pit and paddock
Transcription
pit and paddock
Pit and Paddock Powered by: 2014 Issue 2: May 2014 Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk SPONSORS DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk preview: rounds 3&4 Brands hatch MAY 10-11 opening Challenge double-header at Castle Combe on April Bank WORDS: Richard Williamson Holiday Monday. MINI SE7EN Gloucestershire’s Darren Thomas t is almost 50 years since Brands drove two blinders as well, taking a Hatch hosted the first ever Mini well-earned victory in the second, 7 race in April of 1966 and now, despite being tapped sideways in 2014, the Mini Seven Racing Club at the final corner, but in the first returns once more to its spiritual home- race was unlucky to drop out of from-home in Kent for the first of two the lead battle with just a lap to MSV-promoted Mini Racing Festivals. go. Expect the green Roonspeed car to be there or thereabouts. Carrying on from where he left Second on points is Graeme off in 2013, reigning Champion Davis, the North Londoner who Andrew Deviny, from Newport has been racing Mini Se7ens for Pagnell, heads to Brands Hatch at nigh on three decades (with a the top of the points table, thanks brief sojourn in Miglias), will be to first and second places in the trying as hard as ever to take I www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 1 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Se7ens preview contd… www.mbracephotography.co.uk that elusive first Challenge victory, while the quartet of relative newcomers Ashley Davies, Kieren McDonald, Leon Wightman and Spencer Wanstall all picked up good scores at Combe to figure well up in the standings, the latter in contention for Novice of the Year. Hopefully, Max Hunter will be able to join the grid at Brands after sitting out Combe, and will be a firm favourite if he does appear, while Gareth Hunt is a good bet for a win too, but is well down the charts after suffering a major engine failure in the opening round. Expect packed grids on both days, so try to take in a really appreciate the closeness vantage point at Paddock Hill of these 1000cc pocketbend or up at Druids hairpin to rockets and marvel at some of the cornering angles the drivers can attain! Should be a cracking weekend. Mini se7en Records & Regulations Lap record: Darren Thomas Time. 0:59.292 Ave. 73.34 mph on 21 September 2013 Engines: 998cc modified A-Series (S-Class: Std 1275cc limited mods) 0-60mph: 6.6 seconds(S-Class:7.5 seconds) Top speed: 110 mph (S-Class: 105 mph) Note: Trophies to top three finishers (trophy to S-Class winner) Note:(S-Class numbered from #90 - #99) SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 2 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk T MINI MIGLIA hough the first Mini Miglia championship was held in 1970, a few non-championship try-outs were held the year before, with a debut visit to Brands Hatch in December 1969 for the then 1.0-litre cars. For the 2014 visit of the now 1.3-litre Mini Miglia Challenge the entry is one of the most competitive ever seen at the Kent venue. www.mbracephotography.co.uk Andrew Deviny top of Se7ens after a 1st and 2nd finishes in opening rounds Four in the hunt to top the Miglias with Dan Wheeler ahead of Kane Astin, Tony Le May and Dave Drew by a point Quick Links • Preview Top of the points table after Castle Combe is Dan Wheeler from Buckinghamshire, returning to race with the Mini Seven Racing Club after several seasons in saloons and historics. Dan took the Peter Baldwin-run, Pro Job-backed Mini to an opening race victory plus a well recovered fourth place in the second, to tally 37 points. Just a point behind is one of the title favourites, Kane Astin from Cambridge, who added to a fifth in the opener with a well judged win in the second race. Joining Kane on • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races the same total but with lower finishing positions are Tony Le May, the veteran Mini campaigner from Norwich picking up a best of second in his bright orange Delmonte Garage machine, and Dave Drew, who bagged a brace of third places in his Mini Sport-backed car. Such was the relentless pace among the frontrunners at Combe – up to 11 cars were in the lead hunt – that it would be foolish to rule out the likes of Richard Casey, Colin Peacock, James Coulson and Rupert Deeth from a possible win, although local Maidstone lad Aaron Smith has got to be an evens bet, despite coming away with only a point after Combe. In 2013, Aaron’s four Brands races netted four wins, so he knows his way round! Rather like the Mini Se7ens, a gridful of Mini Miglias swarming into Paddock Bend is a sight to behold, and you will be guaranteed to have the hairs • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 3 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 www.mbracephotography.co.uk Miglias preview contd… SPONSORS on the back of your neck stand on end indeed, after watching two flat-out sprint races around the Brands Indy circuit you’ll be buzzing like a well-revved A-Series engine too! MINI MIGLIA Records & Regulations Lap record: Peter Baldwin Time. 0:54.605 Ave. 79.63 mph on 23 June 2013 Engines: 1293cc modified A-Series 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 125 mph Note: Trophies to top three finishers Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 4 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk INVITATION CLASS The Invitation Class on the Miglia grid brings together an intriguing selection of A-Series engined Mini contenders from other motorsport disciplines, and at Castle Combe Gary Warburton drew much attention with a beautifully turned out 1380cc Miglia-lookalike, coming away with two solid race finishes on his circuit racing debut. Expect to see several more #100 and above cars out at Brands to keep Gary company in the category, Chris Watkinson being a regular, and quick, visitor over the past couple of seasons. A couple of entries from overseas will also spice up the race for the Invitation trophy. www.mbracephotography.co.uk www.mbracephotography.co.uk Invitation class Records & Regulations Note:Invitation class numbered from #100 - #149, non-points scoring but trophy to class winner (if three starters or more). Note:The M7RC holds its own award ceremony in the paddock after the races – this is in addition to any post-race podium presentation by the circuit/meeting organisers. Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 5 Pit & Paddock May April2014 2014 Issue Issue21 discounted tickets for brands mini fest T he Mini is 55 this year and track owners MSV have organised two spectacular Mini Festivals to celebrate. The first is at Brands Hatch on May 10-11 and club members and competitors are being offered a substantial discount on tickets. There’s not long to go, so if you have any friends or family who want to come and enjoy the show, you’ll need to order them soon. The Weekend ticket is discounted by £6 to £12; and there’s also £6 off the Sunday day ticket to just £8. You can order your tickets online at the website www.mini-festival.co.uk or by phoning the call centre on 0843 453 9000. Quote the Promo code MINISUPPORT, or enter it into the Promo Code box when booking online. WHAT’S happening? Well for starters there’s going to be a shed-load of racing with the Mini Se7ens, Mini Miglias, Mighty & Super Mighty Minis and the MINI Challenge just to name a few. Phew! You’ll also be able to enjoy some stunning club displays of classic and new Minis in all shapes and sizes from enthusiasts from across the country, and some even from across the Channel too! Numerous traders will be on hand offering their latest hot products and some excellent longstanding classic designs too. And never underestimate the social side of these events, where you can forever meet new friends and even bump into ones you’ve not seen for a while and have a good old chinwag about your latest projects. www.mini-festival.co.uk Suite deal for brands fest B arry Osborn, of BEJAY Motorsport, is offering his Brands Hatch Hospitality Suite for hire during the Mini Festival including 25 Weekend entry tickets for £550; or Sunday only for £450. Ticket face value alone is £450 so a great saving. 07958 331441 H love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Race Report • News C lub members and racing enthusiasts alike will be pleased to know that the Dunlop team will be out in force at the Brands Hatch meeting, so everyone can pick up their bright yellow cap and look like champions! As well as iconic merchandise, there’s also going to be a whole load of rubber on show with a lot of quality engineering going into each tyre. Now is the time to have a chat to the lads and see what they can do for you and your cars. www.dunlop.com What’s your story? SPONSORS Quick Links • Preview dunlop tyres at brands • Race Results • Next Races ave you got a vivid memory of an extraordinary race that will forever be etched into your brain? We’re looking for drivers, teams and club members to contribute to the Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter and share those fascinating memories. [email protected] • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 6 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Report Castle Combe, April 21, 2014 reigning champ deviny still top WORDS: Mark Chandler www.mbracephotography.co.uk How MINI SE7ENS: ROUND 1 ard’s Day welcomed the Mini7 Club to Castle Combe for Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2014 Dunlop Mini 7 Championship supported by Mini Sport. inroads on Deviny who puts himself on the grass at Camp allowing Thomas to take the lead and pull away at Bobbies. Deviny then finds himself under pressure from Ashley Davies and Graeme Davis but a lap later Deviny catches up and retakes the lead from Thomas into Camp. Thomas Andrew Deviny took the remains determined and stays first win in a 17-car grid, right with Deviny. Elsewhere, with Spencer Wanstall and Jabez Dyer, Shaun Tarlton and Matthew Gleave joining the grid for the first time and Jabez Malcolm Keat all pull off, while Ian Deviny and Ross Billison Dyer returning to the Se7ens battle over fifth with Kieren after a two year break. McDonald getting involved too. Gareth Hunt took pole with Lap seven sees Darren a 0.172 second lead from Thomas take the lead out of Andrew Deviny and Ashley Quarry, Deviny looks for a way Davies 0.634 seconds behind back through but out brakes that. himself at Tower allowing A speedy start from Hunt Thomas to increase his lead. saw Deviny brake late into Deviny hammers the Mini and Quarry in hot pursuit. Darren is quicker up Avon Rise and Thomas makes an impressive five place jump to take second, slips up to, and past, Darren to retake the lead. with Hunt pulling off after Outbraking himself at his engine ‘grenades itself’ Bobbies on lap eight Darren allowing Deviny to take the lead at the end of lap one. The Thomas loses two places shuffling the pack to allow race is an impressive four car Andrew Deviny to lead, with train with lots of swapping of Davis and Davies following. places. Thomas sounds like he might Darren Thomas makes Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races have done some damage falling right back before eventually pulling off. Thomas’ exit really allowed Ashley Davies to put the pressure on leader Deviny at Tower before going sideby-side at Avon Rise but he couldn’t quite make it stick dropping into second and finishing 0.119-seconds behind Andrew Deviny with Graeme Davis 2.134-seconds behind for third. Ross Billison was winning the battle for fourth ahead of Ian Deviny and Kieren McDonald. Ian Deviny had a