Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter - Issue 3, 2015

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2015

2015 Issue 3 Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk

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preview: Rounds 5&6 Rockingham MAY 30-31, 2015 WORDS: Richard Williamson

After a sabbatical in 2014, the Northamptonshire circuit returns to the calendar, offering a unique motorsport amphitheatre more usually found on the other side of the Atlantic. The International Super Sportscar layout mixes full blown Indycarstyle banked oval and walls with a twistier infield section, and will push the Minis to their limits over a 1.94-mile lap…

MINI SE7EN & S CLASS Showing all the guile that has taken him to three previous Mini Se7en titles, Paul Spark heads up the 1-litre category after four Quick Links

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rounds having taken a win apiece at Combe and Snetterton along with top-four finishes in the other races. Jabez Dyer is his closest challenger having racked up strong

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1

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3 finishes including a pair of thirds so far and new fastest lap at Combe, with Kieren McDonald not far behind having also made the podium last time out.

Expected title challengers Darren Thomas and Max Hunter have won one each too but mechanical issues in other races have dropped them down the points order, while reigning Champion Andrew Deviny’s tally is two seconds, one new lap record but two DNFs to leave him 10th overall. Others to run among the leaders include Ashley Davies, Ross Billison,

Graeme Davis and Gareth Hunt while Ian Deviny holds a commanding lead in the mildertuned 1275cc S-Class.

A remarkable aspect to this season are the expanded grids which have been in the high 20s, and which bodes well for a busy old weekend around the Corbybased venue. A likely winner?

Well, Hunter started from pole position twice and romped to a double victory back in 2013 so is favourite on previous circuit form, although Spark was on the podium with him on both occasions so watch this space…

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Mini se7en Records

Lap record: Paul Thompson Time: 1:42.815 Ave. 67.92 mph

set on 27 Sept’ 2008

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

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Tru

MINI MIGLIA e to form, perennial series bridesmaid Kane Astin holds an early season lead in the 1.3-litre standings, having won once at Combe and been on the podium in the other three races. He holds a six-point advantage over his nearest rivals, led by reigning Champion Rupert Deeth who has taken a pair of victories at Combe and Snetterton (including a new lap record) so far, but also collected a couple of lower placings.

In third sits Mark Cowan, a switch to the renowned Baldwin Motorsport car elevating him to a serious title contender, as an accomplished winning drive at Snetterton last time out proved.

Proven winners in the category, Dan Wheeler and Aaron Smith lie fifth and sixth behind the rapidly improving Sam Summerhayes who has shown a remarkable knack for the outside-line overtake, while Rob Howard, Dave Drew and Tristen Knight Quick Links

are all capable of hitting the front.

Previous form here suggests 2013 double winner Astin will be the one to beat, but Smith ran him close so watch out for the pink and black car to be on a charge, while further back it is hoped that one or two historicstyle Mini-7 Classic and Invitation Class cars may also join in to bolster the Miglia grid.

MINI MIGLIA Records

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Lap record: James Hall Ave. 74.04 mph

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Time. 1:34.759

set on 7 Oct’ 2006 • Gallery • Archive

3

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

Mini Se7en News

www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Steve Soper in his title-winning Mini 1275 GT Photo: J Parish Collection / Ferret Fotographic (J Gaisford)

SPECIAL GUEST

I

n the last Pit & Paddock we gave a brief recap of the annual Dinner Dance awards, with pictures of the 2014 National Challenge winners, Rupert Deeth and Andrew Deviny, receiving their trophies.

However, not mentioned in the pics was special invited guest for the evening, tin-top racing legend and former Mini champion, Steve Soper.

For those of you not aware of Steve’s achievements with the M7RC, he won the 1977 National Mini 1275GT title, and again in 1979 in addition to becoming the overall Mini Challenge Champion across all three formulae of Mini 1275GT, Mini 1000 (Miglia) and Mini 850 (Se7en). Of course, he famously went on to race professionally for the likes of ARG, Jaguar, Ford and BMW, becoming one of the World’s top Touring Car and GT drivers.

