M7rc16 issue6

2016: Issue 6 SPONSORS

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July 2016

Issue 6

Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter

2016

Pit and Paddock Pit & Paddock

Powered by:

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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

magazine

preview: Rounds 9&10 BRands hatch

july 16-17, 2016

WORDS: Richard Williamson

The magnificent Mini Se7ens and Miglias return to Brands Hatch for their second visit of the 2016 campaign, and once again a full-tobursting entry is expected in the M7RC’s 50th Anniversary season.

MINI SE7EN + S-CLASS Four wins in the first four races, including a brace on the full GP circuit here in April, has helped Ashley Davies from South Wales to a healthy lead in the 1.0-litre Quick Links

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standings, although he will be hoping to have cured his more recent mechanical issues. Closing the points gap ever so gradually are thrice former champion Andrew Deviny, and winner last

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1

Pit & Paddock time out at Donington, Lewis Selby, so expect them to be up front. Also in the mix should be Max Hunter who lies sixth overall with a pair of first and second places but who missed the last meeting, while Spencer Wanstall, Charlie Budd, Graeme Davis and Kieren McDonald have also visited the podium to date.

In the S-Class for milder-tuned 1275cc units, Zack Booth caused a shock last month by winning the Donington opener overall, but the car’s

July 2016

regular driver Justin Cooper is scheduled to be back behind the wheel in his attempt to challenge current category leader Josh Collins, with James Bull splitting the pair of them.

The S-Class are numbered in the #700s and carry green championship decals.

It is 50 years since the Mini Se7en formula first graced the circuits, at Brands Hatch, so there should be just as much excitement from this weekend’s grid as there was back then.

Happy half-century!

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Mini se7en Records Lap record: Darren Thomas Time: 0:59.292 Ave. 73.34 mph

set on 21 September 2013

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Issue 6

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

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MINI MIGLIA (+ MINI INVITATION) hough ‘only’ in its 47th season, the powerpacked 1.3-litre class is still one of the most revered racing formulas on any racecard, such is their lightning pace and super-sticky, wide slicks. Quite unusually however, one driver is dominating the charts, Cambridgeshire’s Shayne Deegan racking up seven-out-of-eight victories, and only failing to finish once when he went off into the gravel at Brands in April.

Alt

In second overall, Maidstonebased Aaron Smith has been steadily picking up points to lie just 11 shy of the lead, and has won here before. Likewise, Mini racing expert Bill Sollis is another who knows this circuit like the back of his hand, triumphing here in April, Quick Links

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but a limited campaign means he is not due to enter this time around. At nearly all the meetings so far, the chase behind the leader for second has seen anything up to 10 cars all in with a shout, with current and former champions Kane Astin and Rupert Deeth to the fore, along with Dan Wheeler and Rob Howard also picking up high scoring finishes. Look out too for newcomer Stuart Gilby in an Owens Fabrication car, the lucky prize winner of a Miglia race competition.

In recent seasons, the non-points Invitational class has seen one or two cars along for the ride and their presence certainly helps create a busy grid, but keep your eyes on the front of the pack to see who can derail the Deegan express. Should be a corker!

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Issue 6

Race Report

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

S-Class Surprise

Round 7 Donington Park June 17, 2016

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

As

MINI SE7EN: RACE 1 trong 26-car entry was headed by Andrew Deviny on pole by 0.439s from series leader Ashley Davies, with Lewis Selby and Graeme Davis on the second row.

the result would be in doubt to the end as the leading trio were all over each other, whilst further back the action was getting rather too close at times, with loose bootlids, headlamps, wheelspats and tyremarks all too evident. The leading trio became four when Booth shook off the attentions Biggest surprise however of Spencer was row 3 which saw Kieren McDonald joined by an S-Class, Wanstall, Gareth Hunt the car of Justin Cooper but and Charlie pedalled by late replacement, Budd, while and former 1.3i Mini racer, Daniel Budd, Zack Booth.