great race coming first in the S class race also getting fastest lap with a 1.28.242, with Kevin O’Shea coming second. Darren Thomas can take some comfort in taking the fastest lap on lap two with a 1.26.226. RACE 1 RESULT – 10 LAPS 11Andrew Deviny 25Ashley Davies 3 22 Graeme Davis 4 49 Ross Billison 5 90 Ian Deviny 6 88 Kieren McDonald • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 7 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT www.mbracephotography.co.uk Race Report Castle Combe, April 21, 2014 whEELER OF FORTUNE AS SMITH BREAKS WORDS: Roy Sisley Dan MINI MIGLIAS: ROUND 1 Wheeler marked his Miglia return with a hard earned victory as he fended off the racelong pressure being applied by his pursuers. A healthy twenty two car entry assembled for the opening round, which included six entries in the Mini7 Classic class, most notable of which were past champions Ian Curley and Bill Sollis. Aaron Smith captured pole with a 1.18.858 lap, despite only managing to complete four laps, before a gearbox failure prompted him to pull off and become a notable non-starter, leaving Dan Wheeler as the sole occupant of the front row in Peter Baldwin’s title-winning car. Wheeler was quickest off the line to lead Kane Astin and Richard Casey into Folly, Niven Burge briefly held third before Casey regained the place, as Tony Le May and Dave Drew tagged themselves on to the six-car train disputing the lead. Quick Links • Preview Astin went ahead of Wheeler along Farm Straight on the third lap, only for Wheeler to regain the lead yards later at Old Paddock Bend. Ian Curley was heading the Classic class from Steve Jones, with the lone Invitation class entry Gary Warburton close behind. Burge dropped back into the grasp of Colin Peacock and Rupert Deeth prior to retiring at the end of lap three. Astin once again snatched the lead with his inside line into Tower Corner on the fifth lap, which was quickly reversed as Wheeler fought back to hold on to his advantage. Further back, Paul Simmonds had his hands full defending ninth from the pursing trio of James Coulson, Rob Howard and Phil Harvey. Drew found a way past Astin into second a lap later as the lead scrap reverted to being a sextet with the arrival of Deeth, who after only qualifying fifteenth, was charging up to a more normal race position. Le May and Casey were both demoted as • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races Deeth rose to fourth on the seventh lap. The lead of the Classic class was still in the capable hands of Curley, who now had Tim Stanbridge as his nearest challenger. Sam Summerhayes’ race came to an end at The Esses, prompting the use of the yellow flag to enable his car to be moved to safety. The closely bunched quartet disputing third saw their order rejigged following the passing of this section on the penultimate lap, as Deeth now held third from Le May, Astin and Casey. Deeth climbed to second on the final lap, with Wheeler’s winning margin being a slender 0.287 of a second at the chequered flag, as Deeth also claimed the fastest lap as he rose up the order. RACE 1 RESULT – 10 LAPS 1 88 Dan Wheeler 2 23 Rupert Deeth 3 29 Dave Drew 4 69 Tony Le May 5 11 Kane Astin 6 37 Richard Casey • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 8 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT www.mbracephotography.co.uk Race Report Castle Combe, April 21, 2014 FINAL CORNER, FINAL TUSSLE WORDS: Roy Sisley Ano MINI SE7ENS: ROUND 2 ther racelong dice was finally resolved at the final corner, as Darren Thomas overcame his race long pursuers Andrew Deviny and Ashley Davies. intervention. Andrew Deviny appeared to have made a break as the race resumed, but his pursuers were quickly on his tail again. Thomas produced an outside swoop at Bobbies to grab the lead, with Davies also slipping past Deviny, relegating him Three drivers were unable down to third on the eighth to take up their places on lap. Davies then used the the grid, Gareth Hunt was absent from his front row slot, outside line through Camp Corner a lap later to propel along with Malcolm Keat and himself past Thomas into the Matthew Gleave. lead. Deviny had his mirrors Andrew Deviny led off the full of an advancing Davis, line with Darren Thomas and Billison held a narrow closely tracking him as they advantage over the dicing duo ascended Avon Rise, before racing side by side into Quarry, of Spencer Wanstall and Kieren McDonald. where Deviny’s inside line Following Ian Deviny’s ensured that he remained in the lead. Ross Billison, Graeme demise, Shaun Tarlton headed the S-Class ahead of Kevin Davis, Ian Deviny and Ashley O'Shea, who was recovering Davies were right on the tail from a grassy moment at of the lead duo. Davis rose to Quarry on his seventh lap. third, as Davies and Billison Thomas and Davies were went side by side into Quarry on the second lap. Ian Deviny’s virtually side by side as they raced down Westway towards attempts to remain in touch Camp Corner on the final lap, with the leading group led where slight contact sent both to him running wide exiting cars sideways; Thomas kept Tower Corner and hitting his momentum and continued the barriers, which left his to take the chequered flag car in an exposed position, still sideways, Davies’ car had and requiring a safety car Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races stalled in the middle of the corner, enabling Deviny to sail past and claim second. Davis opted for the outside line around Davies, which gave the quickly closing Wanstall the opportunity to take the clear inside line to pip him to the chequered flag and secure the final podium position. Billison’s premature retirement on the penultimate lap allowed McDonald and Leon Wightman to claim the remaining top six positions. Davies got his car fired up to cross the line in tenth, just