Video: Mini USA boss challenges Porsche to a race

The car industry is no stranger to bold marketing strategies, but Mini USA is playing it about as fast and loose as possible without risking the brand's integrity.

Jim McDowell, the boss of Mini North America and a former Porsche employee, has publically challenged his opposite number at Porsche to a race around the Road Atlanta circuit in Georgia, suggesting the Mini Cooper S can beat the 911 Carrera S.

Brave? Foolhardy? Crazy? Maybe, maybe not. McDowell has certainly pinned Porsche into a corner by naming a place and a date. The legendary sports car maker is going to look bad if it doesn't flick the flea off its shoulder, but it has the most to lose round Road Atlanta's track.