Josh Collins Deviny had the early lead from Selby and McDonald, but (S-Class) poor Davies was soon into the and Tom Sanderson pits with a lack of gears, later fought over returning to the track four eighth. With laps down but unclassified. less than a It soon became evident that Quick Links

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lap to go, it seemed we were set for a Selby-powered 1-2-3, but the leading pair of Selby and McDonald contrived to collide with each other at Old Hairpin which allowed Deviny through. However, this lead didn’t last either, the green and white car arriving at the chicane out of shape

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and to everyone’s surprise, himself included, Booth exited the chicane with a clear road ahead and, in a first for the S-Class, took the flag almost 2s ahead of… Selby, who had recovered from his clash to take second, with Deviny gathering it all up to salvage the remaining podium position! The next bunch also contrived to bounce off each other, Wanstall emerging from the kerfuffle to take fourth (and fastest lap), then C Budd, Hunt, D Budd, Sanderson and Collins the second S-Class along. Several seconds later Dom Burger headed Steven Hopper for 10th after Steve Trench, Julian Proctor and Leon Window were shuffled Quick Links

July 2016

down a few spots. The remaining finishers were the S-Classes of James Bull and Andy Dickinson, sandwiching the distinctly flat sounding car of Anthony Towey.

On the DNF list therefore were McDonald who crawled into the pitlane with a puncture after his bash, Steve Baker, David Robinson and Tom Hartwell (running #189 but not an Invitation class), while Leon Wightman (running #45 but actually still an Invitation class) went off on the fourth lap, likewise Graeme

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Issue 6

Davis and Darren Thomas went out in the same incident on the opening lap, and Malcolm Keat was a non-starter.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 7 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Zack Booth Lewis Selby Andrew Deviny Spencer Wanstall Charlie Budd

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July 2016

Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report

Deegan’s donington

Round 7 Donington Park June 18, 2016

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Not

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 1 the biggest entry to date, and Kane Astin’s withdrawal dropped it to 11. Pole went to 2014 champion Rupert Deeth by 0.130s from points leader Shayne Deegan, then Aaron Smith and Dan Wheeler on row 2.

Deeth made the better getaway to lead out of Redgate but by the end of the lap Deegan was in front and stayed there for the next nine laps, despite Deeth’s best efforts to keep him in sight.

The gap was ‘only’ 3.428s at the flag but the winner had also lowered the lap record by well over a second!

The battle for third however was where most attention Quick Links

was focused, with eight cars all in a constantly changing train, although the leading duo had escaped up the road by 20s. First it was Wheeler leading Rob Howard and Smith, then the gap to them was closed up by Tony Le May from James Coulson, Colin Peacock, Mark Sims and Sam Summerhayes, with a further gap to Gary Warburton. Soon Howard moved into third for a spell before Smith pulled off a daring manoeuvre into McLeans to hold station, and then the final lap saw the usual frantic jostling into the chicane for the final time, with Howard timing his sprint onto the finishing straight to pip Wheeler for the last podium spot, followed in blink-quick

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succession by Smith, Le May, Summerhayes, Coulson, Peacok and Sims, all eight covered by just 1.712s in a fabulous example of slipstream racing, and Warburton bringing up the rear.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 7 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Shayne Deegan Rupert Deeth Rob Howard Dan Wheeler Aaron Smith

New lap record: Shayne Deegan 1:20.992 – 88.04 mph • Archive • Contacts

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July 2016

Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 8 Donington Park June 18, 2016

a case for lewis

The

MINI SE7EN: RACE 2 re was a fair amount of refettling overnight and 25 cars (again minus Keat) lined up with Davies on pole, and hoping the gearbox rebuild would be ok. Selby was alongside, with Davis and Wanstall behind.

Even before the race proper on the warm-up lap, Collins somehow managed to dump his S-Class in the gravel on the run out of Redgate, caught out by his new stiffer suspension set-up when weaving on cold tyres. The recovery tractor dragged him out but he would be playing catch up thereafter.