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PIONEERING PETE

T

he M7RC received a welcome visitor in the Castle Combe paddock recently, a gentleman by the name of Peter Lambourne. A look back through the Archive records reveals Peter was one of a few pioneering racers to try out the original Miglia Mini Formula. Of the four nonchampionship tasters held in 1969 (a year before the first championship was introduced in 1970), either running among Free Formula Minis or Special Saloons, Peter actually won the Miglia (or ‘Mille’) class at Mallory Park on 24 August. We hope to add a picture of Peter’s car to the Archive soon.

Incidentally, Peter also took home a copy of the M7RC Archive 1969 season review, chuffed that his early efforts had been recorded for posterity.

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

Mini Se7en News ONCE UPON A MIGLIA

S

potted among the large Welsh Sports & Saloon Car entry at Combe were a pair of Minis that at one time graced the Miglia grids a few years back. Still carrying his familiar #98 was the now-1380cc car of Mike Edgell, while Peter Hills’ pale blue 1300c example (ex-Pitstop?) wouldn’t have looked out of place in the current Dunlop Challenge. Another 1380cc example, shared between Julian and Mathew Howell, has previously raced alongside Miglias in several Mini invitation/ allcomer races. Also in the programme entry, an 1100cc Mini Turbo entered by Sheepspeed, run by former Miglia Champion, Endaf Owens.

Just to round things off, current Miglia racer Sam Summerhayes was a very busy boy, not only racing the Lodway Garage Miglia but also jumping into the team’s Citroen Saxo for the WS&SCC events!

BE SWIFT ABOUT IT

W

hile the M7RC celebrates the 50th racing season of the Mini Se7en formula, another 50th is being chalked up this year. Tuning company Swiftune is marking its half century with a one-off 1380cc, 100bhp ‘road rocket’, A-Series Mini engine, which it is offering as a mega raffle prize at the Brands Hatch Mini Festival in late-June. All proceeds are going to Dementia UK, and tickets costing £5 can be obtained from Warburton Racing via jwickstrom@hotmail.com

actually finished fifth but with no proper timing on the day ended up 11th, according to them.

It worked in my favour in race two, the grid reversed plus a bit of drizzle helped (third). The conditions really suited the Mini, whilst other cars were struggling for grip I was able overtake, at times by going right round the outside of them at Gerards…” (see https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=cw8goYITrrM&forumid=640362 and https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Qqgo3h16R1c&forumid=640362) Mallory Park is again hosting the Plum Pudding meeting, on Boxing Day 26 December 2015. For details visit: www.malloryparkcircuit.com or www.clubmallory.co.uk

APPRECIATION DICK HARVEY

D

ick Harvey, who passed away recently, was the founder of Darvi Cars which predominantly ran in the 750 Motor Club’s clubman/kitcar championships. Dick made a brief Mini Se7en appearance in late-1982 at Snetterton, in the car of his brother Jon Harvey, a regular M7RC racer for several seasons. This was the same race in which Steve Bell made his Mini race debut in Chris Tyrrell’s Se7en; both went out in a collision early on. The M7RC offers its condolences to Dick’s family and friends.

PLUM PUDDING TASTER

R

eigning Mini Se7en Champion Andrew Deviny took in the EMRA/Club Mallory-run ‘Plum Pudding’ meeting at the East Midlands circuit on Boxing Day in December. Here is his recap: “I started from pole in race one (must have been first to enter) and

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Dick Harvey about to collect Steve Bell at Snetterton, 1982 Photo: courtesy Autosport

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 3 Snetterton 300 May 9, 2015

hunter Treads carefully WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

The

MINI SE7EN: RACE 1 weekend got off to a great start, although very windy and overcast the cars were out in force with an impressive 28 Minis on the grid ready to make for an exciting, action packed weekend.

During the warm-up session, the top 10 cars were all within two seconds of each other but the weather held out and everyone got to grips with the track.

