Former British Touring Car Champion, Matt Neal, added an international element to MINI Challenge at Bathurst - here he leads the charge down the mountain in 2008's most exciting race. By the end of the same lap - the result would be incredibly different!

Michael Stillwell brought down the curtain on a career that spanned over 30 years in 2008. His father, Bib was one of the pioneers of motorsport in Australia. One of Michael's highlights was racing alongside son, David at Oran Park's last blast.

Check this "motley crew" out - The MINI Challenge 2008 field ready for action at Bathurst.

Paul Stokell went close to upsetting the apple-cart at the final event. Some bad luck early in the season was contrasted with rapid pace in the second half of the year.

Western Australia's Paul Fiore really stood up to be counted in the Brisbane MINI Garage/Shell Helix car. His first crack at national scene competition.

The Glory Team Racing missile - its paintjob was nearly as loud as its driver, WA's Dave Turner! Notice we said 'nearly'...

American NASCAR regular, Boris Said (and his hair) added an international flair to the MINI Challenge UBER-STAR car program.

Melbourne's Gary Young (with engineer, Euan McDonald) is one of the fittest MINI Challenge pilots - having acted as specialist fitness trainer with several AFL clubs over the years and is currently a strategist for the Fremantle Dockers when in Melbourne. He'll be back for more in 2009.

Ed Singleton thinks: "I've got it, I've got it…I'll hang onto this…"

Ed Singleton thinks again: "Gee... I'm beached as bro!"

Ed Singleton breathes heavily and thinks: "When they told me driving a MINI would give me a different view on life, this wasn't what I was expecting!"

Ed Singleton hears: "Helloooo down there!" Ed remarkably survived the roll with barely a scratch on the racecar - or himself - and amazingly lined up in the next race!

The green flag waves on the final race of the inaugural 2008 MINI Challenge season!

Neil McFadyen leads the way in the M3 Motorsport MINI - he went on to be crowned the inaugural Series Champion.

Jason Bargwanna was on the G-A-S from his first race in MINI Challenge at Sandown!

Scott Bargwanna thought he'd try the wrong way round for something different in his first MINI Challenge event!

No one can argue that winners aren't grinners! Jason Bargwanna gets that winning feeling - he would go on to record a Series high tally of wins.

Neil McFadyen, Jason Bargwanna and Grant Denyer - not only the podium at Sandown, but the three winningest drivers in MINI Challenge 2008.

Barrelling into turn one at Symmons Plains - its game on baby, MINI Challenge style!

No one said MINI Challenge was meant to be easy!

We told you Dave Turner was loud! His special haircut for his home race at Barbagallo. One of the true characters of MINI Challenge 2008.

In WA, we had two UBER-STARs join the ranks - Leanne Tander and Ben Tune. Two UBER-STARs equals double the trouble as both would go on to find out!

Cop that! David Turner and Leanne Tander (right) don't make it to turn one at Perth.

Is it a bird? Is it a Plane? Nope, just another MINI Challenge race dominated by Bargs with the Phillip Island wildlife dropping in for a closer look!

Perth youngster, Todd Fiore, added to the Brisbane MINI Garage double act with brother Paul. Todd had a character building season to say the least.

Going for a spin around the Island - Ted Toleman joins Justin Hocevar to experience MINI Challenge first hand at Phillip Island in the parade car - a brand new MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio.

Queensland's Motorline MINI Garage turned out a pair of 'Kermit green' MINI John Cooper Works Challenge racecars on an arrive and drive basis. Todd Wanless took to one for most of the season and newcomer, Darren Berry the other. Unfortunately, Berry's Bathurst experience would end in a massive taste of concrete.

Melbourne racer, Nathan Geier was the revelation of the 2008 season. He won at Wakefield Park and then linked up with DecoRug Racing after Grant Denyer's much publicised injuries.

Legends reunited. Bob Holden was a popular UBER-STAR at Phillip Island. He was the man that started the MINI legend in Australia at Bathurst 1966 - leading nine of the original 'flying bricks' home in The Great Race.

Todd Wanless found the contrast between his 800 horsepower Sprintcar and his 211-horsepower MINI interesting to say the least - he had one of his most competitive outings at Phillip Island.