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2015
2015 Season preview Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk
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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES
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preview: Rounds 1&2 castle combe
april 6, 2015
WORDS: Richard Williamson
As in 2014, Castle Combe opens this season’s Mini Se7en and Mini Miglia Challenges, with entertainment guaranteed from these classic compact stalwarts of British club racing. MINI SE7EN Amazingly, the Mini Se7ens go into their 50th racing season, having started begun the same year as England’s football World Cup victory, in 1966. Combe hosted one of six races in that debut campaign, and has continued to offer crowdpleasing Mini action ever since. Favourites at Combe in the Quick Links
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1-litre category include reigning (three-time 2014, 2013, 2006) champion Andrew Deviny, who won the opener last season, and series runner-up Darren Thomas, who triumphed in the second race despite crossing the line virtually sideways! Also expected to be in the mix are former champions Max Hunter
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1 (2007), Paul Spark (2012, 2011, 2010) and Tina Cooper (1993), plus race winners from
Lap record: Max Hunter
last season Ashley Davies and Graeme Davis, while reigning Novice champion Shaun
Tarlton is aiming to defend his title in the lesser-tuned, budget S-Class too.
Mini se7en Records Time: 1:24.882
Ave. 78.46 mph on 30 May 2005
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The
MINI MIGLIA faster, more powerful Mini Miglias will ‘only’ be starting their 46th Challenge campaign, having first graced the club racing calendar in 1970, primarily as a stepping stone for seasoned Mini Se7en drivers looking for a step up in performance. The entry of 1.3-litre racers is headed by Rupert Deeth, looking to clinch back-to-back titles having finally got race-win ‘monkey’ off his back in 2014 after several seasons of near misses. Hot on his heels will
be perennial series bridesmaid Kane Astin, who won the second round at Combe last April, while others likely to be up front include Colin Peacock, Rob Howard, Dave Drew and Dan Wheeler. The Miglia grid may also include non-championship ‘guest’ Minis, either running in Mini-7 Classic or Invitation classes. The former is primarily for historic racing Minis, Dunlop-shod, and carrying distinctive ‘period’ roundels, while the latter caters for a variety of other A-Series examples.
MINI MIGLIA Records Lap record: Kelly Rogers Time. 1:17.551 Ave: 85.88 mph on 23 June 2007
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
Mini Se7en News Awards night 2014
Amemorable awards night saw numerous trophies being handed out to many worthy winners, but it was the two Championship trophies that mean the most, and Se7en’s champ Andrew Deviny and Miglia champ Rupert Deeth were delighted to add to their silverware, whilst Shaun Tarlton picked up the S Class Champion trophy. Other winners included Gareth Hunt receiving the Bryan Slark Valve Award for having some misfortune last season; Spencer Wanstall with the Tom Jarratt trophy for the Best Newcomer; The Dunlop Cup for most improved went to Rob Howard in the Miglias and Leon Wightman in the Se7ens; the
Fred Jackson Memorial Trophy went to Colin Peacock for all his hard
work, dedication and positive representation of the club.
Apology: A Faster Master RW would like to point out that in the recent Pitlane Review M7RC magazines, the current Mini Miglia lap record for Brands Hatch Indy circuit should have been 0:54.605 (average 79.63 mph) , set on 23 June 2013 by Peter Baldwin, and not the one listed for Rupert Deeth at 0:54.698 (79.50 mph) set on 22 September 2013. Thanks to June Baldwin for pointing out the oversight…
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1 Race Entry Click here to book your entry online or download the forms.
