MINI New Zealand to partner world speed record attempts   17 Mar 2015

MINI New Zealand to partner world speed record attempts

MINI New Zealand is helping to make history in August this year, partnering with a group of Nelson motoring enthusiasts in an attempt to set a new land speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The team, campaigning under the name ‘Project 64,’ set the current land speed record of 236km/h for their class of Mini Cooper S in 2012. This year they are returning to the Salt with the goal of beating their own record and reach 280km/h.

“The Project 64 team is infectious with their enthusiasm and we were drawn to the Kiwi backyard can-do attitude they exude, which in itself is very MINI-like,” said Nina Englert, Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand.

“MINI also has a race-bred heritage, having proven itself on numerous rallies around the world, and whilst this is a slightly different proposition we’re nevertheless excited to be a partner.

“We have high hopes they will achieve their aim of smashing their old record and are looking forward to being onboard for the ride.”

The Project 64 team, the name a nod to the year of manufacture of the Mini, as well as the New Zealand country calling code, will aim to set the record during a week of timed runs on the legendary salt flats at Bonneville Speed Week. By also running on Methanol and making changes to the car during the week to fit other classes, they will attempt to break three other records.

“Bonneville has seen some Kiwi legends perform on the world stage in years gone by and we’d love to emulate the success of these iconic characters,” said Guy Griffith, project co-founder and crew chief.

“This started as an item on our bucket list of motor sport events to attend and as more people heard about it in 2012, it very quickly grew into a full-on assault on a long standing record. We could have done it in something more modern and better suited to going fast in a straight line, but where’s the fun in that?”

Garry Orton, project co-founder and team logistics manager, said “Some would say that becoming the world’s fastest classic Mini at Speed Week in 2012 would have been enough, but we know we can make this little car go much faster. The Salt gets into your blood too, so we feel we have to go back, fly the New Zealand flag, and show the world how great this Mini is.”

Further Sponsorship Sought

To assist the team realise their dream of achieving their target, the support of additional sponsors is also being sought.

“We’re excited to be partnering with MINI - it’s the perfect brand for us to work with on this project. We are also rapt with the support from other current sponsors including, Maersk Line, Total Lubricants and the World of Wearable Art and Collectable Cars Museum.

Alongside MINI and our existing sponsors we’d love to have one or two more brands that we could proudly represent at Bonneville,” said Mr Orton.

Givealittle Crowd Funding

The support team has also set up a Givealittle crowd funding page where like-minded motoring enthusiasts, and those supportive of their speed endeavours, can donate money to the cause.

“The site is located at www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/project64 - it’s a great platform for us to raise support as 100% of the funds given go to the team, and our supporters can give as little or as much as they like.”

Prize to Join the Team in Bonneville

All donations of $1,000 or more received before April 15th 2015 also go in a draw to win two return airfares to San Francisco from Auckland, 10 days USA car hire and 6 nights’ accommodation at Wendover Utah.

The Project 64 team depart for the USA in early August and will be at Bonneville for one intense week of racing from the 8th of August.

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