Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter - Issue 4, 2015

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2015

2015 Issue 4 Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk

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preview: Rounds 7&8 Brands Hatch

June 27-28, 2015

WORDS: Richard Williamson

Marking its 50th season of competition, Mini Se7en racing returns to where it all began in 1966, and today still offers racegoers the purest form of saloon car motorsport found anywhere in the world. Expect nothing but lights-to-flag entertainment from not one but two pint-sized performance-packed formulae, the 1-litre Mini Se7ens and 1.3-litre Mini Miglias.

MINI SE7EN & S CLASS Grids for the longer-established Se7ens are in rude health, and the close action this season has so far seen competitors of all ages Quick Links

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in with a shout. After six rounds (three double-headers), Jabez Dyer holds a slim advantage at the head of the points table, thanks to consistent finishes in the top half-

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1

Pit & Paddock dozen, while thrice-champion Paul Spark (2010-12) lies second, having scored a pair of victories at Combe and Snetterton.

Last time out at Rockingham, 2007 champ’ Max Hunter pulled off an Ayrton Senna-like performance by racing through from the back of the grid to lead within the opening lap to add to his victory at Snetterton, and which moved him into a close third overall. Reigning title holder Andrew Deviny has taken one victory too, at Rockingham, and despite a couple of retirements, has been second three times too.

June 2015 Issue 4

Likewise, Darren Thomas will be hoping to add to his seasonopening win at Combe, as well as repeating his Mini Festival victory from 2014. Of the chasing pack, Ashley Davies is a good bet for victory (he won here last year too), while the likes of Ross Billison, Kieren McDonald and Graeme Davis can be expected to challenge for podium places.

In the milder-tuned 1275cc budget S-Class, Ian Deviny holds a commanding series lead but should expect a stronger challenge on what will be a busy old Brands circuit!

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Mini se7en Records

Lap record: Darren Thomas Time: 0:59.292 Ave. 73.34 mph

set on 21 Sept’ 2013

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Cur MINI MIGLIA

rent series leader Kane Astin comes to Brands hoping to repeat his Brands victory of 2014, and this season has already chalked up three of them, at Combe and Rockingham (twice), with three further podium visits.

Former Se7en champion (2009) Kane is making a strong bid for the Miglia title having been runner-up several times.

Nearest challenger is Sam Summerhayes, impressing with a strong second place last time out at Rockingham, while Mark Cowan is next up having taken over the ‘reins’ of the multi-titlewinning car of Mini legend Peter Baldwin, and Mark proved its pedigree with his debut win at Snetterton in May. Behind the experienced Dan Wheeler in fourth overall, reigning champ’ Rupert Deeth’s season has been Quick Links

a mix of race-winning speed with a brace of victories, at Combe and Snetterton, but also a couple of mechanical glitches that have reduced his overall tally.

Of the rest, Dave Drew, Colin Peacock, Rob Howard and Niv Burge have all run up front, although local ace Aaron Smith will be hoping his 2013/14 Brands form returns, having won five out of the last six Miglia races around the Kent bowl!

Also expected to join the Miglia grid will be a selection of Invitation class Minis which although not running to Challenge specification or for points, are eligible for their own race-within-a-race trophy.

MINI MIGLIA Records

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Lap record: Peter Baldwin Time. 0:54.605 Ave. 79.63 mph set on 23 June 2013

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June 2015 Issue 4

Mini Se7en News

Photo: mbracephotography.co.uk

PRIVATES ON PARADE

F

or those of you who may have missed one of the M7RC’s new initiatives for 2015, the warm-up/pace laps have been graced by the presence of an ‘Official Parade Car’ leading the field around to the starting grid. This idea has worked really well, creating great feedback from the commentators and onlookers alike.

Firstly, thanks must go to the initial idea from A-Series Spares, plus the additional input of Mini Spares who have been offering a raffle prize draw to customers for the chance to drive their own Mini as the parade car. Each vehicle has had to pass a mandatory scrutineering check, including a flashing amber roof light (courtesy of Roland Eckert of Mini Spares), and the driver accompanied

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by an official observer to make sure the speed limits are observed, although such is the pace of the race Minis even at warm-up pace that the limit is somewhat ‘discretionary’!

