For Immediate Release

Contact: Phil Wicks Phil Wicks Racing 615/354-5576
Brian Mackey Mackey Marketing Group 770/423-9593

MINI COOPER SERIES SET FOR U.S. TELEVISION DEBUT

Nashville, TN: Phil Wicks Racing and its marketing agency, Mackey Marketing Group are pleased to announce that negotiations have been completed for the 2005 and 2006 MINI Challenge Series from the U.K. to be televised in the USA. The U.K.-based MINI Challenge Series is the basis for the North American MINI Cooper Championship that commenced racing in 2006. Under the guidance of long time MINI racing professional Phil Wicks, the North American MINI Cooper Championship will stage six events in 2006 with an expanded schedule in 2007.

“Televising the U.K. Series here in the USA is the first step toward developing the U.S. series to be of similar stature and success,” said Phil Wicks. “I think that many MINI fans will discover the tremendous excitement and competitive nature of the MINI Challenge in the U.K. and will want to join in our racing series being developed for the American market. We’re very excited that we have made these arrangements to televise the U.K. MINI Challenge Series.

The racing will debut on the newly launched MavTV network. MavTV, a new network that carries a variety of programming themes targeting men 18-49, including sports, sports analysis, gaming, comedy, women and relationships, health and fitness, finance, gadgets, and movies. MavTV is a 24/7 destination channel dedicated to reaching men in an irreverent, humorous, opinionated fashion. Now MINI racing joins the mix of programming that is carried by the network. Times and broadcast schedules will be announced soon. MINI enthusiasts that don’t receive MavTV on their cable system are encouraged to call their local cable provider and ask for it. For additional information on MavTV visit their website at www.mavtv.com.

“The quality of the racing TV coverage is superb,” added Mackey Marketing president, Brian Mackey. “This series makes great television viewing and I think the American audiences will love the action and the competitive nature of this series. I want to thank the MavTV network for believing in our product and providing this opportunity. We look forward to a great relationship with MavTV.”

Phil Wicks owns and operates the Phil Wicks MINI Driving Academy as well as administering the North American MINI Cooper Championship racing series. Phil Wicks has been involved with the Mini Cooper since its inception in the 1960s and has been a significant presence in the MINI enthusiast community for fifty years.