Davies held the lead for the first couple of laps before Selby found a way past, with Quick Links

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Davis, Wanstall and Thomas on their tails. Just behind these, McDonald in sixth was recovering from a half spin on the opening lap, but was being harried by Deviny, Booth in the leading S-Class, Hunt, and C Budd. Then on lap four we had yellows waved at Redgate for the beached car of Booth, who had come off second best with Deviny in a twointo-one-won’t-go clash, the resulting delay as the tractor dragged the crippled #700 car out of harm’s way bunching up the field once more. By half distance Selby was still out in front but Wanstall had sneaked past Davies as the latter’s gears began to play up again, while again behind the leaders the battle scars were beginning

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to mount up. Wightman had by now retired from the top10, followed on lap seven by McDonald from fifth place and a lap later by Thomas from fourth. With a couple of laps to go the lead trio of Selby, Davies and Wanstall had found a bit of breathing space, although the latter’s rear bumper had now departed, as had Deviny’s front bumper, himself leading the rest in fourth. On the last lap Davies managed to find

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a way past Selby for what seemed his fifth win of the season, but unable to hold second gear into the chicane he understeered wide, allowing Selby back past on the run to the line in a terrific finish, with Wanstall right on their tails in third (and fastest lap again). Behind them there were further lastcorner shenanigans, Deviny over the kerbs to take fourth and Hunt unable to slow in time and going straight into the gravel to avoid collecting

July 2016

Davis. The latter thus took fifth, with Sanderson and Daniel Budd next through. Brother Charlie Budd led a whole train of cars for eighth, followed

by Baker, Window, Trench, Hopper, Proctor and Hartwell.

Issue 6

With Hunt trundling over the line in 15th Burger led the next quartet including Robinson, then Bull a very happy winner of the S-Class by a gnat’s whisker from Dickinson, while Towey just held onto 20th from Collins who rued his early indiscretion.

So, next stop Brands Mini Festival – can young Davies keep his series lead or will the older heads pile on the pressure?

MINI SE7EN ROUND 8 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

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Lewis Selby Ashley Davies Spencer Wanstall Andrew Deviny Graeme Davis

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Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

deegan does the double

Race Report Round 8 Donington Park June 18, 2016

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

As

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 2 the previous day, there was some cloud covering but it was noticeably windier too. Deegan sat on pole with Smith alongside and Deeth and Wheeler next up.

Smith and Warburton. By half distance, Deeth had prised himself away from the pack and begun trying to reel in the leader but it was a futile chase as Deegan crossed the line with 9.772s to spare, and another fastest lap too. Deeth put over 10s between himself Deegan got a good run and the rest after a good towards Redgate and claimed drive, helped no doubt by the line around the corner the constant place swapping for the swing down Craner Curves. Smith and Deeth were between what had become two sets of battling cars. In fighting over second until a repeat of Saturday’s finish, Coppice on the second lap Howard again waited until where Smith had a moment and dropped down the order. the last moment to make his move, edging past Wheeler Deegan was soon stretching for third, with Coulson just his lead by almost a second behind. The next bunch a lap, with Howard now heading the chase from Deeth, looked like they might trip over each other at any moment Wheeler, Coulson, Peacock, but in a fine display of manic Le May, Summerhayes, Sims, Quick Links

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but clean racing, Smith found himself back up to sixth ahead of Summerhayes, Le May, Peacock and Sims as they swarmed across the line, with Warburton again bringing his car home in 11th to make it a 200% finishing record for the Miglias!

Deegan now heads to Brands with a small points lead over Smith, but on this form can anyone stop him?

