Porsche->ke1 heard MINI's challenge loud and clear and the Stuttgart-based automaker has turned it down. Whether it's a case of taking the high road or a fear of being exposed - depends on which side of the fence you're on - Porsche gave a pretty quick and firm reply to MINI->ke57 USA president Jim McDowell's challenge of having a MINI Cooper S take on a Porsche 911 Carrera S in some sort of racing rumble at Road Atlanta.

Porsche boss Detlev Von Platen only had to say a few words to get his point across. "While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we'll stick to racing the way we have over the decades," he said. "We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces."

In the words of today's generation, "Porsche FTW!

Detlev Von Platen's letter to Jim McDowell after the jump

Dear Jim,

Imagine our surprise to discover our former employee, now the head of Mini, has challenged us to a head-to-head race. As you surely know, Porsche has a long history of racing success, with more than 28,000 wins over the last 60 years. In our early days, we pitted ourselves against the giants, so we've been in your shoes.

But as you also know, Porsche doesn't race for fame, stunts, or publicity. We race to challenge ourselves; we race to push sports car technology; we race to translate every win on the track to our cars on the road. If you need a reminder of our intent, please take a look at this short video: http://tinyurl.com/37xdjqx

While your challenge seems like a fun and lighthearted campaign, we'll stick to racing the way we have over the decades. We welcome you at Sebring, Le Mans, Daytona or any other sanctioned race where there is more at stake than T-shirts and valet parking spaces. We also invite you to any of the thousands of tracks around the world where Porsche owners compete each weekend.

Good luck with your race at Road Atlanta on June 21; we hope you enjoy the day.

Sincerely,

Detlev Von Platen President and CEO, Porsche Cars North America