The lucky drivers so far: At Castle Combe – Graham Hereford’s British Racing Green Rover Cooper Mini; At Snetterton – Guy Pither’s 1275cc whitewith-a-chequer roof Mini, “bought as a £20 shed” but now resplendant after a 3-year restoration; At Rockingham – Matt Pearce’s cherry red 998cc Mini City.

Also used as a parade car, and a fabulous conversation starter, is A-Series Spares’ monster full-race 1450cc Morris Minor Traveller… Top stuff!

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Mini Se7en News

PLUM IN THE MIDDLE

A

ARCHIVE ADDITIONS

s reported in the last issue, reminder that the M7RC Archive project is progressing Andrew Deviny went along for an steadily and copies of Volume 3 (issues 1976 to 1980) end-of-season run-out at Mallory and Volume 4 (issue 1981 to 1985) should be hot off Park last December. Here he is sat on ‘pole’ for one of the mixed saloon races… the press shortly. Already available in print are Volume 1 (issue 1966 to 1969) and Volume 2 (1970 to 1975), while Volume 5 (1986 to 1990) and Volume 6 (1991 to 1995) are nearing completion, and Volume 7 (1996 to 2000) and Volume 8 (2001 to 2005) will be underway soon.

A

In addition, there will hopefully be an Archive section on the website in the near future, with various snippets of the Club’s history from over five decades, including an expanded gallery of images of former champions and past racers, such as the image here of 1985 National Mini Se7en Champion, Russell Grady, being weighed at postrace scrutineering, kindly donated by current Miglia racer Ian Fraser. Anyone recognise the circuit?

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Race Report Round 5 Rockingham May 30, 2015

Deviny eases home after first corner WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Ano

MINI SE7EN: RACE 1 ther big grid this weekend with 23 cars on the start line and some great weather - the heat really is on.

Andrew Deviny takes the lead from Ashley Davies on the first corner on the banked section of the circuit, they run four wide into the second corner and Jabez Dyer moves up into second place forcing Davies to run wide and off the track, unfortunately dropping down to the back of the field making it an uphill struggle the rest of the race for him...

Deviny, Dyer and Paul Spark now take a lead and Deviny pulls out a gap in first place.

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Gareth Hunt back in 8th place starts smoking oil and drops several places down to 19th and looks to be in trouble but manages to get it back ontrack and keep going to finish in 13th place.

Elsewherre, Spark moves up to second place over Dyer, giving Darren Thomas chance to make a move on Dyer too but runs wide on lap 7 letting up for now.

Nathan Burge manages to move infront of Steve Trench but over cooks it and runs wide and drops back behind again then runs to a halt on the start finish line.

Davies manages to fight his way back through the field making some risky manouvers

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at times to get through and past but makes them work for him and regains 7th place at the end - not the win he wanted but he made up some good ground.

Thomas and Dyer exchange places as they run side-by-side but Thomas manages to keep 3rd over the finish line while Deviny takes the win followed

by Spark.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 5 RESULT 1 2 3 4

Andrew Deviny Paul Spark Darren Thomas Max Hunter

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June 2015 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 5 Rockingham May 30, 2015

tight fighting and close cornering WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Qua

Drew are side by side battling for their positions.

Astin now has a good few seconds lead over Deeth onto the second lap and running really well.

Deeth and Smith are now close together but unfortunately Smith develops a problem and coasts to a stop Astin has been suffering with on lap 3 giving Deeth some reliability issues but has been room to move back up to looking good before, if only catch Astin. he can keep things together Summerhayes’ changes maybe his luck can change.

Sam Summerhayes has been seem to have worked and he’s running well but looking for making changes to his setup a gap, makes a mistake and to try and get back in the drops down to 10th place. running to the top again.

Peacock is now having to Start of the race and the the defend from Rob Howard but front three run three-wide makes a good job of it and around the first corner but keeps his place well, even Astin holds his position well.