behind S-Class winner Tarlton. Thomas recounted those dramatic final laps on the mic, together with Andrew Deviny, whilst Wanstall was delighted to have secured his first podium finish in only his fourth race. A cracking start to what already has the makings of another thrilling season. RACE 2 RESULT – 10 LAPS 14Darren Thomas 21Andrew Deviny 3 73 Spencer Wanstall 4 22 Graeme Davis 5 88 Kieren McDonald 6 10 Leon Wightman • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 9 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Report Castle Combe, April 21, 2014 DISCIPLINED KANE TAKES CHARGE www.mbracephotography.co.uk WORDS: Roy Sisley Kan MINI MIGLIAS: ROUND 2 e Astin led from the front to secure victory in a restarted second round of the challenge. Simmonds both non-started the restarted race which would be over the full ten laps. The additional time allowed both Howard and Jones to repair their cars and take their place on the grid. Wheeler was quickest off the line from Kane Aaron Smith had resolved Astin, with Aaron Smith pulling his gearbox problems to take off immediately after the start his place on the front row of into retirement. Astin went the grid. Bill Sollis took over from Nick Paddy in their classic ahead at Quarry on lap two before Wheeler regained the Cooper S, which they were advantage at Folly a lap later, sharing. Rob Howard and Steve Jones were initially non- which he only managed to keep for a few hundred yards starters after experiencing before Richard Casey slipped problems in the opening past at Quarry. round. On the same lap Bill Sollis Aaron Smith led off the line overtook Ian Curley to lead the ahead of Dan Wheeler, as Mini-7 Classic class, although the field surged into Quarry, he was unable to draw away, where a coming together as Curley kept in close contact between Wheeler and Niven Burge on the exit of the corner for the remainder of the race. Astin returned to the head led to Burge’s car spearing off of the field at Quarry on the into the barriers, bringing out a safety car intervention, which fourth lap, with the lead dice now consisting of seven lasted for one lap, before the cars involving Astin, Casey, race was red flagged at the Wheeler, Dave Drew, Tony Le conclusion of the second lap May, James Coulson and Colin to enable Burge’s car to be Peacock. Drew and Le May moved to safety. both made upward progress, Rupert Deeth and Paul Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races passing Wheeler and putting pressure on Casey’s hold on second. Astin had opened up a slim lead which he was able to maintain. Sollis was still heading the Classic class, with Gary Warburton (Invitation class) now ahead of Curley, as the three of them continued to circulate in close company. The second place scrap became even more fraught after Wheeler and Casey touched at The Esses on the penultimate lap, enabling Le May and Drew to establish themselves to the remaining podium positions. Astin took the chequered flag by a 1.7 second margin from Le May and Drew, with Wheeler, Coulson and Casey completing the top six finishers. RACE 2 RESULT – 10 LAPS 1 11 Kane Astin 2 69 Tony Le May 3 29 Dave Drew 4 88 Dan Wheeler 5 47 James Coulson 6 37 Richard Casey • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 10 PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rounds 1+2 2014 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Pos No Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pts Total best 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 2 1 22 73 88 5 10 59 69 4 92 49 90 91 23 60 96 37 Andrew DEVINY Graeme DAVIS Spencer WANSTALL Kieren MCDONALD Ashley DAVIES Leon WIGHTMAN Julian PROCTOR Steve TRENCH Darren THOMAS Kevin O’SHEA Ross BILLISON Ian DEVINY Shaun TARLTON Jabez DYER Malcolm KEAT Matthew GLEAVE Gareth HUNT 20 18 14 15 19 13 12 11 1 10 17 16 1 1 1 1 1 19 17 18 16 11 15 14 13 20 10 1 1 12 1 0 0 0 Entered Practiced Started Finished 17 17 17 11 17 17 14 11 Castle Combe Castle Combe 39 35 32 31 30 28 26 24 21 20 18 17 13 2 1 1 1 21 April 21 April FL: D Thomas FL: G Davis Pole: G Hunt Pole: A Deviny Spax Improver: S Trench (+6) Spax Improver: S Wanstall (+9) 2014 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN S-CLASS supported by MINI SPORT Pos No Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pts Total best 11 1 2 3 4 1 2 92 91 90 96 Kevin O’SHEA Shaun TARLTON Ian DEVINY Matthew GLEAVE Castle Combe Castle Combe 8 1 10 1 8 10 1 0 16 11 11 1 21 April 21 April S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class FL: K O’Shea S-Class Pole: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny 2014 MINI SE7EN NOVICE Pos No Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pts Total PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rounds 1+2 2014 DUNLOP MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Pos No Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pts Total Best 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 88 11 69 29 37 47 8 72 23 42 85 13 55 53 21 Dan WHEELER Kane ASTIN Tony LE MAY Dave DREW Richard CASEY James B COULSON Colin PEACOCK Rob HOWARD Rupert DEETH Paul SIMMONDS Sam SUMMERHAYES Phil HARVEY Michael GREEN Niven BURGE Aaron SMITH 20 16 17 18 15 12 14 10 19 13 1 11 1 1 0 17 20 19 18 15 16 14 13 1 1 12 1 11 1 1 37 36 36 36 30 28 28 23 20 14 13 12 12 2 1 nc 102 Invitation Gary WARBURTON (7) (9) - 188 200 192 177 157 771 Mini-7 Classic Ian CURLEY Tim STANBRIDGE Steve JONES Bill SOLLIS William WARD Nick PADDY (9) (8) (6) (0) (5) (4) (8) (7) (6) (10) (5) (0) - Entered Practiced Started Finished 22 22 20 17 22 22 21 16 nc nc nc nc nc nc 1 2 Castle Combe Castle Combe 21 April 21 April FL: R Deeth FL: R Howard Pole: A Smith Pole: D Wheeler Spax Improver: R Deeth (+13) Spax Improver: D Drew (+6) * Invitation + Mini-7 Classic not eligible for Challenge points 2014 