In a spectacular display of endurance, speed, and unwavering team spirit, the MINI John Cooper Works and Bulldog Racing team secured a hard-fought second place in the SP3T class at the legendary 24 Hours of Nürburgring. This marks the team’s third consecutive podium finish at one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events, solidifying their reputation for top-tier performance in the grueling Eifel classic.
The 53rd edition of the race was a true test of mettle for all competitors. The driver quartet of Samantha Tan (CAN), Toby Goodman (GBR), Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER), and Markus Fischer (AUT) piloted their MINI John Cooper Works through 111 laps of the treacherous Nürburgring Nordschleife, also known as the “Green Hell.”Over a 24-hour period, the team covered more than 2,700 kilometres, a testament to both the drivers’ skill and the robust engineering of the MINI brand.
The race was not without its drama. A power failure on Saturday afternoon forced a two-hour interruption, testing the focus and resolve of every team on the grid. When the race restarted at 7:45 pm, the Bulldog Racing crew was undeterred. With nerves of steel, they began a remarkable charge through the field during the shortest night of the year, ultimately clawing back over 60 positions in the overall standings.
Veteran driver Markus Fischer once again demonstrated his mastery of the circuit by setting the team’s fastest lap with an impressive time of 10:02, even beating his own fastest lap from the previous year. The event was a successful premiere for teammates Samantha Tan and Toby Goodman, who marked their first-ever 24 Hours of Nürburgring with a sensational second-place trophy in their class.
The MINI JCW car was a highlight both on and off the track. Its unique exterior, designed in an exclusive collaboration with the fashion and lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, captured the attention of spectators and competitors alike, making it a fan favorite even before the green flag dropped. A new record of 280,000 fans flocked to the event, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on the teams day and night.
This impressive result continues a legacy of success for the MINI and Bulldog Racing partnership in the highly competitive SP3T class, which typically features cars with turbocharged engines up to 2.0 litres. Following a class victory in 2024 and a second-place finish in 2023, this 2025 podium once again proves the team’s consistent excellence. While celebrating their success, the team also extended congratulations to their colleagues at ROWE Racing for their overall victory with the BMW M4 GT3 Evo and to the BMW M2 Racing team for taking first place in the SP3T class.