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April 6 Round 1 & 2 Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7EY 01249 782417
www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk
RACE DATES 2015 Rd 1/2 Rd 3/4 Rd 5/6 Rd 7/8 Rd 9/10 Rd 11/12 Rd 13/14 50 Plate
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April 6 Castle Combe May 9-10 Snetterton 200 May 30-31 Rockingham June 27-28 Brands Hatch Mini Festival (TV) July 25-26 Donington Park August 8 Oulton Park Mini Festival (TV) Sept 19-20 Silverstone Int’l & 50th Party (TV) Oct 31 - Nov 1 Snetterton 300
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Timetable Castle Combe April 6, 2015 Mini 7 Qualifying Race 1 Race 2
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09.25 - 09.45 13.15 - 13.30 16.30 - 16.45
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Mini Miglia Qualifying 10.25 -10.45 Race 1 14.10 -14.25 Race 2 17.25 -17.40
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
Photo Gallery
Best of 2014 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
From the Archives:
Castle Combe 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 Croft Circuit around this time of year. 10 Years Ago
Se7en grid led away by Andrew Deviny and Paul Thompson Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)
I
14 of the original 27 entries still running at the end. Dave Banwell led home the chasing pack from Max Hunter, who set a new lap record of 1:24.882 (78.46 mph) for the modern 1.85-mile track, with Championelect Paul Thompson in fourth from Kane Astin and James Winnifrith. Familiar names still on the entry lists today included Niven Burge, Steven Hopper, James Coulson, Damon Astin, Malcolm Keat, Graeme Davis and Ian Deviny. Best of the 21-car Mini Miglia field, as he was for a further seven races during the season, was Peter Baldwin who led away from pole, Miglia midfield; Jonathan Lloyd (11) and Gordon although Kelly Pocock (15) Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane) Rogers ran him
n a very short 10-round Challenge, the BRSCC (South West) played host to the M7RC’s second round of the season, on 30 May. Cloudy morning qualifying gave way to a dry, bright afternoon, with the 1.0-litre Mini Se7ens up first. This was not the closest finish in Mini Se7en history however, as poleman Andrew Deviny managed to pull out over six seconds by the flag after 14 pounding laps, the finishing rate down on average with only
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close to the tune of 0.372 secs at the flag after an extended 16 laps around the Wiltshire track. Hopping from 1.0 to the 1.3 discipline, Max Hunter doubled his tally of thirds, likewise his tally of fastest laps for the weekend, followed by Andy Hack, Colin Peacock and Tim Sims completing the top halfdozen. Other familiar names then as now included Michael Green, Mark Sims and Paul Simmonds.
Peter Baldwin on his wa y to another Miglia title. Photo: M7RC Archive
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
From the Archives:
Castle Combe 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago
L
ess than three finishers. 20 Years weeks after The Ago returning from Spa following in Belgium, both classes day (round still produced huge fields for 9), this time the appreciative spectators, as King started the BRSCC (SW) put on Combe’s from pole and first-ever 2-day meeting over 1-2 again crossed July as part of the ‘Best of British’ the finishing package. line ahead Shaun King heads Mike Jackson in Min i Se7en lead duel A whopping 38 Mini Se7ens (also setting Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotogr aphics (M Harvey) entered, with 32 setting out fastest lap), in the first of the 8-lap doublebut only after of header races, on the Saturday Jackson had gone 21 finishers when the red-flag (round 8 of 16). In a typically off on lap 7 when in mid-dice, was flown and the result counted close slipstreamer it was previous leaving Braggins, Banwell, Matt season’s title runner-up Shaun Hayman, Rob Cullum and Genny back to 6 laps, during which time Curley had established a new lap King who narrowly held off Cooke (later to become Mrs record of 1:10.89 at an average Champion-to-be, and pole Gunn) to round out the top six, of 93.44 mph! Starting from pole position man, Mike Jackson by and Bell in 7th from Tim Sims. on the Sunday, Lewis’ advantage a mere 0.39 secs, with Dave There were 32 Miglias on the had shrunk further to 0.46s Braggins in their shadows, entry, and it proved to be a good after the full 8 lap encounter, followed by Mickey Bray, Dave weekend for reigning Champ’ this time Sollis moving into the Banwell and Tim Sims a few Chris Lewis, the Yorkshireman’s runner-up slot, including fastest lengths back. In 9th, Steve Bell double victory helping him on lap just 0,2 slower than Curley’s set the fastest lap for the original his way to a fourth Miglia title at the day before, with the latter in 1.84-mile (pre-chicanes) track, season’s end. His margin over third from Baldwin, Scott again while Paul Thompson, Steven Peter Baldwin on the Saturday Hopper and Rob Selby were was just 0.65 secs, with Ian Curley, in fifth and Stewart Drake (the 1996 Champ’) in sixth. Of note further down the list of 27 Bill Sollis, Ian Scott and Jonathan elsewhere in the field were former Lloyd next Champs Ian Gunn and Myk Cable up. Paul (backed by Mini Spares), while Brend had seasoned campaigner Peter taken a surprise pole Calver was by now running a metallic blue ‘Mini 35’ replica position but several spins racer to follow in the vein of his previous cherry red ‘Mini 30’ and saw him silver ‘Mini 25’ versions. Reliabililty Mike Jackson gets out of shape as Shaun King prepares to drop back was pretty good in Migs too, with down the pounce in the Mini Se7en lead battle. order to 14th 20 of the 22 starters seeing the Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey) chequered flag.