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 8 RESULT 1 2 3 4 5

Shayne Deegan Rupert Deeth Rob Howard Dan Wheeler James Coulson • Archive • Contacts

9

PROVISIONAL POINTS after 8 scoring rounds 2016 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES Pos

#

Driver

x*

x*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Pts Best 13

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 33 34 35 36 37 38

3 24 18 9 10 46 5 19 27 69 95 7 47 785 37 28 84 38 17 700 52 780 723 2 63 779 49 791 60 15 21 89 34 771 54 792 71 747

Ashley DAVIES Andrew DEVINY Lewis SELBY Spencer WANSTALL Charlie BUDD Max HUNTER Graeme DAVIS Tom SANDERSON Leon Oli WINDOW Steve TRENCH Julian PROCTOR Kieren MCDONALD Daniel BUDD Josh COLLINS Gareth HUNT Dom BURGER Robert PEARSON Steven HOPPER Ian BRISCALL Justin COOPER Nathan BURGE Zack BOOTH James BULL Darren THOMAS Dave ROBINSON Andy DICKINSON Ross BILLISON Shaun TARLTON Malcolm KEAT Steve BAKER Tina COOPER Tom HARTWELL Anthony TOWEY Julian AFFLECK Lewis FOX Kevin O’SHEA Simon JONES Kelvin EDGAR

ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns

ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns

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

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

7

11

ns ns ns w ns

ns ns ns w ns

12 1 6 8 5

8 1 9 7 1

ns ns ns

ns ns ns

ns ns ns

ns ns ns

ns

ns

ns w ns ns

ns w ns ns

1

1

1

0

20 13 0 18 11 19 17 1 7 1 6 12 10 1 16 3 15 5 0 14

20 18 0 14 15 19 17 0 1 9 5 13 10 6 12 2 11 3 0 8

1 1 1

0 16 1

0 9

1 7

8

4

w 4 1 2

w 1 2 1

1

0

20 1 15 1 19 1 18 17 12 13 8 w 14 9

20 19 17 0 18 16 1 15 12 1 13 w 1 11

1 16

5 1

11 10

10 9

4

4

5 6 1

7 6 14

7

8

1

1

1 18 19 17 16

19 17 20 18 13

1 13 7 9 8 1 14 12 15 11

16 15 11 10 8 1 14 2 6 5

10

9

w

w

20 6 1 1 4

1 3 1 4 2

0 1

0 12

1 5

7 2

133 115 108 102 99 95 84 84 73 72 67 63 63 59 49 47 45 42 36 25 22 21 20 19 19 18 16 16 15 13 13 8 7 5 3 3 2 1

Total

x x 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

39 40

39 711

Andy MILLER Ian DEVINY

w

w

Nc

145

Invitation Leon WIGHTMAN

ns

ns

[14]

[13]

w

w

1 0

0 0

[14]

[14]

1 0

[1]

[1]

-

32 32 32 32 27 27 27 27 Entered Practiced 0 0 21 21 30 30 26 26 26 26 Started 0 0 21 20 27 25 25 23 25 25 Finished 0 0 17 16 19 20 18 18 17 21 Castle Combe 28 March FL: na Pole: na Spax Improver: na Castle Combe 28 March FL: na Pole: na Spax Improver: na Castle Combe 29-30 May FL: K McDonald Pole: C Budd Spax Improver: A Davies (+14) Castle Combe 29-30 May FL: M Hunter Pole: K McDonald Spax Improver: A Davies (+15) Brands Hatch GP 16-17 April FL: M Hunter Pole: M Hunter Spax Improver: S Tarlton (+9) Brands Hatch GP 16-17 April FL: M Hunter Pole: M Hunter Spax Improver: D Thomas (+8) #21 ran as 11 Cadwell Park 14-15 May FL: A Davies Pole: C Budd Spax Improver: L Selby (+18) Cadwell Park 14-15 May FL: A Deviny (rec) Pole: A Deviny Spax Improver: M Hunter (+21) #145 ran as 45 Donington Park 18-19 June FL: S Wanstall Pole: A Deviny Spax Improver: J Bull (+10) Donington Park 18-19 June FL: S Wanstall Pole: A Davies Spax Improver: L Window (+11) #145 ran as 45, #89 ran as 189, #780 ran as 700 * 28 March - Meeting Abandoned/Postponed before qualifying; rescheduled for 29-30 May * Invitation not eligible for Challenge points

