From 2009 to 2017, a Mini driver has had a first or second place finish in the Touring class. The 2017 season saw Canadian Michel Sallenbach win his third Touring class championship title in the past four years. Sallenbach has had a podium finish every year since 2011.

“Mini is one of the most successful brands in CTCC,” said John Bondar, President of the Canadian Touring Car Championship. “We are looking forward to seeing Mini and its drivers battling for supremacy during our twelfth season, and are grateful for the support that Mini Canada has provided our drivers over the years.”

For the five-day, 1,500+ kilometre Targa Newfoundland race, Mini Canada will have a contingency payout of $3,000 for first place finishes in the Open, Targa, and Grand Touring classes. Mini is hoping for a championship for the fourth year in a row in the Grand Touring class. In 2017, Mini GP drivers John Hume and Christina Kroner captured first place, while teammates Craig MacMullen and David Jenkins took home second in their Mini Countryman.

“Mini is excited about our commitment to domestic motorsports in Canada,” said Andrew Scott, director, Mini Canada. “With four Mini models available as a John Cooper Works including the iconic 3 door and all-wheel drive Countryman and Clubman, Mini racetrack ready performance has never been more available to Canadians who love fast cars; on the track or off of it.”

Rounds one and two of the 2018 Canadian Touring Car Championship take place May 18-20 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park which is located about an hour east of Toronto near Bowmanville, Ontario.