Aaron Smith jumps around to gaining a place in the process the front and into 2nd position moving up to 4th.

Astin and Deeth are now while Niven Burge moves upto battling it out for the lead and 5th and is now on the bumper Deeth makes a great move of Mark Cowan. around the banked corners to Colin Peacock and Dave run outside around Astin.

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 1 lifying times were very close between Rupert Deeth and Kane Astin earlier in the day putting them on the front row of the grid for the race.

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Burge, Drew and Cowan all battling hard for 6th place and Howard and Peacock now fighting for 4th place - a really close grid with 10 cars close together all behind 4th place so it could go anyway.

Warburton unfortunately starts to slow as he runs past the start line sounding poorly and then runs back into the pits to retire.

Deeth has to pull off with just a lap to go with a faulty ECU leaving Astin out front with a good six-second lead over second place Wheeler who was very consistent all race.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 5 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Kane Astin Dan Wheeler Colin Peacock Dave Drew Mark Cowan

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June 2015 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

max Hunts down a route to first from last WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

An

MINI SE7EN: RACE 2 overcast Sunday, after an overnight downpour makes for some setup changes and a tricky tyre choice for some. During the warmup lap following the A-Series Spares Morris Traveller Max Hunter pulls off into the pitlane and his crew scramble round to check and sort what they can on the car after engine problems all weekend. It doesnt look too good for him but he makes it onto the start grid and starts at the back line for his pit stop.

The race start and Darren Thomas jumps infront of Andrew Deviny and has the lead into the second corner where it seems all the grid is going around it at the same time and the field slows right down. Somehow Max Hunter finds a clear route around the outside and two corners later Quick Links

has the lead of the race from 22 cars back!!

Gareth Hunt and Graham Davis clash together and spin off but both manage to get back on track.

Hunter makes a big lead for himself, it seems his engine is holding up quite well and the gremlins are gone for now, as Deviny, Paul Spark and Leon Wightman are side-by-side for second place while Kieren McDonald and Aaron Smith battle it out for 5th place.

Deviny and Spark are so close over the next few laps battling it out for second place and Deviny outbrakes Spark at the Tarzan corner but are still running close together. With McDonald now upto 3rd place and hot on the tail of Spark things are close and McDonald overtakes Spark on the outside with a great move at Tarzan again and now looking for

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Race Report Round 6 Rockingham May 31, 2015

Deviny’s position but drops to 3rd place again and then runs off wide making contact with the circuit wall and damaging his front end he but manages to make it home.

Unfortunately Spark on the last lap has a problem and has to end his race there, but he was looking good for third place so handing his podium place to Davies and losing out on much needed points.

Max Hunter takes the win with a great drive and an impressive lead over Deviny coming in second.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 6 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Max Hunter Andrew Deviny Ashley Davies Leon Wightman Aaron Smith

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June 2015 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 6 Rockingham May 31, 2015

Double win for Astin as pack squabble for scraps WORDS: Tom Bonnington PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Twe

MINI MIGLA: RACE 2 leve lap races this weekend and the track is very wet and slippery after a downpour midday.

seven – he seems on fire this weekend, can he make it last?

Cowan runs wide and Aaron Smith takes advantage now moving up into 6th place, while Sam Summerhayes is hassling Deeth for second place and Niven Burge is Mark Cowan stays in the pit looking on good form in 5th lane before the warmup lap position today. but makes it onto the back of Cowan pushes hard and the grid for the race start. spins off while making a move Kane Astin makes a great start off the line and jumps into on Burge dropping him to first place while Rupert Deeth, 12th, just too hard in such wet who changed to another ECU conditions.

Summerhayes keeps trying to get back on track for the for seond place surely it’s only race, drops to third place and a matter of time – he seems runs wide around the second to have the pace over Deeth. corner dropping to 7th.

Dave Drew and Burge have Cowan makes a great start caught up and now it’s a 4and is in 6th place already car battle for 2nd place and after just four laps while Colin in these conditions it could be Peacock struggles in the wet anybody’s. and drops to 11th after his Finally Summerhayes’ speed great podium race yesterday.