2016 MINI SE7EN S-CLASS Pos

#

Driver

x*

x*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Pts Best 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

785 723 700 779 791 780 771 792 747 711

Josh COLLINS James BULL Justin COOPER Andy DICKINSON Shaun TARLTON Zack BOOTH Julian AFFLECK Kevin O’SHEA Kelvin EDGAR Ian DEVINY

ns ns ns

ns ns ns

ns

ns

ns ns

ns ns

w

w

10 1 8

10 1 1

1 1 0

8 0 0

10

10

8 6 1

8 5 10 6

10 5 8 6

1 1 0 0

0

8 6

6 10

5

8

10

1

61 29 27 25 20 11 9 7 1 0

Total

PROVISIONAL POINTS after 8 scoring rounds 2016 DUNLOP MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES Pos

#

Driver

x*

x*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Pts Best 13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

50 21 88 23 85 83 1 47 49 80 69 72 20 28 797 55 77 13 29 53

Shayne DEEGAN Aaron SMITH Dan WHEELER Rupert DEETH Sam SUMMERHAYES Colin PEACOCK Kane ASTIN James COULSON Gary WARBURTON Bill SOLLIS Tony LE MAY Rob HOWARD Mark SIMS Bob HUMPHREYS Jim BURROWS Michael GREEN Tristen KNIGHT Phil HARVEY Dave DREW Niven BURGE

nc nc nc

122 113 241

Invitation David USHER Phil HARVEY Damon ASTIN

-

-

Mini-7 Classic Entered Practiced Started Finished

ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns

ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

ns

20 18 17 14 15 13 19 16 11

20 16 18 19 15 14 1 17 13

ns

10 9 12

11 1 12

ns

ns

1

1

ns ns

ns ns

-

-

17

17

0 0 0

0 0 0

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

1 17 15 19 13 16 18 1 8 20 12 1 10 9 w w 14 11 w 0

[1]

[0]

w

w

20 19 15 1 17 16 11 1 13 18 1 1 14

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

12

6

1

14

20 16 17 19 14 12 w 13 10

20 15 17 19 14 12 w 16 10

15 18 11

13 18 11

141 130 126 120 112 106 87 86 73 72 68 66 63 36 28 24 23 21 17 1

-

-

13 13 12

13 13 10

22

22

15

15

12

12

18 18 15

18 16 13

15 15 15

15 10 15

11 11 11

11 11 11

Total

x x 1 2 3 4

Castle Combe 28 March Castle Combe 28 March Castle Combe 29-30 May Castle Combe 29-30 May Brands Hatch GP 16-17 April Brands Hatch GP 16-17 April #47 ran as 7, 69 as 6, 28 as 8, 49 as 91 Cadwell Park 14-15 May Cadwell Park 14-15 May Donington Park 18-19 June Donington Park 18-19 June

5 6 7 8

FL: n/a FL: n/a FL: S Deegan FL: S Deegan (rec) FL: S Deegan FL: R Deeth

Pole: n/a Pole: n/a Pole: S Deegan Pole: S Deegan Pole: S Deegan Pole: S Deegan

Spax Improver: n/a Spax Improver: n/a Spax Improver: G Warburton (+4) Spax Improver: A Smith (+3) Spax Improver: J Coulson (+4) Spax Improver: T Le May (+6)

FL: S Deegan FL: B Sollis (rec) FL: S Deegan (rec) FL: S Deegan

Pole: S Deegan Pole: S Deegan Pole: R Deeth Pole: S Deegan

Spax Improver: A Smith (+7) Spax Improver: D Drew (+5) Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+3) Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+3)

