Mini to offer B-Spec Cooper for budding racers

It may have taken them a while to get around to it, but after reviving the Mini marque in 1994, BMW hasn't forgotten the original's rich racing heritage. It's what's taken them into the World Rally Championship, and is now leading to a B-Spec racer available right here in the United States.Created out of a partnership between Mini USA and its dealer in Charleston, South Carolina, the Mini Cooperracer can be made out of any existing hardtop hatchback made between 2007 and 2012. It packs all the safety equipment necessary for competition duty – including a full roll cage, window net, racing bucket and harness – plus upgraded brakes, suspension and rolling stock, but is otherwise pretty much showroom stock. And that's the point behind B-Spec categories sanctioned by such bodies as the SCCA, Grand Amand World Challenge.