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The Cars

The SuperMini Challenge runs two classes — the controlled Cooper Class and the open-rules Unlimited Class.

Entry class · Controlled car

Cooper Class

BMW R50 & R53 Mini Cooper / Cooper S (2001–2006), largely OEM with a defined list of permitted modifications.

Cooper Class details ↓

Open rules

Unlimited Class

Minis built to Motorsport Australia Group 3D Sport Sedan regulations, with SMC amendments.

Unlimited Class details ↓

Entry class

Cooper Class

Eligible cars are the BMW R50 & R53 Mini Cooper / Cooper S, produced 2001–2006.

SuperMini Challenge BMW R53 Cooper S race car

How the class works

Cooper Class cars remain largely OEM, with a defined list of permitted modifications. Parity comes from control components — a Link G4X control ECU, the RubberCraft SP-01R control tyre, a 1225 kg minimum racing weight with driver, and pump fuel compliant with Schedule G of the Motorsport Australia Manual.

Engine internals are free but must not exceed an 8.5:1 compression ratio, and the factory supercharger must remain unmodified. Any modification judged to give a performance advantage moves the car to the Unlimited Class.

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R53Chassis (2001–2006)
Cooper SModel
1.6LSupercharged
Link G4XControl ECU
1225 kgMin racing weight (with driver)
225/45 R17RubberCraft SP-01R control tyre
Schedule GPump fuel
8.5:1Max compression ratio

Open rules

Unlimited Class

Built to Motorsport Australia Group 3D Sport Sedan regulations, subject to SMC amendments.

SuperMini Challenge Unlimited Class race car

How the class works

Engine internals and gearbox are free, and no minimum weight is enforced. Any two-wheel-drive BMW Mini is eligible, but the drivetrain must remain front-wheel drive and 4WD systems are not permitted. Cars must remain floorpan cars as defined in the Group 3D regulations, with the engine kept in the original bay and set back no further than the firewall.

Maximum rim size is 17 x 9 inches, ABS is free, and all cars run the RubberCraft RC001 control tyre in 220/620-R17 or 240/610-R17. Bodywork may extend up to 250 mm forward of the factory silhouette for a one-piece front clip.

Read the full rules
Group 3DMA Sport Sedan based
FloorpanBody construction
FreeInternals & gearbox
NoneMinimum weight
17 x 9Max rim size
RC001RubberCraft control tyre
250 mmMax silhouette extension
FWDDrivetrain

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Buy a ready-to-race car on my105, or build your own to the specs above — for Cooper or Unlimited. Not sure where to start? Talk to us.