* 28 March - Meeting Abandoned/Postponed before qualifying; rescheduled for 29-30 May

* Invitation + Mini-7 Classic not eligible for Challenge points

2016 MINI MIGLIA S-CLASS Pos

#

Driver

x*

x*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Pts Best 13

1

797

Jim BURROWS

10

1

w

w

10

10

31

Total

Pit & Paddock

July 2016

Issue 6

Photo Gallery

Donington Park, June 17-18, 2016 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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July 2016

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC history books recounts further Brands Hatch meetings over the years…

Midfield Miglia scrap Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

H

aving already visited Brands on 30 April, the M7RC returned on 16 July for a double-header hosted by the MG Car Club, rounds 7 & 8 of the Dunlop Challenges. The opening race for each formula was also for the 0-Plate, a special 40th Anniversary event where

Paul Woodbridge slides out Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

Quick Links

2006 10 Years Ago

the race winner would carry the #0 in the second race…

The Se7ens went first at midday, 25 cars tackling 20 laps on the Indy circuit in sunny conditions. In another closely fought contest, Paul Thompson emerged in front at the flag by a mere 0.438s from poleman Andrew Deviny and Geoff Letts, with Dave Banwell (fastest lap) and Max Hunter gradually dropping by the wayside after being in the mix. This left Paul Clark to head the chasing pack in fourth, from Gareth Hunt and Paul McGarry. Race 2 some three hours later was over a shorter

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Alistair Myall spins Photo: M7RC Archive (P itlane)

10lap distance, this time Deviny getting the nod by an ever smaller margin of 0.146s, including fastest lap, from Hunter’s (pole) and Banwell’s fixed cars, then Geoff Letts, Thompson (now wearing the #0) and Clark. Other familiar names still on track these days

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July 2016

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

Hopper and Towey battle in Se7ens Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

included Paul Spark, Kane and Damon Astin, Steven Hopper, Darren Thomas, Graeme Davis, Ian Deviny, James Coulson and Anthony Towey.

Eighteen Miglias contested their two runs, and it was Bill Sollis who had most to smile about with a double victory, the first by just 0.115s from James Hall and Kelly Rogers after a close fought affair, with fastest lap man Richard Wager leading the

rest from Mark Sims and Colin Paul Simmonds and Phil Harvey also among the starters.

Peacock. Polesitter Tim Sims had been in the leading battle too before retiring. However, he made up the lead quartet once more in the second encounter, behind Hall in third, Rogers second (and fastest lap) and poleman Sollis (carrying the #0) in front by 0.149s. Mark Sims took another fifth, this time ahead of Ralph Saunders Double Miglia victory for in sixth, with Tony Le May, Sollis Photo: M7RC Archive (P itlane)

Past champions gather to mark 40 years

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Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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July 2016

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago Mini Se7ens on programm e cover Image: courtesy BARC arc hives

Ian Gunn’s Miglia Photo: M7RC Archive (S Cranston)

A

1996

fastest ars Phil Manser and Dave fter the M7RC’s 20 Ye o g A lap. Bill Sollis chased for all his first visit of the Braggins. Showing just worth through the backmarkers how competitive the field year to Brands on 12 May, the second trip came was, Simon Adams set the fastest to take second, leaving the rest some distance behind, led by lap battling among the midfield on 11 August for round 8 of the Richard Wager from Wayne pack to a 15th place finish! then 12-round Unipart-DCM Grayer, Ian Curley and Stewart Challenge.

