Karl Reindler will team up with his younger brother Christopher to compete in the two-driver MINI Challenge Series round at Barbagallo Raceway next weekend.

The Reindler boys join the 17-car field – the biggest MINI Challenge field in 2009.

Karl Reindler teamed with Jason Bright in the V8 Supercar endurance races this year, finishing 11th. He is also a former Team Australia A1GP driver.

Christopher Reindler has competed in local and national Formula Ford competition and currently races in West Australia’s Saloon Car Series.

Karl told Speedcafe that racing with his brother will be the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

“We’ve wanted to do something together for a long time, so it’s about time we did it,” Karl said.

“Being a local for round, it seemed pretty convenient. The MINI Challenge guys called us up, and we thought ‘why not?’

“It’s just for a bit of fun, no pressure, and it’s a contrast for what I’ve driven recently – and for Christopher as well. He’s been racing Saloon Cars.

“It’s been six years since I raced at Barbagallo, so I’m looking forward to it, but I’ll just have to remember which way it goes, not that it’s that hard!”

Greg Murphy Racing will prepare the Reindler’s entry for the race.

The penultimate round of the MINI Challenge Series at Barbagallo follows the same format as the Townsville event, where two drivers are permitted to pair up in the one car. Each driver gets a practice session each, followed by qualifying, a sprint race each and a 35 minute finale, featuring a compulsory pit stop.

The two-driver element is not compulsory, although the majority of the entrants at Barbagallo have taken the option of having a team-mate, with the main benefit being that it reduces the costs for the individual.

The Barbagallo MINI event has attracted a lot of interest from local drivers as well. Combinations include Grant Johnson/Clint Harvey, Malcolm and Brett Niall and Allan Letcher/Nathan Callaghan.