Page 43 - MOWO169

However, 1970 marked the end of Mini’s official motorsport involvement due to financial challenges faced by the Leyland Group. The iconic Mini Cooper S concluded its production in July 1971.
The Mini’s motorsport success laid the foundation for the new millennium, with BMW continuing the legacy. The MINI brand, introduced in 2001, retained the classic Mini’s essential characteristics, evolving into a cross-generational, class-spanning vehicle with various models like the MINI Clubman, MINI Convertible, and MINI Countryman.
The MINI brand also made a mark in the Dakar Rally, achieving six consecutive victories from 2012 to 2021 with the MINI ALL4 Racing. The John Cooper Works tuning kits, a tradition since the 1970s, ensure outstanding performance on both the racetrack and the road.
Private motorsport teams, like the Bulldog Racing project, continue the Mini racing tradition. In the 2022 Nürburgring 24-hour race, Bulldog Racing’s MINI John Cooper Works showcased resilience and became a fan favorite. The team achieved a commendable second place in its class at the 2023 Nürburgring 24-hour race, and they plan to continue racing in 2024.
The enduring passion for racing keeps Mini’s motorsport legacy alive, showcasing its ability to defy expectations and remain a symbol of performance, style, and emotion.