A 28-car Miglia grid faced a Drake, with the likes of Mike wet track later that afternoon, Hosted by the BARC, the first Jackson and Myk Cable also 10-lapper saw the Se7ens out on and despite the final lap margin among the starters. a drying track, and what became of only a terrific five-car dice for the lead, 0.33s, Peter Phil Manser eventually won the Mini Se7en title Baldwin which was settled in favour of Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey) remained pole position man Rob Selby by 0.16s, ahead of Tim Sims, Matt in control throughout Hayman, Steve Bell (all future champions) and Shaun King. having started Mark Sims completed the top from pole six a little way behind, and also and also among the full 30-car grid were claimed the further champions-in-waiting,

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July 2016

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

F

ollowing the car) for second 1986 26/27 April spot as the pair 30 Years weekend, battled to within Ago Brands hosted a length of Lewis two more Austin-Rover National at the flag, with Challenge meetings, the middle John Davies way one for round 10, on 10 August. back in fourth, Hosted by the BHRC, and titled then Tim Wager ‘The Sun Free Race Day’, the fifth and John crowds were out in force to Bailey sixth. The witness two superb races. full 28-car grid Jonathan Lewis’ Miglia Photo: M+A Jackson Collection In Mini Se7ens, Nigel ‘Boot’ meant seven Gaymer left it until the last lap drivers missed out! dash to the line to grab victory A busy timetable a grassy excursion, and Dick by “…the thickness of a sponsor’s at the BHRC/BMCRC-run ‘Car & Grimwood fourth. Ron Phillips decal…” according to Motoring Motorcycle Race Days’ weekend and Tina Cooper completed the News, edging out Gary Hall and on 27/28 September squeezed leaderboard. polesitter Steve Mole after Dave in a pair of 10-lap ‘Mike Fry Once again several Miglias ‘Goody’ Goodridge had grassBenefit’ races in aid of the Club’s missed the cut for the 28-car tracked his way from Chairman who was seriously grid, headed on this occasion by third back down to injured at Brands Jonathan Lewis substituting in fifth. Novice of the year the previous winter, brother Chris’ car, as the latter Alan Jackson recorded and both races had been badly injured in a the quickest lap on his counting as rounds Metro crash at Spa a few weeks way to fourth place, 14 of the Challenges. earlier. Lewis J was aiming to with lady racer and Champion-elect protect Lewis C’s points lead from future champion, Tyrrell had been a Russell Grady, and a 5.7s margin Tina Cooper, in sixth. key fundraiser in of victory and the 10 points Chris Tyrrell and Bill the paddock on the was as much as he could do, Sollis both retired Saturday, so much including fastest lap. Peter Allen early on, Peter Bonas so that he overslept actually got ahead of Grady to also dropped out of on Sunday morning January newsletter cove claim 9 points for second, with r Image: M7RC Archive the lead battle and and barely made it Davies fourth, Graham Chivers Graeme Davis finished to the circuit in time to fifth and Bev Comber sixth.

11th from 25 starters. qualify fourth out of Danny Allpress had run second The Miglia race concluded the 20. Nonetheless his persistence early on before his car faltered, meeting, Chris Lewis making paid off after several attempts while Harrison (again in Lewis J’s good use of his pole position to wrest the lead, setting fastest car) was also trying to unsettle to lead all the way. Despite a lap and taking the flag by 0.7s Grady before a bump knocked baulking gearbox, Russell Grady after an entertaining scrap that him out of the running too. overcame Malcolm Harrison saw poleman Sollis second, Hall Grady would go on to claim the (fastest lap in the Jonathan Lewis in third after recovering from title.

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Pit & Paddock

July 2016

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Brands Hatch 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

I

1976 n its first season 40 Years the three-tier Ago Leyland Cars Challenge offered a packed calendar, and the second National series visit to Brands for the Mini 850s (nee Se7ens) came on 13 June for round 7 out of 18. Hosted by the BRSCC, a full 20-car grid left 7 non-starters for the 10-lapper. Poleman Graham Wenham in his Micktuned car took a narrow 0.2s victory over Terry Pudwell’s Lawrence-tuned version, the pair a little way ahead of Julian Cutler in third, then Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett (Ripspeed) fourth, John West fifth and Graham Child sixth. Chris Tyrrell had been up at the front despite overheating, but dropped out when a wheel fell off at Paddock and planted him in the barriers. Pudwell and Jim Mancey shared the fastest lap.