Kane Astin is the fastest man pays off and into the second corner outbrakes Deeth for on the track with a 6-second 2nd place and then Drew lead over Deeth into lap Quick Links

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makes a move on Deeth for third place while Astin still has a big lead making his way through the backmarkers.

On the last lap Burge pushes really hard going highside on the banked curve of turn one but gets sideways to get around Deeth but just can’t get through.

It seems to have been Kane Astin’s weekend with two wins out of two and giving him a good standing for the championship now, can a new engine next round give him the reliability he needs?

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 6 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Kane Astin Sam Summerhayes Dave Drew Rupert Deeth Niven Burge

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PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rds 5+6 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 32

1 2 3 4 5 6

23 35 46 1 6 49 5 9 2 3 73 90 4 37 11 44 29 47 7 52 60 39 91 15 21 97 89 93 92 63 18 16

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

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

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

18 17 20 19 16 15 15 8 1 1 12 10 9 1 7 1 11 5 1 13 4 3

17 20 1 1 19 15 18 14 0 11 16 13 1 1 8 10 12 6 4 9 5 3

2 7

7 1

2

3

5

8

2 4

5 6

6 2 w

7 2 w

2 2 1 3

4 2 2 0

-0 -0 2 w 0

0 2 0 w 0

Practiced Started Finished

25 25 23

25 24 20

28 27 20

28 24 20

17 19 16 20 14 15 12 10 18 13 1 1 1 9 7 11 1 6 8 1 4 5

12 1 20 19 18 15 4 8 13 11 10 5 17 1 9 16 14 2 6 1 2 3

-0

7

23 23 18

23 23 20

Castle Combe 6 April FL: A Deviny Pole: D Thomas Spax Improver: A Deviny (+23) Castle Combe 6 April FL: J Dyer [rec] Pole: D Thomas Spax Improver: R Billison (+9) Snetterton 300 9 May FL: M Hunter Pole: P Spark Spax Improver: J Dyer (+9) Snetterton 300 10 May FL: A Deviny [rec] Pole: A Deviny Spax Improver: A Smith (+13) * #92+93 technical disq @ Rd 3 Snetterton - to count 0 in best scores Rockingham 30 May FL: A Deviny Pole: A Davies Spax Improver: C Budd (+6) Rockingham 31 May FL: M Hunter Pole: A Deviny Spax Improver: L Wightman (+11) * #89 disq @ Rd 5 Rockingham - to count 0 in best scores

98 95 91 79 79 79 78 65 64 63 52 51 48 43 41 38 38 28 27 24 20 14 13 13 11 10 7 6 6 5 3 0

Total

PROVISIONAL POINTS after Rds 5+6 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

1 2 3 4

Castle Combe 6 April S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: S Tarlton Castle Combe 6 April S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny Snetterton 300 9 May S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny Snetterton 300 10 May S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny * #92+93 technical disq @ Rd 3 Snetterton - to count 0 in best scores Rockingham 30 May S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny Rockingham 31 May S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny

5 6

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

10 8 4 6 5

10 8 4 6 5

10 -0 w -0

10 8 w 0

1 -

10 -

51 16 16 12 10

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 5+6 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 19

11 85 99 50 1 29 4 21 72 55 31 53 49 44 48 77 20 27 69

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

nc

113

Invitation Phil HARVEY

[0]

[0]

-

nc nc nc nc

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 16 16 12 15 13 16 16 11 11 11 13 14 FL: S Summerhayes Pole: R Deeth FL: M Cowan Pole: M Cowan FL: R Deeth Pole: K Astin FL: R Deeth [rec] Pole: K Astin FL: R Deeth Pole: K Astin FL: K Astin Pole: R Deeth

1 2 3 4 5 6

Practiced Started Finished Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton 300 Snetterton 300 Rockingham Rockingham