MINI MIGLIA NOVICE Pos No Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pts Total Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Photo Gallery Castle Combe, April 21, 2014 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 13 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 May 10-11 Round 3 & 4 Brands Hatch Indy Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG 01474 872331 www.brandshatch.co.uk Race Entry Click here to book your entry online or download the forms. SPONSORS May 31 - June 1 Round 5 & 6 Cadwell Park Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 9SE 01507 343248 www.cadwellpark.co.uk love:mini magazine JUNE 14-15 Round 7 & 8 Thruxton Circuit Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW 01264 882 222Y www.thruxtonracing.co.uk RACE DATES 2014 Rd 1/2 Rd 3/4 Rd 5/6 Rd 7/8 Rd 9/10 Rd 11/12 Rd 13/14 Quick Links • Preview April 21 May 10/11 May 31/June 1 June 14/15 July 10 August 23/24 September 20/21 • Race Report • News Castle Combe Brands Hatch Indy Cadwell Park Thruxton Oulton Park (Int) Donington Park (Nat) Croft • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Rival Info • Contacts 14 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Timetable Brands Hatch May 10-11, 2014 SPONSORS Mini 7 Saturday May 10 Signing on 07.00 Scrutineering07.30 Qualifying 09.30 - 09.45 Race 1 15.55 - 16.15 Race 2 love:mini magazine Sunday May 11 12.30 - 12.50 Mini Miglia Saturday May 10 Signing on09.00 Scrutineering 09.30 Qualifying 10.55 -11.10 Race 1 16.55 -17.15 Sunday May 11 Race 215.25 -15.45 www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 15 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 From the Archives: Brands Hatch Mini Festival Formula Mini-7 grid heads into Paddock Bend, Grand Mini Festival at Brands on 2 June 1968 (Photo: V Church Collection/Speedworld International) SPONSORS love:mini magazine VOLUME 1 WORDS: Richard Williamson Wit h the first of this year’s Mini Festivals almost upon us, we thought it would be a timely opportunity to look back and see how the Club was first involved in events of this type at the Kent venue . Most of us will know by now that Brands Hatch is where it all began, back in April 1966, for the very first Formula Mini-7 race. However, did many of you know that the inaugural Grand Mini Festival was held at the same venue, on 28 May 1967? Back then, the Mini parent company, BMC wanted to put on a show to Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News THE SWINGING SIXT IES: 1966-1969 The Mini 7 Racing Archive 19 67 celebrate its resounding Two in a ro w success on fo r Bo b Fo x the Monte + All the... Carlo Rally, and at the same time promote Second time around Where to guv? other aspects of its motoring marvel, codenamed ADO 15. In conjunction with race organiser BRSCC, the then named Mini Seven Club co-promoted the Mini Festival with BMC, and the event attracted over 20,000 spectators, no doubt boosted by free A history of the UK’s longest-running one-make saloon car race series Cars Drivers Circuits Reports Results Photos ● ● ● ● Mini 7 Club’s greater promo Title doubles to 12 rounds tion 60+ score points; over 80 register Series booms beyond expectations ! www.mini7.co.uk ● ● ● ● Brands Hatch Castle Combe Lydden Oulton Park ● Silverstone ● Snetterton ● Mallory Park Issue 2 / 1967 • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Rival Info • Contacts 16 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 From the Archives: Brands Hatch Mini Festival contd… admission to anyone driving a Mini! Adding to the fun were Mini fashion shows, Mini variants and a Mini ‘pop art’ competition where students got to decorate Minis in mostly psychedelic paintjobs. Also a ‘Most-in-a-Mini’ record attempt resulted in 27 people from the Royal College of Science Motor Club cramming themselves into a drivable Mini! On the racing front, a non-championship event for Roger Colson leads Arthur Johnson, Grand Mini Festival at Brands, 2 June 1968 (Photo: P Cobbing Collection/Maureen Magee) Formula Mini-7 saw reigning Champion Bob Fox take another victory in his second title-winning season, several lengths clear of the battling duo of Mick Walker and Richard Bromley, with Clive Trickey of CCC Magazine fame finishing fourth, just ahead of Viv Church and Gordon Line. Fox was presented with the Issigonis Trophy by the designer of the Mini himself, Sir Alec Issigonis. The Grand Mini Festival was repeated again on 2 June 1968, this time Viv Church winning the Issigonis Trophy race, this time a championship round, by a comfortable margin of over 10 seconds SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races Grand Mini Festival photospread in Mini-Mag, the M7C magazine (Credit: M7RC Archive) from Bob Jones and Richard Jockel, with Gordon Line, Geoff Gilkes and Arthur Johnson rounding out the top six. Among the other runners were Gerard D’Amato and Nick Cole who would later race Mini Miglias a quarter of a century later, while that year’s champion Mick Osborne was an early retirement. “There was a 3rd Mini Festival held at Brands Hatch on 25 May 1968, again copromoted by the Mini 7 Club. For the second year running, Viv Church took home the Issigonis Trophy, round four of the • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 17 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 From the Archives: Brands Hatch Mini Festival contd… 1969 Formula Mini-7 Championship. Church’s Trident Racing Mini narrowly held off the Champion elect, Paul Gaymer, with future Champion Graham Wenham third ahead of Michael Rope, Willie Dick (no, really) and, according to the championship tables, Roger Layzell, although the available photos seem to suggest Dennis Fernie was driving the sixthplaced car… maybe someone out there knows the full result?” So, there you have it, the Mini Racing