Unfortunately the heavens opened up during qualifying with just a couple of good dry laps put in before it was very slippy indeed. Steve Baker had a tie bar and ball joint snap just before the hairpin bend on qualifying lap 4 and carried straight on past but was fixed and back on, ready for the race.

With a damp track from the earlier downpour tyres were an unsure choice and key to the race.

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Andrew Deviny and Paul Spark get off to a good start with a second lead over third place Jabez Dyer. Max Hunter, in fourth place, is gaining ground every lap, overtaking Dyer and closing in on Spark who drops back and a great battle for second takes place, while Deviny extends his lead at the front. Gareth Hunt and Ashley Davies battle it out for fourth place side by side down the pit straight.

Max Hunter took the outside line at Palmer and gains second place with eyes on the leader Deviny - 2.6 seconds infront.

Now, near the end of the race it was about who had looked after the tyres best and could hold out, but Hunter closed right up and overtook Deviny on lap 7 fighting through the backmarkers with Deviny looking a little more unstable around the corners and under braking suggesting

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his tyres were past their best.

Eventually Hunter takes the win on the final corner as Deviny takes a little skid wide possibly his only mistake of the race and a brilliant finish.

Paul Spark took a detour on the final corner, cutting it out, via the grass which gained him a 1 second time penalty - a faulty radius arm was to blame.

Unfortunately after the race, both of the Mini Seven ‘S’ Class cars were disqualified due to being unfortunately underweight for their Class.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 3 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Max Hunter Andrew Deviny Jabez Dyer Paul Spark Ashley Davies

Fastest lap

Max Hunter 2.27.852 • Gallery • Archive

6

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 3 Snetterton 300 May 9, 2015

flying deeth comes knocking at the door WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Qua

and Sam Summerhayes moves back upto 5th after dropping a few places early on.

The middle of the field pack, of Colin Peacock, Niven Burge, Summerhayes and Drew are battling it out for 5th place when Burge and Drew make contact mid-battle and The afternoon’s race was clear are left on the sideline from and bright but still damp in the the race.

Rupert Deeth is gaining sunshine with Kane Astin on ground very quickly after pole position. The whole field starting on row 7 in 13th place makes a good start and they go around the first corner five- - he is now upto 4th and is 1.25 seconds per lap faster wide. Astin maintains his lead with Dave Drew into 3rd from than the others and setting the fastest lap at 1.15.029.

6th and the top three make Triston Knight starts to drop room upfront and break away down the field and on the pit from a close front half of the straight sounds like a misfire field.

Rob Howard moves into third developing while Aaron Smith and is closing on second place takes the lead and Astin drops

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 1 lifying took place again in the rainsoaked track for the morning, leading to a mixed up grip and lap times that were 15 seconds slower than the morning’s warm-up session.

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to second place with Howard running close behind but losing his position to a flying Deeth for 3rd place who then on the final lap jumps to take the lead from Astin for a famous victory.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 3 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Rupert Deeth Kane Astin Rob Howard Aaron Smith Sam Summerhouse

Fastest lap 2.15.029 • Gallery • Archive

7

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 4 Snetterton 300 May 10, 2015

Steady spark avoids drama to win WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Rou

MINI SE7EN: RACE 2 nd four of the champoinship got underway on a now dry track with the sun shining down, led out on track for the pace lap by the A-Series spares.

does well to avoid a collision going wide outside.

Davies moves from fourth to second and Spark takes the lead as Deviny slows down and drops down the field eventually running into the pits on lap 6 to retire. He was looking on top form with Into the first corner and Spark fastest lap of the weekend. drops to second place going The top five now are close, three-wide around it. Max packed and fighting for Hunter, Ashley Davies and Gareth Hunt are battling away, positions with Spark holding the lead well, when coming Hunter takes Spark with Hunt round to start lap 6 on the final dropping two places and Andrew Deviny out in the lead corner of lap 5 Max Hunter again with a three-second gap blows his diff and clouds of smoke pour out onto the track pushing hard from the off. and he rolls into the pit lane The Budd bothers battle for For a while Kieren Mcdonald 15th between themselves takes the race lead but is while Steve Barker spins out closely followed by the front infront of the last corner of pack nose-to-tail and the lap three, sitting in the middle middle group are closing up of the track and Charlie Budd Quick Links

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the gap too. Mcdonald in first and Hunt in second make contact at Grundle Corner which leads Hunt to retire from the race and Mcdonald to lose his bumper and grind his grille on the track for the rest of the race.