18 17 19 16 20 13 15 14

20 18 17 19 13 16 1 1

12 11

14 15

10

12

0 0

0 0

6 April 6 April 9 May 10 May 30 May 31 May

19 16 10 12 20 1 14 17 18 13

19 12 20 14 17 15 13 18 16 11

1

10

15 1 11 1

1 1 0 0

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

20 19 12 13 17 18 11 15 14 1 9 16 7 10 8

13

1

116 96 94 93 88 80 72 66 63 61 46 39 30 18 17 16 16 11 1

Spax Improver: G Warburton (+4) Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+5) Spax Improver: R Deeth (+11) Spax Improver: R Deeth (+8) Spax Improver: D Drew (+5) Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+7)

* Invitation + Mini-7 Classic not eligible for points

2015 MINI MIGLIA NOVICE Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

48

Ian BRISCALL

0

0

-

-

2

2

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts 4

Total

Pit & Paddock

June 2015 Issue 4

Photo Gallery

Rockingham, May 30-31, 2015 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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June 2015 Issue 4

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JUNE 27-28 Round 5 & 6 Brands Hatch Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG 01474 872331

www.brandshatch.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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June 2015 Issue 4

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.

10 Years Ago

Ralph Saunders lifts a wheel

Sollis leads Baldwin and Rogers

Hopper ahead of Hinde and Keat

T

he sixth of 10 rounds in the Dunlop National Challenge convened at Brands over the 9-10 July weekend, a meeting hosted by the BRSCC. Before the main races on the Sunday, the Miglias were offered a non-points 11-lap consolation run on the Saturday to make up for their shortened Snetterton round from three weeks earlier.

Eight cars gave it a go on the 1.2262-mile track, and poleman Bill Sollis took a narrow win from Max Hunter, with Colin Peacock in third. Sollis also set fastest lap.

Numbers were rather thin still

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for the 22-lap Miglia Challenge round the next day, just 13 cars on the grid. However, the action was still as close as ever, and Sollis again took the chequered flag in front, this time from the season’s champion, Peter Baldwin, indeed the first time the latter had been beaten all season, having started from pole and set the fastest lap. Kelly Rogers completed the podium, with Tim Sims, Peacock and Mark Sims filling the leaderboard.

A healthier 25-car Mini Se7en field battled furiously over 20 laps, and just when it seemed poleman Andrew Deviny had the race in his pocket, a spinning backmarker took him out with just over a lap to go! Champion-

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tobe Paul Thompson was also delayed which allowed Geoff Letts through for a timely victory, Including the fastest lap, followed by reigning champ’ James Hall in second and Max Hunter in third.

Thommo recovered for fourth ahead of Paul McGarry and Mickey Bray. Familiar names still racing a decade later included, Kane Astin, Malcolm Keat, Niv Burge, Graeme Davis, Paul Spark, Steven Hopper and Damon Astin.

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June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago 20 Years Ago

Shaun King, James Hayman, Mark Sims, Dick Hunter et al Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

Bob Humphreys completes a 360° as Graham Penn slides out

T

here were two UnipartDCM National Challenge meetings in 1995, the first

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a BRSCC/Best of British event on 20-21 May on the 1.2036-mile Indy circuit, and counting as round 4 of 16.

Huge entries necessitated 12-lap qualifying races for both formulae on the Saturday, and in Mini Se7ens 11 cars from 17 starters joined the fastest 19 already qualified for the final, with Dick Hunter (Max’s dad) first across the line from Jason Porter and Simon Adams, the latter starting on pole. Niven Burge dropped out of the lead battle with a fuel leak. In Sunday’s 15lap final, Kelly Rogers had pole but was pushed back to fourth

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at the flag, as Mike Jackson took his fourth win in a row ahead of Shaun King by 1.04s. Dave Banwell edged out Rogers for third, with Mickey Bray and James Hayman disputing fifth.

Younger brother James Hayman was the leading novice. Also in the huge 40-car entry were Tina Cooper, Rob Selby and Genny Cooke and… Richard Williamson.

In Miglias, Paul Brend converted pole into a Q-race win to line up 18th on the final grid.

David Abbott and Wayne Grayer led the rest of the 13 lucky ones to make it in for Sunday. For the final, the competition hotted

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June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago up with a very competitive field.