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
From the Archives:
Castle Combe 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago 30 Years Ago
from Dave Hancock and Danny Allpress, and 13 of the 23 starters finished. The grids had shrunk a little more by rounds 11 at the BRSCC (SW) Bank Holiday Race Day on 26 August. Over 10 laps, and from a field of 16 Se7ens, victory went to pole-sitter Chris Tyrrell by what seemed a comfortable 2.9 secs from Mike Jackson, who set the fastest lap, with James Hulme taking the final podium position. Behind, Ben Dutson got the better of Alan Seekings and Se7ens; Stephen Finniss heads Colin Rodger into Camp corner Colin Rodger ahead of four more Photo: M+A Jackson Collection finishers. For once, Mike Fry was knocked Novice Bill Sollis who dropped ith a hiatus in official off of top spot in Miglias, David out at mid-distance, and 2015 backing from the Carvell’s Howley-tuned example returnee Tina Cooper who nonMini parent company, started. Of the 19-strong grid, 16 getting the nod by a blink of 0.1 numbers were slightly down secs and setting the quickest race finished. on previous seasons, but the lap. Gerald Dale took another The then-1000cc Miglia race racing was still as competitive third place, leaving Bev Comber, as ever. The BRSCC (SW) hosted was less tight up front, reigning Graham Chivers and Peter Calver Champ Mike Fry pulling away two meetings in 1985, the first, round 3-of-15 coming on 8 from pole position - in the process to complete the top six from the 12 survivors of a 15-car grid. setting the fastest race lap - to April and part of the Shell Oils an eventual Thundersaloons Race Day. In 12 secs the still-850cc Mini Se7ens, Miglia battle with Peter Allen, John Davies and Richard advantage Champion-elect Russell Grady Wager to the fore. Photo: M+A Jackson Collection fought off the attentions of after 10 laps, leaving Mike Jackson and poleman Chris Tyrrell by a scant 0.3 secs Peter Allen and Gerald over 10 laps, with Ralph Budd Dale to fight (father of recent Se7en converts over second. Charlie and Daniel) in fourth from Steve Mole and Nigel ‘Boot’ Renowned Gaymer’s Boopspeed car. Mole engine tuner Steve Harris set the fastest lap, while future Champions to miss out were top took fourth
W
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
From the Archives:
Castle Combe 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago
I
t was an early season visit 40 Years for round 2 of the 19-round Ago Miglia series on Bank Holiday Monday 31 March, a meeting hosted by BRSCC (SW). From 17 starters, Alan Curnow’s Wessex Kentreds car flashed across the line just 0.6 sec ahead of poleman Steve Harris in what would become the endof-season championship order. John Hazell was nearly 30 secs in arrears in third, with Tom Hurn, Kevin Johnston and Martin Ennis next up of 12 finishers. Curnow set a new lap record of 1:17.2 (85.80 mph). Both formulae attended the ‘Evered Trophy Race Meeting’ on 26 May, promoted by the Hagley & District Light Car Club. Each race was the seventh round, and in the 850cc Mini Se7ens, Terry Pudwell edged out pole starter and Champion-to-be (for the second time) Graham Wenham by 0.6 secs. Jim Mancey, Chris Tyrrell, Reg Armstrong and Alan Seekings were the best of the rest, while among the remaining Seasonal review from M7 20 finishers from a 29-car entry, RC Archive Im ag e: M7 RC Ar ch ive were Martin Goodall’s Tiger comic-backed ‘Marvellous’ Mini, and top novice Jeremy Wheatley. too, in second overall behind previous season’s Champion Pudwell’s quickest lap set a new a 1.3 Cooper S, also equalling Russell Dell third in a Ripspeedrecord at 1:22.4 (80.39 mph). his lap record from a couple of backed car. John Bradburn Thirteen 998cc Miglias joined months previous in his Longman- (Aldon), Rick Cutting and Tom half a dozen Special Saloons Hurn came next. and, after setting class pole, Alan powered machine. Steve Harris again collected 9 points, with Curnow then took class honours
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers
Mini Se7en 1 Andrew Deviny 3 Graeme Davis 4 Leon Wightman 5 Kieren McDonald 6 Ashley Davies 7 Julian Proctor 9 Steve Trench 11 Charlie Budd 18 Lewis Selby 21 Tina Cooper 23 Jabez Dyer 35 Paul Spark 37 Gareth Hunt 44 Adam Smith 46 Max Hunter 47 Kelvin Edgar 60 Malcolm Keat 63 Dave Robinson 73 Spencer Wanstall
Driver SOCOMEC Driver Big Mac Racing SMG Motorsport Roonspeed SJT Racing/Floss-a-lot Pristine Condition Selby Motorsport Driver Driver A+ Racing Driver A L Motorsport Hunters Garage Kelsport Driver Kat7Racing.co.uk Driver
Mini Se7en s class 90 Ian Deviny 91 Shaun Tarlton 92 Kevin O Shea 93 Roland Parsloe 97 James Burrows
Driver Shaun Tarlton Racing Driver Driver Altered Image
Mini Miglia 1 Rupert Deeth 4 Colin Peacock 11 Kane Astin 21 Aaron Smith 29 David Drew 31 Phil Dale 48 Ian Bristoll 49 Gary Warburton 50 Daniel Wheeler 55 Michael Green 77 Tristen Knight 85 Sam Summerhayes 99 Mark Cowan
Team Deeth Racing Mondo Sport Driver AAA Racing Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver Wenden Garage Racing Lodway Service Station Baldwin Motorsport
Invitation 111 Jonathan Lewis 157 William Ward 113 Phil Harvey 184 Steve Jones
Driver Driver Motley Mini 1300 Dale Racing
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
JOIN THE CLUB
M
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 jeff.carter@mini7.c
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
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
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
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
C RAC K I NG S TA RT
INSIDE THIS ISSU E
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
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
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-
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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
s and Archive Jeff Carter Upcomi ng Events
07969 157921 jeff.carter@mini7.co.uk
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 • • • • • •
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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
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
Roll of Honour The Champions YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia
2014 Andrew Deviny Rupert Deeth 2013 Andrew Deviny Peter Baldwin 2012 Paul Spark Peter Baldwin 2011 Paul Spark Endaf Owens 2010 Paul Spark Paul Thompson 2009 Kane Astin Andy Hack 2008 Paul Thompson Andy Hack 2007 Max Hunter Andy Hack 2006 Andrew 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 2000 Dave Braggins Peter Baldwin 1999 Dave 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 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966
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YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia
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Chris Gould Mike Fry Chris Gould Chris Lewis Gerald Dale Chris Lewis Gary Hall Chris Hampshire Jonathan Lewis Roland Nix Patrick Watts Phil Spurling Steve Hall Phil Spurling Martin Goodall Paul Gaymer Graham Wenham Mike Curnow Graham Wenham Alan Curnow Chris Tyrell Russell Dell Mick Moss Phil Spurling Reg Armstrong Mick Osborne Graham Wenham Len Brammer Len Brammer Mick Osborne Paul Gaymer Mick Osborne Bob Fox Bob Fox
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Pit & Paddock April 2015 Issue 1
Club Contacts CHAIRMAN Nick Cooke E: nick.cooke@mini7.co.uk COMMERCIAL MANAGER Colin Peacock E: colin.peacock@mini7.co.uk TREASURER Jeffrey Parish E: jeffrey.parish@mini7.co.uk CHAMPIONSHIP CO-ORDINATOR Richard Williamson E: richard.williamson@mini7.co.uk COMPETITION MANAGER Mike Jackson E: mike.jackson@mini7.co.uk Membership Secretary Jacquie Martin E: membership@mini7.co.uk
M7RC NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL TEAM Editor Craig McBeth editor@love-mini.co.uk Photos Matthew Barrington www.mbracephotography.co.uk Words Richard Williamson richard.williamson@mini7.co.uk Reporter Thomas Bonnington SPONSORS
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