This leaves the top 3 to lead the race for home and Spark back in form closes the door on Davies to take the win which makes it 3 out of 4 wins for Paul Spark.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 4 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Paul Spark Ashley Davies Kieren Mcdonald Jabez Dyer Spencer Wanstall

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8

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 4 Snetterton 300 May 10, 2015

stubborn cowan fights off astin bandit WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

The

MINI MIGLA: RACE 2 final Mini race of the weekend took part on a dry but windy circuit and looked set for a great end even if it was a shorter run again of eight laps, with 15 Miglias lined up on the grid all ready to set off!

of Cowan but just can’t get round while Deeth moves up to seventh position and is gaining ground.

Knight hits the curb while cornering and flies up onto two wheels luckily saving himself from rolling over.

The front pack of six all group up together. Colin Peacock is close and fighting for eighth Dave Drew makes a great position bumper to bumper. start and takes second from Peacock makes his move, Tristen Knight and challenges holds out and keeps infront, for first off of Kane Astin but doesn’t quite get there. Knight but then locks up and drops his place. Knight also slips by drops a few more places to Peacock only to then drop fifth and Mark Cowan moves out of the race on the final lap up to fourth and then takes let Peacock retake position. A the lead into the second lap great battle all race. over Astin.

Astin runs wide while Rupert Deeth is again moving challenging Cowan for first up the field from 12th to 8th place and then the top three position but runs wide on the exit yet manages to hold onto of Cowan, Astin and Smith rub shoulders three-wide, where his place.

Cowan holds the inside line.

Astin is right on the bumper Quick Links

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Deeth is now up to fourth place and looks set for a repeat of the last race with an impressive finish and sets the fastest lap again with a 2.13.413 but just doesn’t have the laps. All the time Astin is trying to better Cowan but just can’t get around, finishing right on his tail over the finish line 0.1 second behind.

Fastest lap Rupert Deeth 2.13.413 80.11mph MINI MIGLIA ROUND 4 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Mark Cowan Kane Astin Aaron Smith Rupert Deeth Rob Howard

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PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rds 3+4 2015 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts best 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1 2 3 4

35 23 5 46 49 6 9 90 73 1 3 2 37 4 11 29 52 47 60 91 15 7 44 21 97 93 39 92 63 18 16

Paul SPARK Jabez DYER Kieren MCDONALD Max HUNTER Ross BILLISON Ashley DAVIES Steve TRENCH Ian DEVINY Spencer WANSTALL Andrew DEVINY Graeme DAVIS Darren THOMAS Gareth HUNT Leon WIGHTMAN Charlie BUDD Daniel BUDD Nathan BURGE Kelvin EDGAR Malcolm KEAT Shaun TARLTON Steve BAKER Julian PROCTOR Adam SMITH Tina COOPER James BURROWS Roland PARSLOE Andy MILLER Kevin O’SHEA David ROBINSON Lewis SELBY Julian AFFLECK

18 16 13 15 6 1 10 8 12 19 17 20 14 11 9

20 18 16 19 13 11 15 14 1 1 10 12 17 9 1

2 2 5

7 3 8

7

1

2 4 2

5 6 4

2 1 3

2 2 0

Practiced Started Finished

25 25 23

25 24 20

Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton 300 Snetterton 300

6 April 6 April 9 May 10 May

17 18 15 20 15 16 8 10 12 19 1 1 1 9 7 11 13 5 4

20 17 18 1 15 19 14 13 16 1 11 0 1 1 8 12 9 6 5

6 1 1 2 w -0 3 -0 2 w 0

7 4 10 2 w 0 3 2 0 w 0

28 27 20

28 24 20

FL: A Deviny FL: J Dyer [rec] FL: M Hunter FL: A Deviny [rec]