Bill Sollis lined up on pole and swapped the lead all the way with champion Chris Lewis, the margin 0.14s at the flag and the latter setting the best race lap.

Behind the lead pair, Ian Curley, Myk Cable, Peter Baldwin, Mick Best and Stewart Drake were breathing down their exhaust pipes. Also among the starters and still racing Migs today were Phil Harvey and Bob Humphreys.

Rounds 12 and 13 on 26-27 August showcased the BRSCC’s Sunday Express/Auto Expressbacked Festival of Fun, again with packed entries in both formulae.

The Se7ens kicked off proceedings with a qualifying race to add a dozen cars to the 18 already qualified from the split practice sessions. Jon Lee and Paul Brown lined up at the front and maintained their 1-2 positions at the end of 10 laps, with Neil Johnson in third.

Onto the first of Sunday’s main races, and Mike Jackson took another win in a second title-

winning season, edging out Shaun King by 0.15s after 10 hectic laps, the closeness of their battle underlined by the two having started on the front row and shared the fastest lap.

Tim Sims, Dave Banwell, Matt Hayman and Rob Talbot completed the top six. The finishing order Rob Selby heads Kelly Rogers, Matt Hayman and then determined Andy Burge the grid for the Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Photographics second race, and (M Harvey) again Jackson triumphed but No Q-race for the slightly this time in a red-flagged and smaller Miglia entry, meaning shortened 7-lap restart after a few unlucky souls missed the Tina Cooper suffered a big off at cut for the 30-car grid. Both Paddock Bend. Tim Sims trailed races produced the same result in 1.39s adrift from Talbot (fastest as earlier in the season, Bill lap), Matt Hayman, Banwell Sollis starting from pole in both and Steve Bell. Unlike the May and edging out Chris Lewis to meeting, Dave Percival got the the tune of 0.23 s in the first better of James Hayman for top 10-lapper, and then 0.91s in the novice points in both races. second, although Lewis had

Se7en pack heads into Paddock Bend

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been leading when the red flags were thrown and a restart held over 7 laps. Ians Gunn and Curley diced with Dave Hancock for the next spots, finishing in that order for the first race, then Curley and Hancock leap-frogging Gunn in the second, while teammates Mick Best and Stewart Drake shared a sixth place apiece.

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17

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June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago

T

he M7RC headed into 1985 without 30 Years a major sponsor Ago for either the National or Southern series. It was a busy old calendar however, with 15 National rounds, 8 Southern, three non-championship and Brands featured seven times!

The full 2.6136-mile GP circuit hosted National round 2 on 3031 March for the BHRC’s Giant Miglias swarm down Paddock Hill 500 meeting, and in the 850cc Photo: M+A Jackson Collection Se7ens Gary Hall made it all look rather easy over 7 laps, cruising away from pole to win by nearly For once the 998cc Miglias 10s in his Funneltune car and drew a bigger entry (34 cars), setting a new lap record of 1:59.5 and in a sub-14-minute race in doing so. Behind, Nigel ‘Boot’ defending champion Mike Fry Gaymer made his Boopspeed (Mini Spares/Harris) started machine wide enough for from pole and eventually outsecond from champion Russell doorhandled Chris Lewis (Findus/ Grady (Howley tuned), although Howley) to the line by just over the split across the finishing line a second, with Dave Carvell was 0.00! Chris Tyrrell held off shadowing in third. The battle Steve Mole for fourth, while Ralph for fourth was superb, John Budd (father of 2015 newcomers Davies just edging Gerald Dale Charlie and Daniel) was a distant and Danny Allpress to the flag. sixth. Of note among the 24-car Interestingly, an opening lap entry were Mike Jackson and retirement was Colin Peacock, novice of the year Bill Sollis. although (we are assured) not Alan Seekings had a run in the same one Graham Woskett’s Se7en competing in 2015!

Photo: A Seekings Collection Next visit was on 11 August for round 10 (also round 5 of the Southern), hosts BHRC again drawing a massive crowd for its ‘Sun Free Race Day’. The

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Se7ens were first up for their 10-lapper on the more regular 1.2036-mile Indy bowl, and after a titanic battle up front, Grady just held off Jackson by a familiar 0.2s after polesitter and early leader Tyrrell had retired with a steaming A-Series. Similarly, Colin Rodger and Ben Dutson were separated by the proverbial fag paper, with James Hulme and Dave Goodridge in their wheeltracks.

