeks before the track gets a complete repave, the rough
track and hot weather is always concern for tire engineers. In the
spring race, MINI Cooper S driver Brad Davis raced nose to tail
with the two-time National Champion, Joel Lipperini of Pittston,
Pa., until overheating and blistering the left front tire.
Roebling’s 2 miles has only one straightaway and it’s six
right hand turns are tough on a high-powered front wheel drive car
like the MINI Cooper S. After winning several early season races,
the SCCA added 175 pounds of penalty weight to further add to the
tire wear problem. Brad’s 2005 MINI set the pace and had the
fastest qualifying time in the class for both days’ races. “I
knew our qualifying time (1:28.165 – 82.482 mph) was too fast to
run during the race and still have a left front tire on the last
lap. I figured a 1:30 lap could save the tire and still lead the
race.” said Brad. “We needed a finish of third or better in
one of the races to clinch the SEDiv Championship, so finishing
was more important than winning.” At the drop of the green flag,
the MINI led the class for the first 4 laps before son Robbie
Davis moved into the lead. “It was obvious at my chosen pace, I
was holding Robbie up.” In his lighter Counterfeit MINI (Civic
SI), Rob was able to consistently put down 1:29 laps and cruised
to his first ever SCCA National Series victory. “It was a great
feeling at the finish to know I grabbed the SEDiv Championship
while Rob won his first National.”
Monday
brought even hotter weather and track conditions, but the
supercharged MINI Cooper S still managed to set the fastest lap in
Qualifying. With the Championship already locked, the older
Davis
pushed a little harder in the Monday race, but the smooth
consistent driving style of Robbie Davis soon moved him into
striking range of his father. On lap 10 of the 23 lap race, Robbie
moved past his Dad into first, never looking back and winning
National # 2. Colin Aspegren of
Alpharetta
,
Ga.
drove into 2nd and the MINI of
Charleston
team finished 1-3 for Monday’s race. Driver Rob Davis commented
after the race “It was great to win a race where the competition
was tight. For a while I was sandwiched between Dad and Colin,
knowing that the slightest mistake from any of us could cost that
person the race. It’s a fantastic feeling seeing the checkered
flag and knowing you won a National, and beat your Dad!” Debbie
Davis, wife and mother of the father son team said, “I feel much
better about letting Rob spend time and money on all those racing
video games when he was growing up, it feels like some strange
type of redemption.”
The
team takes several weeks off now to prepare for the final National
Race, August 12-13 at Virginia International Raceway in
Danville
,
Va.
After that Robbie will defend his South Atlantic Road Racing
Series Championship (he currently leads the points in that series)
at the SARRC Invitational at
Roebling Road
in September. Brad Davis will try to improve on his 6th
place finish last year, in the SCCA’s National Championship
Runoffs in
Topeka
,
Kansas
in October.
For
additional Information contact Brad Davis @ 843 402-6551 of brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
June
5, 2006 Charleston, SC.
Braselton
,
Ga.
: The MINI of
Charleston Racing Team has picked up another 1-3 finish at the
challenging Road Atlanta 2.5 mile road course. MINI Cooper S
driver
Brad Davis
started from his 2nd in class qualifying position to
race nose to tail and door to door with fellow MINI Cooper S
driver Juston Poole of Atlanta. The pair swapped the lead several
times during the 18 lap race, putting on a clean and exciting show
for the Road Atlanta spectators. At the end, Poole finished just
ahead of
Davis
at the finish, but Poole’s second lap contact with BMW Z4 driver
Charles Guest that left the Z4 stuck in the turn one gravel trap
cost
Poole
a one position penalty. “I can’t say I not excited about
getting our 4th win of the season, but this is not
really the way a racer wants to pick up the victory”, said
Davis. “Juston and I had such a great race. The slightest
mistake from either of us opened the door for the other driver to
take the lead. We ran hard without ever touching, but a
miscalculation by Juston on how fast we were gaining on the Z4
under braking, cost him the victory.”
With MINIs taking the
1st and 2nd positions,
the door was open for Robbie Davis to take his counterfeit MINI to
another 3rd place Road Atlanta finish. The previous
weekend, Rob earned his 6th
2006 South Atlantic Road
Racing Series victory at
Carolina
Motorsports
Park
. Perhaps for the first time ever, a father
and son team are # 1 in points in both the SARRC Series and
the South East Division National Championship Series.
The team takes a well deserved couple of weekends off before
returning to the Sports Car Club of America’s National Race at
Roebling Road in Pooler, Georgia on the 4th of July
weekend.
For additional Information, contact
Brad Davis
@ 843 402-6551
May
9, 2006 Charleston, SC.
Daytona Beach
,
Florida
: The MINI of
Charleston Sports Car Club of America Racing Team returns to
Charleston
with its third
National victory of the season. Driver Brad Davis improved his
2006 record to 4 starts, 4 top qualifier honors and 3 national
wins. The 3.56 mile Road Course raced at Daytona International
Speedway is the same course used in the world famous sports car
race The 24 Hours of Daytona. The 2005 MINI Cooper S hit speeds of
over 130 mph on the 2.5 mile tri-oval’s front and back
straight-aways before heading back into the infield portion of the
road course to show off the Showroom Stock MINI’s superior
handling. “A win at Daytona is the dream of every driver from
the time you were a kid pushing a matchbox car around the living
room.” said South East Division points leader Brad Davis. “The
Hoosier tires we are running this year have really helped us pick
up the pace and made us the team to beat in the South East.”
Davis
established a
new SSC lap record at Daytona, beating the old mark set in 1999 by
former SSC National Champion Michael Kramer.
The newest addition to the MINI of Charleston Team, driver Jill
Urso, broke in her new MINI of
Charleston
2006 MINI Cooper
S with a 4th place finish. Jill looks like she has
inherited her driving skills from her dad, Phil Simms GT1 and
former Trans Am driver, as she adjusted quickly to the Showroom
Stock class after racing for several years in the modified
Production classes. Second place was last year’s SEDiv SSC
Champion Juston Poole, who sold his Honda Civic SI and made the
change to a MINI Cooper S, giving MINI USA a 1-2-4 finish.
The team heads to Virginia International Raceway this weekend
where Robbie Davis hopes to claim two more South Atlantic Road
Racing Series (SARRC) victories in the Double SARRC/MARRS
(Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Series) races. Robbie is currently 2nd
in SEDiv National points and 1st in SARRC points.
Rob’s 4 SARRC wins this season put him well on his way to
repeating his SARRC Championship. Then Brad and Rob will rest for
a couple of weeks until the National Series returns to Road
Atlanta June 3 & 4. The MINI Southern Region will be hosting a
club event for the Atlanta MINI Clubs that will include a track
tour for MINIs during the Sunday lunch hour. The racing team looks
forward to meeting the MINI owners and answering questions at the
lunch break.
For
additional Information contact:
Brad Davis
brad.davis@hendrickauto.com
843
402-6551
ress Release
