Mini Challenge, Round 5, Phillip Island, 2008

[All timing by Natsoft]

Bib Stillwell Mini Garage

Round 5 Photo Gallery

Introduction

The MINI CHALLENGE cars were the curtain raiser for the Phillip Island 500 on the weekend September 12th - 14th.

The series returned with the man who gave Ayrton Senna his Formula 1 start, Ted Toleman, at the helm after the original organising body withdrew. Since Motorsport Event Management Pty Ltd was placed into liquidation, Toleman Motorsport has been in negotiations with MINI and the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) and was appointed the Category Management Agency for the remainder of 2008. This has now brought new-found stability to this popular and growing championship.

At least seven rounds have been agreed with V8 Supercars for 2009 which is definitely good news.

This weekend the drivers were kept busy on the first day of competition, with practice, qualifying and Race One all completed. This left one race (Race 2) on Saturday and one race (Race 3) on Sunday.

Gary also did double-duty by competing in the Biante Touring Car Masters, replacing seasoned racer Charlie O'Brien in a Stillwell-entered Ford Mustang.

Practice

Qualifying

The qualifying session was held almost immediately after free practice, only being seperated by one event so teams had to make the cars ready in a quick turnaround. Gary bettered his time from that first session and picked up one place on the starting grid.

Race One

Race 1 was held Friday afternoon, towards the end of day's program. V8 Supercar experienced Jason Bargwanna won the race from Nathan Geier and Todd Fiore. Gary finished 10th.

Race One saw the return to racing of veteran Bob Holden in the Media Car. Bob is best known for his win at Bathurst many years ago in a Mini, and as a founding competitor of the Super Touring category of the early 90's.

Race 2

Race 3