75 69 62 55 49 47 47 45 41 40 39 33 33 30 25 23 22 20 14 13 13 13 11 11 10 6 6 6 5 3 0

Pole: D Thomas Pole: D Thomas Pole: P Spark Pole: A Deviny

* #92+93 technical disq @ Rd 3 Snetterton - to count 0 in best scores

Spax Improver: A Deviny (+23) Spax Improver: R Billison (+9) Spax Improver: J Dyer (+9) Spax Improver: A Smith (+13)

Total

PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rds 3+4 2015 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN S-CLASS supported by MINI SPARES 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

90 91 92 97 93

Ian DEVINY Shaun TARLTON Kevin O’SHEA James BURROWS Roland PARSLOE

1 2 3 4

Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton 300 Snetterton 300

10 8 4 6 5

6 April 6 April 9 May 10 May

10 8 4 6 5

10 -0 w -0

10 8 w 0

40 16 16 12 10

S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class FL: I Deviny

S-Class Pole: S Tarlton S-Class Pole: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny

* #92+93 technical disq @ Rd 3 Snetterton - to count 0 in best scores

2015 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 Rds 3+4 2015 DUNLOP MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES 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 18

11 1 99 85 50 21 55 29 4 72 31 49 77 27 53 20 69 48

Kane ASTIN Rupert DEETH Mark COWAN Sam SUMMERHAYES Dan WHEELER Aaron SMITH Michael GREEN Dave DREW Colin PEACOCK Rob HOWARD Phil DALE Gary WARBURTON Tristen KNIGHT Ian FRASER Niven BURGE Mark SIMS Tony LE MAY Ian BRISCALL

nc

nc nc nc nc

1 2 3 4

18 20 19 17 16 14 12 13 15

20 13 17 18 19 1 14 16 1

11 10 0

15 12 0

0

0

113

Invitation Phil HARVEY

[0]

[0]

184 157 118 101

Mini-7 Classic Steve JONES William WARD Ian CURLEY Jonathan LEWIS

[9] [8] [1] w

[11] [10] [0] w

17 14 13

17 15 15 12 15 13 11 11 11 FL: S Summerhayes FL: M Cowan FL: R Deeth FL: R Deeth [rec]

Practiced Started Finished Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton 300 Snetterton 300

19 20 10 16 12 17 13 1 14 18

19 17 20 12 14 18 11 15 13 16

15 11 1 1 1

1 0 10 1 0

76 70 66 63 61 50 50 45 43 34 26 22 16 11 11 2 1 0 -

6 April 6 April 9 May 10 May

-

Pole: R Deeth Pole: M Cowan Pole: K Astin Pole: K Astin

Spax Improver: G Warburton (+4) Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+5) Spax Improver: R Deeth (+11) Spax Improver: R Deeth (+8)

* Invitation + Mini-7 Classic not eligible for points

2015 MINI MIGLIA NOVICE Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

1

48

Ian BRISCALL

0

0

-

-

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts 0

Total

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

Photo Gallery

Snetterton 300, May 9-10, 2015 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3 Race Entry Click here to book your entry online or download the forms.

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May 30-31 Round 5 & 6 Rockingham, Mitchell Road, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 5AF 01536 500 500 www.rockingham.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 300 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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14

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

From the Archives: Rockingham 5 and 10 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC Archive helps us to recap what happened over the decades at Rockingham around this time of year.

5 Years Ago

Mini Se7en field led by Andrew Deviny Photo: M7RC Archive/Pitlane

R

ockingham opened the 12-round 2010 Dunlop Mini Challenges on Saturday 10 April, with 10-lap races over the 1.9400-mile International Sports layout.