Festival has a lot more history to it than just the past couple of seasons, and the Mini Seven (Racing) Club has been there throughout! Bob Fox receives the Issigonis Trophy from and Sir Alec Issigonis, Grand Mini Festival at Brands, 28 May 1967 (Photo: B Fox Collection) SPONSORS love:mini Mini firetruck at Brands, 1968, as featured in Mini-Mag, the M7C magazine (Credit: M7RC Archive) Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 18 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 From the Archives: Brands Hatch: 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive A delve into the M7RC Archive helps us to recap what happened over the decades at Brands Hatch around this time of year. Eric Groves 1974 Brands 12 May, the Miglias of Collection) and Philip Johnstone (Photo: E Groves 40 Years Ago B ack in glam-tastic 1974, when the likes of The Sweet and Slade ruled the pop charts, Brands Hatch was hosting five meetings for the equally race-tastic Mini 7 fraternity, although the classes didn’t always run together on the same dates. Round 2 of the 998cc Special Tuning National Mini Miglia Challenge took place on 12 May, and over 10 laps of the 1.24-mile circuit, from 20 starters Dudley Fisher ran out a comfortable winner in his Charon-run, Status Quo-backed car! Some distance behind him came 1974 Champion elect Russell Dell in his Ripspeed machine, followed by Alex Boyle, pole-sitter Bill Derry, Peter Major and Terry Hird. Fastest lap of 0:59.2 was set by John Hazell before he retired a lap from home. The following month on the 30 June, a 19-car 850cc Mini Se7en grid gathered for the fifth round of the Bob Fox National Challenge over 10 laps. Scoring one of six wins in a title-winning campaign was the late Chris Tyrrell, leading from pole to beat Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett’ (Swiftune powered), Hugo Hoyle, Graham Wenham, Jim Mancey and Andrew Higton. Though Tyrrell was ultimately out of range, in their chase Woskett and Hoyle shared fastest lap of 1:02.2. Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News A total of seven Brands meets made up a busy 1984 30 Years schedule, the grandest of Ago which was arguably the 31 April-1 May event titled the Giant 500 Car GP Circuit Meeting held, as the title suggests, on the full 2.6136-mile layout which was still being used for F1 Grand Prix. Counting towards both the National Challenge and Southern Championship, in the 25-car 998cc Miglia race, Jim McDougall ran out winner and set the fastest race lap (1:58.3) over seven laps from Bev Comber, 1984 double series Champion Mike Fry, Colin Beckwith, Gerald Dale and Ian Gunn, while 1983 Champ and pole position man, Chris Lewis dropped out before halfway. A familiar name on the result sheet too, one Gordon Pocock! 1984 Brands 31 Apr-1 May, Mini Se7ens in the woods out on the GP circuit (Photo: M+A Jackson Collection) The 850cc Mini Se7en race saw an oversubscribed 34-car grid, won by several lengths by Gary Hall (uncle of 2004 race winner James Hall) from Gordon Miles, Jim Burrows, fast lady Barbara Cowell, Mike Jackson and reigning Champ Chris Gould, although Burrows was later disqualified and Steve Mole moved up into the top six. Hall set fastest lap at 2:00.2, adding to his pole position start. Other names that still appear on the results today included Graeme Davis and Ralph Budd, who currently races in Mighty Minis. • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 19 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 From the Archives: Brands Hatch: 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago T here were four meetings at Brands in 1994, with the closest to May being the second round of the Unipart Winter series held on 27 March in bright conditions, and with both classes running 10-laps apiece on the 1.2036mile track. The Mini Se7ens went first, and from a field of 16 starters, Kelly Rogers added to his titlewinning tally with victory over Matt Hayman (fastest lap of 20 Years Ago 1994 Dave Banwell’s Mini Se7en, with Garfield (Photo: M7RC Archive) A 2004 Brands 22-23 May, Mini Se7en leaders, Max Hunter, Joe Tandy, James hall, into Paddock Bend (Photo: M7RC Archive-Pitlane Magazine/Steve King) sunny and dry Brands Hatch over the 22-23 May weekend saw the opening round of the 2004 Dunlop National Mini Challenges, with a pair of 14lap races for each class on the 1.2262-mile Indy circuit. In Mini Miglia, reigning Champion Peter Baldwin opened his campaign with 10 Years Le May, Mark Chandler, pole position and the win Ago Mike Jackson and Ralph which would help see him Saunders. to another title by season In the Mini Se7en race, end, finishing ahead of the late Joe Tandy edged out Bill Sollis and Kelly Rogers, with Champion elect James Hall, Tim Sims, Colin Peacock and with Dave Banwell in third from Mark Sims rounding out the top pole-sitter Max Hunter, Andrew six. Andy Hack set fastest lap at 0:55.350. Among the 20-car field Deviny and the late Graham Edwards, while the packed 30still around the paddock today car grid also included current included Paul Simmonds, Tony Quick Links • Preview 0:57.51) and poleman Dave Banwell, with Neil Johnson, Andy Burge and Alan Waite completing the leaders. Current Mini stalwarts Ian Curley and Jim Burrows also finished in the points. In the Miglia event, of the 11 starters, Jeremy Wheatley came through to win in a Daleprepared car from Mike Jordan, David Grocott, Tony Hobbs, pole-sitter Ian Scott and Andy Twyman, with Scott also setting a new fastest lap at 0:54.02. • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races works Porsche driver Nick Tandy, Kane Astin, Paul Thompson, Lewis Selby, Damon Astin, Ian Deviny, Gareth Hunt, Steve Whiteley, Graeme Davis and Paul Spark. Hall set fastest lap at 1:00.038. Brands Hatch also closed out the National season with a