NOVEMBER 23, 2001

Minis to support the Australian GP

THE new Mini Cooper will be used for the celebrity challenge race in Melbourne in March. The cars will replace the BMW Z3s which have been used in recent years. The event is one of the most popular of the support events at the Grand Prix with the celebrities offering considerable amusement with some of their antics.

The Melbourne GP organizers are also laying on a series of challenge races between Australian legends Peter Brock and Dick Johnson - and their sons James Brock and Steven Johnson. The two will (as always) be driving rival Holdens and Fords. The Brocks will use a 1987 Holden Commodore and the Johnsons a 1989 Ford Sierra.

In recent years Brock has enjoyed an annual "grudge match" with another of his old rivals Allan Moffat.