The Miglia race was shaping up for a close finish between Lewis and Fry, the latter slowly clawing back lost ground after a woeful start from pole slot.

However, a huge pile-up at the foot of Graham Hill Bend due to dropped oil brought out the red flag and the result declared at 5 laps. The 10 points went to Lewis therefore, from Fry, followed by Dale, Graham Chivers, Davies and Richard Wager.

BARC/MCD put on the 13

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Pit & Paddock

June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago Tyrrell leads Grady and Jackson Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

October meet, the penultimate National round, and round 7 of the Southern. Both National titles had been decided already, but that didn’t prevent the Mini Se7en race being any less entertaining. After 10 splendid laps, Hall battled his way to the front ahead of Jackson as confirmed champ’ Grady glided along in their wake. Such was their engaging dice, the lead pair shared the Driver of the Day award too. Meanwhile, Tyrrell had stormed up from the back of the 21-car grid to pip Goodridge and Peter Kavanagh for fourth.

From a field of 20 Miglias, Champion Fry took another victory but not without a fight from Allpress and Dale, and the three of them flashed across the line as one. Bev Comber was some way back in fourth from top novice Mark Jones in fifth and Chivers sixth.

The Southern finale on 3 November drew decent entries for The Sevenoaks & District

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Motor Club’s ‘BBC TV Grandstand Trophy’ meeting. The Miglias went first, and their 10-lapper finished in the order of Fry, Dale (Southern champion) and Comber, with Allpress storming up from the back to fifth behind Jones. In the Se7ens encounter, once early leader Gaymer had dropped by the wayside, Jackson opened up a relatively safe 1.5s cushion to the flag, leaving Mole (Southern champ’), Kavanagh and Goodridge to fight over second.

Sadly, the first of three nonchampionship combined races, at the BARC-hosted meet on 10 November, will be remembered for the awful crash at Paddock Bend that left Mike Fry in a coma and suffering long-term disability.

The full 10-lap restart gave Dale a sombre Miglia victory from Jones and John Bailey. Best Se7en was Hall in fourth overall, with Jackson and Mole disputing second in class.

A week later at the BHRC’s ‘BBC Grandstand’ 17 November meet,

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the Minis’ shortened 5-lap race ran in near darkness due to earlier delays, and from out of the gloom and barely visible hotchpotch of Lucas-lit headlamps came Allpress to take the Miglia spoils from Dale and Tim Wager. As before, Hall was top Se7en in ninth overall, also establishing a new class lap record, with again Jackson in second and this time Goodridge third. Of note further down the order, Graeme Davis and Tina Cooper, who are both on the 2015 entry lists!

The BRSCC were in charge for the 1 December season-ender, and in a somewhat chaotic 10 laps Allpress took a second Miglia win in a fortnight once Comber had dropped out. Dale was a close second with the Wager brothers, Richard and Tim, some way adrift. Spins and grass-cutting diversions led to a somewhat skewed Se7en result, Goodridge the first 850 home down in eighth ahead of Mole and Sollis.

Smart Dale-prepared Miglias Photo: M7RC Archive (RW)

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Pit & Paddock

June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago 40 Years Ago

Huge crash in TEAC Se7ens on 9 November Photo: J Parish Collection

A

year before the big Leyland sponsorship came in, but already there was some heated competition among the leading tuning equipes, especially among the 998cc ranks.

Rochester Motor Club hosted the first Brands visit on 6 July for the 10th-of-18 Peter Collins National Miglia Challenge rounds. Up front it was a panelbashing duel between the Longman-tuned car of eventual champion Alan Curnow and

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the Downton-example of Steve Harris, the latter losing time in an off to finish 2.6s adrift. John Hazell, Phil Spurling (Oselli tuned), John Bradburn (Aldon) and Bill Derry completed the top half-dozen from 16 starters.