double-header meeting on 15-16 October… • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 20 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers Mini Se7en 1 4 5 16 22 23 35 37 38 45 46 47 49 59 60 63 69 73 88 89 Andrew Deviny Darren Thomas Ashley Davies Julian Affleck Graeme Davis Jabez Dyer Paul Spark Gareth Hunt Steve Hopper Leon Wightman Max Hunter Kelvin Edgar Ross Billison Julian Proctor Malcolm Keat Dave Robinson Steve Trench Spencer Wanstall Kieren McDonald Tom Hartwell Newport Pagnell Gloucester Abergavenny High Wycombe London Leominster Cannock Coventry Maidenhead Dunstable Leighton Buzzard Hollywell Epsom Downs Coleford Bolton Darlington Camberley Newington Aylesbury Evesham Mini Se7en s class 90 91 92 93 96 97 Ian Deviny Lincoln Shaun Tarlton Northampton Kevin O’Shea Frome Roland Parsloe Matthew GleaveWaltham St Lawrence James Burrows Romford Mini 7 Classic 157 William Ward 177 Bill Sollis 188 Ian curley Battle Hildenborough Maidstone 192 Steve Jones 200 Tim Stanbridge 771 Nick Paddy Wells Stevington Mini Miglia 8 11 13 16 20 21 23 29 37 42 43 44 47 53 55 69 72 79 85 88 99 Colin Peacock London Kane AstinSwaffham Bulbeck Phil Harvey Birmingham Lee Jones Northolt Mark Sims Headley Aaron Smith Maidstone Rupert Deeth Cambridge Dave Drew Alton Richard Casey Burnley Paul Simmonds Collier Street Dave Edgecombe Ledbury Paul Clark Denbigh James Coulson London Niven Burge Nr Royston Michael Green Haverfordwest Tony Le May Norwich Rob Howard Chipperfield Jon Lee Wellingborough Sam Summerhayes Bristol Daniel Wheeler Olney Mark Cowan Benfleet Invitation 102 141 118 113 114 123 Gary Warburton Damon Astin Jason Burgess Rob Perkins Paul De Jong Gordon Pocock Frodsham Ely Peterborough Peterborough Asperen, NL Church Westcote SPONSORS love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 21 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 MINI 7 RACING CLUB DRIVER PROFILE NAME: Kane Astin AGE: 39 CLASS: Miglia CAR NUMBER: 11 Kane Astin FULL SEASON: Yes LOCATION: Cambridge EMPLOYMENT: Property Director SPONSORS: SAB Ltd, Econogard Alarm Solutions, NW Brown Insurance group, ELY Electrical, Saffron Insurance, Micron Windows RACING HISTORY: Mini Se7en Champion 2009; Third-placed in Mini Miglias 2012 OTHER HOBBIES: Biking, rugby, running, triathalons BEST ACHIEVEMENT: Being a parent, Mini Se7en Champion 2009 WORST MOMENT: Losing exhaust pipes on Miglia in 2010 and 2011 CAR HISTORY: Ralph Saunders’ old Miglia until 2010, and since owned by me WINTER REBUILD/CHANGES: A few new stickers and a turbo! ENGINE BUILDER: Peter Vickers, TMW, Tomo FAVOURITE CIRCUIT: Spa Francorchamps, Castle Combe, Brands Hatch TEAM INFO: Paul Thompson, Peter Vickers, Big Steve, Carl Start FAMILY INFO: Married to Lindsey with a son Isaac (7) and one due in June 2014! AIMS FOR 2014: Win the 2014 Championship! SPONSORS Get Exposure!! love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races Promote your team and sponsors through magazine articles. Speak to our roving reporter. • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 22 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 JOIN THE CLUB M SPONSORS ISSUE 01 June 2013 The Official I s s ue 0 1 / 1 2 Newsletter of The Official Monthly The Mini Se7en Racing Club ini 7 is not just a racing series, it’s a club. It’s where like-minded people, just like you can socialise and get to know each other, chat cars and Minis and find people who just get it. You don’t need to be a racer to join the club, and if racing is something you’re just getting involved in, then this is a great way to learn from and chat to the pros. Contacts Mike Jackson 0121 707 5881 i7.co.uk mike.jackson@min Jeff Carter 07969 157921 o.uk [email protected] Jamie Snelling 07814 726270 Matt Barrington 07756 712333 Supporters The Mini 7 Racing Supporters Club enables fans of Mini racing to belong to the Mini 7 Racing Club without the need to join as a racing Newsletter of the Mini 7 Racing Club E NT RI E S O P EN The entry form for the Motors TV event at Castle Combe on Monday 7 May is now available and it is requested that all racing members intending to participate get their entries in as soon as possible. O 20 13 F LY ING S T AR T T Mini s as usual for the It’s been busines as this year’s Se7en Racing Club got off to a roaring championships and 1 at Donington start. With Round under at Rockingham Round 2 & 3 has well and truly season the belts our t with it all the begun, and brough action we exys hard fought sidewa to selong way to go that he’s got a of ionship, and cure the champ the never discount course you can Peter 6-time winner experience of The Mini 7 Racing Club has bought the grid and we need to know the numbers as Baldwin. a few brought with it 2013 has also way that changes in the Chairman’s Chat As of Round 3 it’s , lead of the Se7ens Paul Spark in the Donny and placed having won at Rockingham races. strongly in both ent from the threestatem It’s a strong who will be looking time champion, in on the board to put early points consecutive title. pursuit of his fourth been an all Kane In the Miglias it’s from three victories Astin affair so far; in him very much three outings leave from performances control. But good Tristen Knight show and Aaron Smith ni- Sponsor commuNew M7RC off and teams, startingThe Next Events cate with fans Read look newsletter. with this new Club Bulletin else we’re doing on to find out what Europe’s longest to make sure that ls to series appeaNews make single running everybody. Race Reports Championship Table This Issue You can online at you C RAC K I NG S TA RT INSIDE THIS ISSU E 2 3 4 6 The 2012 season got off to a great start with two action packed races in the spring sunshine at Oulton Park in Cheshire. A large crowd was treated to two typically Mini 10 lap encounters with ac- 7 C OM B E FOR soon as possible. We also