The Mini Challenge (Australia) will return this weekend at Phillip Island in support of the L&H 500 V8 Supercar event, with the man who gave Ayrton Senna his Formula 1 start, Ted Toleman, at the helm.

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.

Toleman gave Ayrton Senna his big break in F1

 Chairman  Ted Toleman owned Toleman Motorsport Formula 1 between 1981 and 1985  before Toleman sold out to Benetton, with that team evolving into the ING Renault F1 team of today.

Whilst Ted Toleman continues to be strategic in his approach to everything motorsport, he recognises that success in the sport is not all about racing.

“The company today partners with category specialists to deliver best of breed solutions. This is why we have selected to team up with Craig Denyer and Bill West, the Category Managers of V8 Ute racing, for the on-track management and logistics of MINI CHALLENGE,” said Ted.

Whilst the interruption to proceedings over the last six weeks was unexpected, National Manager  for  MINI, Justin Hocevar says the Series is back and will be better than ever.

“The key message is that is that MINI CHALLENGE is back on track with the same Operations Management team, but with a new Category Manager that will take the category forward significantly on all levels,” Justin said. “MINI has completed negotiations with CAMS, V8 Supercars and of course Toleman Motorsport and the Series will fulfil its commitments for the remainder of 2008.

“We’ve retained the same television package as was in place prior to MEM’s demise and the calendar will remain as it was.”

At least seven rounds have been agreed with V8 Supercars for 2009, as positive negotiations continue to take place with all stakeholders.

“Despite the recent upset, there is sufficient momentum to see this exciting new category continue and to be a part of the Australian motorsport landscape for some time to come,” Justin concluded.

with: Mini PR