Media Advisory - MINI takes to the streets in Montreal this weekend.

Brand of compact vehicles supports its mighty motorsports heritage at Formula One Grand Prix.

RICHMOND HILL, ON, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - MINI and its owners will show their love of motorsports this weekend in the heart of Montreal.  With multiple events surrounding the Formula One Grand Prix over the course of the next three days, the brand of compact vehicles will show its mighty motorsport heritage amidst the activities taking over the city.

From Thursday to Saturday, the iconic brand will display 10 MINI vehicles at the 2012 LG Crescent Street Festival.  The line-up will include the MINI Challenge Car, multi-year participant at Targa Newfoundland, an annual rally of 2,000+ kilometres.  On Sunday, MINI turns Crescent Street over to its customers with the MINI Grand Showcase.  Dozens of parking spots are reserved for MINI owners right in the heart of the action for direct access to the Grand Prix festivities.  Throughout all of these activities, Montrealers can enter for a chance to win one of two weekends with a MINI to experience for themselves what driving a MINI is all about.

MINI will also be present at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve this weekend, with the next round of the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC) .  Multiple MINIs will compete in the event, demonstrating their power and handling prowess.  MINI Canada recently announced it will support MINI motorsports competitors across the country through all-new contingency programs. Canadian racers racing a MINI in the Canadian Touring Car Championship (CTCC), including the all-new B-Spec class, and MINI entrants in the 2012 Targa Newfoundland will have the opportunity to win cash prizes.  For the Canadian Touring Car Championship, MINI Canada will pay contingency awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each points-paying race in the Championship. Additionally, MINI Canada will reward championship-winning drivers in the Touring and B-Spec classes during the 2012 CTCC season.

WHAT:	WHEN:	WHERE:
The 2012 LG Crescent Street Festival. A demonstration of models from the MINI line-up, including the MINI Challenge rally car.	Thursday, June 7^th Friday, June 8^th Saturday, June 9^th	Crescent Street Montreal
MINI Grand Showcase. A celebration of and demonstration by MINI fans. Owners have reserved parking on a first-come, first-served basis.	Sunday, June 10^th	Crescent Street Montreal
Canadian Touring Car Championship. The next round in the CTCC series, including several MINI vehicles demonstrating their motorsports DNA.	Friday, June 8^th Saturday, June 9^th Sunday, June 10^th	Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve Montreal

BMW Group in Canada
BMW Group Canada, based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 44 BMW automobile retail centres, 20 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 29 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

Kyle Verge, Corporate Communications
905-428-5036 / [email protected]