Onto 12 October, and it was the Thames Estuary Automobile Club’s turn on the 1.24-mile circuit, the 7th-of-9 south easternbased TEAC events for Mini Se7ens (at Brands, Lydden and Snetterton). Series champion Graham Wenham took the 7

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points for a win (TEAC’s system was 7-5-3-2-1 to the first five), ahead of title rival Andy Devine and Bob Addison in a 10-lap race.

The TEAC finale on 9 November, hosted by TEAC/ Mid-Surrey AC, started with a bang, literally, the midfield runners backwards involved in a frightening smash heading towards Paddock in which the cars of Joe Rubie and Allen Riches were left looking in a sorry state, although both drivers got away with minor bruising.

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Pit & Paddock

June 2015 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago The 10-lap restart saw Wenham secure the title after rival Devine dropped to fifth, leaving Martin Moorhead and Alan Corbishley to chase home the winner.

A week later on the 16th November the Se7ens were back, this time for their penultimate National round (18 of 19) hosted by the Sevenoaks & District MC over 10 laps. In gloomy wet conditions, Wenham overhauled John West to underline his second title of the season, and his second National crown after winning it in 1971. Losing power, West was also passed by Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett out of Clearways on the last lap, with Devine, Alan Seekings (Swiftune) and Julian Cutler further back.

Finally, both formulae convened for their National finales on the 23 November, courtesy of Romford Enthusiasts’ Car Club. From pole, Chris Tyrrell motored to a relatively huge 2.8s winning margin after 10 laps of Mini Se7en in his Calbrook car, Wenham (Micktuned) leading the chase along with Woskett (Ripspeed), Devine, Cutler and Tim Cousins to the fore.

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Ripspeed colours on Mini Se7en Photo: J Robertson Collection Meanwhile, as they had done for several races in the season, the Miglias shared their grid with a bunch of 850cc Special Saloons, but after several bumps and drop outs it was Ian Briggs who took

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the overall victory, nearly 13s ahead of next in class, Bradburn.

Derek May, Rick Cutting, Kevin Johnston and Colin Bigmore completed the first six Migs home.

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June 2015 Issue 4

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers

Mini Se7en 1 Andrew Deviny 2 Darren Thomas 3 Graeme Davis 4 Leon Wightman 5 Kieren McDonald 6 Ashley Davies 7 Julian Proctor 9 Steve Trench 11 Charlie Budd 15 Steve Baker 16 Julian Affleck 18 Lewis Selby 21 Tina Cooper 23 Jabez Dyer 29 Daniel Budd 35 Paul Spark 37 Gareth Hunt 39 Andy Miller 44 Adam Smith 46 Max Hunter 47 Kelvin Edgar 49 Ross Billison 52 Nathan Burge 60 Malcolm Keat 63 Dave Robinson 73 Spencer Wanstall 89 Tom Hartwell

Driver

Mini Miglia

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

Driver Shaun Tarlton Driver Driver Altered Image

Team Deeth Racing Mondo Sport Driver AAA Racing Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver Driver Owens Motorsport Wenden Garage Racing Lodway Service Station Baldwin Motorsport

Invitation 111 Jonathan Lewis 118 Ian Curley 157 William Ward 113 Phil Harvey 184 Steve Jones

Mini Se7en s class 90 Ian Deviny 91 Shaun Tarlton 92 Kevin O Shea 93 Roland Parsloe 97 James Burrows

1 Rupert Deeth

4 Colin Peacock 11 Kane Astin 20 Mark Sims 21 Aaron Smith 27 Ian Fraser 29 Dave Drew 31 Phil Dale 44 Paul Clark 48 Ian Briscall 49 Gary Warburton 50 Daniel Wheeler 53 Niven Burge 55 Michael Green 69 Tony Le May 72 Rob Howard 77 Tristen Knight

85 Sam Summerhayes

99 Mark Cowan

Driver Driver Motley Mini 1300 Dale Racing

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JOIN THE CLUB

M

June 2015 Issue 4

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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June 2015 Issue 4

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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June 2015 Issue 4

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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