Mike Pero backs World's Fastest Mini

Real estate brand and entrepreneur Mike Pero has got in behind a small team of Kiwi enthusiaststo take on the world in a world speed record attempt and to get a 1964 Mini to 175 mph (281km/h) at Bonneville Speed Week in early August.

“We really appreciate the support from Mike Pero and MINI. These two sponsors will allow us to achieve our goal to film the story of this very unlikely machine doing remarkable things.” said Project ‘64 team co-founder, Guy Griffith.

A film crew will travel with the team to capture the story and their attempt to break their own record (set in 2012) at this year’s Bonneville Speed Week on the iconic Salt Flats in Utah, USA.

The documentary is scheduled to show on SKY in September 2015.

The 1964 Mini Cooper S made a last minute trip to Auckland this week to be loaded on-board an air freighter to Los Angeles.

Development of the car has taken longer than expected due to the need to specially design andcreate parts for their highly tuned racing engines.

Engineer Bryan Hartley is especially pleased with the engine which is made up of Classic Mini gearbox, transmission and block, plus a BMW motorcycle head and turbocharger, saying it is the smoothest running 4 cylinder motor he’s ever had on his dyno. In addition to being smooth there’sa massive increase in power from 284 to 350HP.

It is very fitting that Mike Pero should be involved with this record breaking team as he holds theNew Zealand land speed record for a 350cc motorcycle, achieving 239km/h on a Yamaha TZ350Grand Prix Machine in Christchurch in 1979.

“We’re very proud to be part of this project. I think it’s a 'Kiwi thing' wanting to break speed barriers on equipment that’s built right here down-under. This challenge is not too different to Burt Munro’sIndian speed record and has synergies with many other Kiwi motor-sporting successes. I believethese guys have every chance of setting a new world record” said Mike Pero.

MINI of course are another perfect partner for this little powerhouse with modern MINI carrying onthe sporting traditions established by cars just like this 51-year-old Mini Cooper S.

“The Project ‘64 team is infectious with their excitement, enthusiasm and commitment to thisadventure, which are all sentiments that guide MINI’s brand ethos,” said MINI Marketing Manager,Simonne Mearns. “We are amped to be on-board for the ride and wish them all the best inachieving their goal and beating their record.”

Mike Pero Real Estate and MINI join the Project ‘64 team’s other major sponsors, Total Oil, MaerskLine, and Talley’s Group plus a host of small New Zealand, UK and US companies to support theirsecond trip to Bonneville Speed Week.

The team are scheduled to run each day on the Bonneville Salt Flats from the 8th to the 14 ofAugust. They are aiming to break their own record of 146.6mph (235.9km/h) and hope to set arecord well over their (unofficial) recorded top speed of 161mph (259km/h). The previous record inthis class was 131mph (210km/h) and the previous fastest Mini record was 121mph (195km/h).

You can follow their exploits on Facebook, Twitter and www.mikepero.com/mini

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSixtyFour

https://twitter.com/Psixtyfour


Specifications:

Bonneville Speed Week 2012 Record Holder at 146.6mph (235.9km/h)

Top official recorded speed: 156mph (251km/h) average over mile 3.

Driver: Nelson Hartley

CLASS: I/BGCC (under 1000cc turbo or supercharged petrol competition coupe)

BODY: 1964 Mk1 Mini Cooper S. External changes were minimal – a new grille was made to ductair into the intercooler, one front indicator became a duct for driver ventilation,a power bulge was added to the bonnet for clearance, a vertical front air-dam was added and theunderside of the Mini was clad in aluminium sheet to improve airflow.
ENGINE: A-Series 970 Cooper S spec engine with BMW K1200 motorcycle cylinder head, four-boltmain bearing caps, Specialist Components con rods, Ross forged pistons, specially developedHeritage Garage/Marine Crankshafts crankshaft, inter-cooled IHI turbo. Full enginemanagement. 10000 max rpm.

350hp on pump fuel at the flywheel. Standard fuel tank but uprated fuel filter and pumps.

Radiator replaced with a 70 litre ice cooled water tank in passenger cell.

TRANSMISSION: Straight-cut gearbox with tall final drive ratio.

SUSPENSION: Hi-Lo adjustable suspension and uprated dampers.

BRAKES: Non-servo-assisted setup. Discs up front, drums rear.

WHEELS AND TYRES: 12-inch steel wheels with home-made moon discs, Yokohama A048165/55×12 tyres – 150mph speed rated tyres shaved to increase speed rating to 180mph.

INTERIOR: Stripped with Bonneville-spec rollcage, built-in fire extinguisher system. Standardbattery position. GPS tracking equipment.