In the Mini Se7en encounter, Andrew Deviny led a 19-car field away from pole position, and after an entertaining battle was able to open out a 2.5s advantage over Max Hunter by the flag, the latter setting fastest lap. The year’s Champion Paul Spark came off best in a clash with Gareth Hunt to take third with Ian Deviny, Nathan Burge and James Coulson right on his tail. Julian Affleck won the S-Class (and a second title that year) after Julian Proctor dropped out, while among the 15 finishers were Tristen Knight, Darren Thomas, Malcolm Keat, Steve Trench, Graeme Davis and David

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Robinson.

The first part of the Mini Miglia race ran behind the safety car after Gordon Pocock’s heavy crash into the wall at the start.

Once racing resumed proper, the result was a close 0.237s victory for Champion-to-be Paul Thompson from Kane Astin and

Sarah Munns (in the orange Baldwin car), with Niven Burge setting the fastest lap in fourth from the battling pair of Dave Drew and Michael Green, with Rob Howard, Mark Cowan (top Novice) and Phil Harvey also among the 13 starters.

Paul Thompson heads Astin and Munns in the Miglias Photo: M7RC Archive/Pitlane

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

From the Archives: Rockingham 5 and 10 years ago 10 Years Ago

Midfield Se7ens, led by Niv Burge Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

T

here are two visits of the Dunlop Challenges to the Northants venue (already on the Mini calendar for four seasons), the first over the weekend of 3-4 September, for rounds 8+9 of the National Challenges. The longer 2.4430mile International circuit was used for the double-header 10-lappers, and in the first of the Miglia encounters, poleman Peter Baldwin controlled proceedings from the front, taking the win along with a new lap record (and on his way to a fifth title).

Kelly Rogers led the remaining 14 starters from Max Hunter, Bill Sollis, Colin Peacock and Paul Brown.

Baldwin once more led away from pole in the second race but, try as he might, Rogers had to

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Thompson, with Max Hunter settle for second again behind the Mini master. Sollis moved up (double-stinting in Se7ens and Migs) in third and Geoff Letts a place to third on this occasion fourth from Kane Astin and Niven with Andy Hack taking fourth and Hunter back to fifth, despite Burge.

Letts was elevated to runnerfastest lap, from Peacock in sixth. up spot in the second race after Familiar names still in the M7RC paddock today included Mark Hunter was docked 3s due to contact with Thompson at Sims, Ralph Saunders and Phil Harvey.

Like Baldwin, Andrew Deviny also started from pole twice and then went home with a pair of maximum scores and fastest laps, in the first setting a new class record to head Hunter and Thompson about to clash in Mini Se7ens the season’s class Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane) Champion, Paul

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Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

From the Archives: Rockingham 5 and 10 years ago the chicane coming off the banking, the latter then moving back into a podium position in the amended result. Andrew Ruthven completed the top six just behind Burge. Quite a few of the 27-car entry are still around today too, including Paul Spark, Philip Dale, Steve Hopper, Steve Baker, Graeme Davis, James Coulson, Malcolm Keat and Ian Deviny.

A 25-car field returned on 2 October for a pair of 10-lap nonchampionship combined races, this time on the slightly shorter 2.2460-mile Sports layout. Peter Baldwin dominated these too, heading Kelly Rogers in both to the tune of 4.6 and 7.9s respectively, with Sarah Munns and Ralph Saunders taking a third place apiece.

Similarly, Andrew Deviny also demonstrated his winning form

Miglia duel of Ralph Saunders and Gerald Dale Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane) heading into what would be a successful 2006 campaign with class victories in both, although Paul Thompson also underlined his title-winning 2005 season by hounding Deviny all the way in both. Gareth Hunt and Paul

McGarry traded third place in both races to share a podium finish each.

The race winners also wrapped up the respective pole and fastest laps, both setting new lap records in the second.

Grinning Mini grilles at Rockingham Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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17

Pit & Paddock May 2015 Issue 3

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 May 2015 Issue 3

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-

SPONSORS

C OM B E

FOR

201 2

love:mini magazine

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 • • • • • •

Quick Links

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 May 2015 Issue 3

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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SPONSORS

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 May 2015 Issue 3

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

love:mini magazine

PRESS OFFICER Craig McBeth E: editor@love-mini.co.uk

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