Rally ace joins MINI grid

Former Subaru World Rally Championship driver Chris Atkinson will race the Uber Star car when the series hits the new Townsville street circuit in July. Not only will it be the 28-year-old's first race in a Mini it will be the first time he hasn't raced an all-wheel drive car.

Having contested the WRC since 2005 with Subaru, the Japanese manufacturers' decision to quit the sport at the end of last year left Atkinson without a drive. Although he competed in the first round of the 2009 championship in Ireland with Citroen he has been sidelined since.

"I'm really excited about it," Atkinson says, "I've driven a MINI once before, but never in a race situation."

"I've been hearing a lot about MINI Challenge and a lot about the new Townsville circuit, so when the chance came up to try them both out I didn't hesitate."

"I've probably got the best round to come in without any MINI experience, at least we'll all be new to the track there. Nobody has home track experience."

Despite having spent most of his career in rallying Atkinson does have some circuit racing experience. He has raced in both the Bathurst 12 Hour and Nurburgring 24 Hour for Subaru and is hoping his limited experience will help.

"I think if anything my 4WD experience will help in the front wheel drive MINI car," he says. "Sometimes there are a few parallels between 4WD and front wheel drive. I'll have that on my side anyway and hopefully that compensates for my lack of consistent road racing experience."

The MINI Challenge race is part of the V8 Supercar Championship support program at the Townsville circuit July 10-12.

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