need to make sure the TV commentators have an accurate entry list ahead of the event so driver profiles can be prepared. Remember this is LIVE TV! Or pect. A pr i l 2 0 1 2 download the entry form from the website and pay Mike Jackson at Donington Park next weekend. You can pay right up to the event on the 7 May but we request that you don’t leave it to the last minute. enter It is going to be a great event and its going to be on TV. can TO tion all the way from start to finish. In the Mini Se7ens, reigning champion Paul Spark crossed the line to take the first chequered flag of the year. In the Miglia en- 201 2 counter 2010 Champion Paul Thompson took pole position and then led from start to finish to claim his first victory since Spa last year. FULL RACE REPORTS ON PAGES 8 AND 9 8 11 Contacts ham Reports Doning ton & Rocking Mike Jackson Modern isers 0121 707 5881 Meet the Mini Se7en mike.jackson s @mini7.co.uk Photo Gallerie love:mini magazine s and Archive Jeff Carter Upcomi ng Events 07969 157921 [email protected] member. For an annual fee of just £20 for UK members and £25 for International Members, Mini 7 Racing Supporters Club members will enjoy a range of benefits and exclusive offers. Racers To race with the Mini 7 Racing Club you must be a Racing Member. At £195 per season this represents great value for money. In addition to being able to race with the Club, Racing Members also receive the same benefits as Supporters Club members - access to the members forum, club discounts, voting at the AGM and much more. Member Benefits • • • • • • Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News Exclusive M7R Supporters Club car sticker Exclusive Supporters Club competitions Access to Members-only forum Discount on M7RC sponsors’ products Invitation to M7RC social events Able to purchase tickets for M7RC awards • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Rival Info • Contacts 23 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Roll of Honour SPONSORS The Champions YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia 2013Andrew Deviny Peter Baldwin 2012 Paul Spark Peter Baldwin 2011 Paul SparkEndaf Owens 2010 Paul Spark Paul Thompson 2009 Kane AstinAndy Hack 2008 Paul ThompsonAndy Hack 2007 Max HunterAndy Hack 2006Andrew Deviny Bill Sollis 2005 Paul Thompson Peter Baldwin 2004 James Hall Peter Baldwin 2003 Tim Sims Peter Baldwin 2002 Tim Sims Chris Lewis 2001 Tim Sims Peter Baldwin 2000Dave Braggins Peter Baldwin 1999Dave Braggins Ian Curley 1998 Matt Hayman Ian Curley 1997 Steve Bell Bill Sollis 1996 Phil Manser Stewart Drake 1995 Mike Jackson Chris Lewis 1994 Ian Curley Chris Lewis 1993 Tina Cooper Ian Gunn 1992 Mike Jackson Myk Cable 1991 Bill Sollis Myk Cable 1990 Bill Sollis Owen Hall 1989 Steve Cooper Myk Cable 1988 Malcolm Joyce Russell Grady 1987 Chris Tyrell Russell Grady 1986 Chris Tyrell Russell Grady 1985 Russell Grady Mike Fry 1984 Chris Gould Mike Fry 1983 Chris Gould Chris Lewis 1982Gerald Dale Chris Lewis 1981Gary HallChris Hampshire 1980 Jonathan Lewis Roland Nix 1979 Patrick Watts Phil Spurling 1978 Steve Hall Phil Spurling 1977 Martin Goodall Paul Gaymer 1976Graham Wenham Mike Curnow 1975Graham WenhamAlan Curnow 1974 Chris Tyrell Russell Dell 1973 Mick Moss Phil Spurling 1972 Reg Armstrong Mick Osborne 1971Graham Wenham Len Brammer 1970 Len Brammer Mick Osborne 1969 Paul Gaymer 1968 Mick Osborne 1967 Bob Fox 1966 Bob Fox Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 24 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Extra Curricular activity Double circuit action at brands and oulton minifests Brands Hatch Sunday May 11, 2014 Oulton Park Saturday July 12, 2014 T rack fans are being served up a double treat this year. To mark the Mini’s 55th anniversary, track owners MSV are expanding their popular Mini Festival event to two events at two different tracks. Brands Hatch in Kent, will play host to the first Festival on May 11, with Mini drivers offered free entry if they book through the website. The larger event of the two will take place at Cheshire’s Oulton Park circuit where there promises to be lots of entertainment to enjoy both on and off the track. www.mini-festival.co.uk castle combe action day Saturday September 27, 2014 P opular Wiltshire circuit, Castle Combe has announced the date of its annual Miniworld sponsored Mini Action Day. Keep your diaries free for September 27 where for an action-packed day with charity Mini rides, trade and club stands and a track parade. www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk silverstone classic SPONSORS C love:mini magazine www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races JULY 25-27, 2014 lassic car fans flock to Silverstone every year for this very special event. And every year there is a stunning collection of Minis on display as well as lots more entertainment on the circuit and in the paddock www.silverstoneclassic.com • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 25 Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 2 Club Contacts CHAIRMAN Nick Cooke E: [email protected] M7RC NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL TEAM COMMERCIAL MANAGER Colin Peacock E: [email protected] Editor Craig McBeth [email protected] Photos Matthew Barrington www.mbracephotography.co.uk TREASURER Jeffrey Parish E: [email protected] CHAMPIONSHIP CO-ORDINATOR Richard Williamson E: [email protected] Words Richard Williamson [email protected] Reporters Mark Chandler & Jamie Snelling COMPETITION MANAGER Mike Jackson E: [email protected] SPONSORS Membership Secretary Jacquie Martin E: [email protected] love:mini magazine PRESS OFFICER Craig McBeth E: [email protected] www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview • Race Report • News • Race Results • Next Races • Timetable • History • Rival Info • Contacts 26