For: Immediate Release     Date: August 12, 2003    Contact: Robert Lee

Torrance, Calif--The 2002 Mini Madness Mini Cooper S, running the StopTech high performance brake system, won the shortest stopping distance and the fastest road course time in the “Car and Driver 2003 Superfour Challenge.” The competition, hosted by Car and Driver magazine, had 10 tuned compact cars compete in the front-wheel-drive class. The course was kind of a jumbo autocross, consisting of a standing-start quarter-mile run, a road-course section, a blast to 130mph, and a hard-braking stop from 130 mph – all in one continuous run.

The Mini Cooper S finished on top for the hard braking stop with the shortest stopping distance. “On the track, the firm chassis paid off with the best road-course time-by 1.5 seconds-among the front-drivers, as well as the best stop in the class from 130 mph at 534 feet,” ---September 2003 Car and Driver page 54. The StopTech Mini front Balanced Brake Upgrade^tm includes 12.9-in slotted rotors, patented 4-piston ST40 calipers, and DOT compliant stainless steel braided lines.

“Without the StopTech kit we would never have been able to achieve the best stopping distance,” said George Mehallick, owner of the Mini Cooper. “I am overly satisfied with the quality of the StopTech system. What is really impressive is that it is not only great for daily driving, but also exceptional on the track.”

The road course section was a short 1.1-miles and required not only hard acceleration down the straights, but also precise braking and handling in the turns. The Mini raced through the road course with the fastest time of 65.7 seconds in the front-wheel-drive class, despite its acceleration that trailed most of the group, because of its superior braking and excellent handling. On one of the five runs, the Mini achieved a fastest road course lap of 65.03 seconds (This time was not reported in the article since it was not achieved during its best overall run).

Four out of the ten front-wheel-drive tuners selected the StopTech front balanced brake upgrade, a tribute to StopTech’s record of winning brake contests. Mini Madness is an authorized StopTech dealer. The Mini Cooper S finished 3rd overall. The complete “Superfour Challenge” article can be found in the September 2003 issue of Car and Driver. You can visit Mini Madness at http://www.mini-madness.com.

For more information call Robert Lee at (310) 325-4799 or email at rlee@stoptech.com.