The Mini 1000s (nee Miglias) had a second, and third, National

Mike Curnow’s title-winning Mini 1000 Photo: M7RC Archive

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series visits to Kent, round 12 of 18 coming on 15 August hosted by the BARC, then the finale on 10 October run by the BRSCC. In the first of these, Ian Briggs’ Harris-tuned car and Mike Curnow (Longman) led a Wessex Kentreds team one-two, Briggs starting from pole and breaking the lap record with a 0:56.0. Derek May led the rest some distance behind, with Eric Groves’ Gunk car fourth, Alan Seekings (Swiftune) fifth and Phil Spurling (Oselli) sixth from 20 starters. Five cars missed the cut but most unfortunate in the race was Martin Guidery who rolled heavily at Surtees.

With Briggs absent for the finale, champion-elect Mike Curnow was joined in the WK team by the previous season’s champion, his brother Alan who set pole. The latter dropped out early however leaving the former to clean up, including another fastest lap, with May and Spurling joining him on the podium. Colin Beckwith, Roy Kwei and Bob Taylor completed the top half dozen while such was the over-subscribed entry, a consolation for the non-qualifiers was run in with the concurrent 1275 GT race, Paul Perera the best of the 1000s in 7th overall, and indeed the

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One heavily stoved-in Mini 1000!

Photo: A Seekings Collection

Harris-tuned Mini 1000 cars of Steve Harris and Gary Cashman actually qualified ahead of the fastest 1275 GT cars!

S

1966 unday 17 50 Years April 1966 Ago is indelibly etched in the record books as the date of the first ever 850cc Formula Mini-7 race – the only championship round at Brands in the debut season - but already in 1966 the M7C had run at least one meeting at the Kent venue, and would continue to host race meetings into the 1970s…

M7C-organised meeting on 13 February at Brands, two months before the inaugural Formula Mini-7 race Image: M7RC Archive

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19

Pit & Paddock

July 2016

Issue 6

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers

Mini Se7en 2 Darren Thomas 3 Ashley Davies 5 Graeme Davis 7 Kieren McDonald 9 Spencer Wanstall 10 Charlie Budd 15 Steve Baker 17 Ian Briscall 18 Lewis Selby 19 Tom Sanderson 21 Tina Cooper 24 Andrew Deviny 27 Leon Oli Window 28 Dom Burger 34 Anthony Towey 37 Gareth Hunt 38 Steven Hopper 39 Andy Miller 45 Leon Wightman 46 Max Hunter 47 Daniel Budd 49 Ross Billison 52 Nathan Burge 54 Lewis Fox 60 Malcolm Keat 63 Dave Robinson 69 Steve Trench 71 Simon Jones 84 Robert Pearson 89 Tom Hartwell 95 Julian Proctor

Mini Miglia 1 Kane Astin 13 Phil Harvey 20 Mark Sims 21 Aaron Smith 23 Rupert Deeth 28 Bob Humphreys 29 Dave Drew 47 James Coulson 49 Gary Warburton 50 Shayne Deegan 53 Niven Burge 55 Michael Green 69 Tony Le May 72 Rob Howard 77 Tristen Knight 80 Bill Sollis 83 Colin Peacock 85 Sam Summerhayes 88 Dan Wheeler

Mini Se7en s class 700 Justin Cooper 711 Ian Deviny 723 James Bull 747 Kevin Edgar 771 Julian Affleck 779 Andy Dickinson 780 Zack Booth 785 Josh Collins 791 Shaun Tarlton 792 Kevin O’Shea

Invitation 113 Phil Harvey 122 David Usher 241 Damon Astin

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Pit & Paddock

JOIN THE CLUB

M

July 2016

Issue 6

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.

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

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

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.

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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

July 2016

Roll of Honour The Champions YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia

2016 ? ?

2015 Paul Spark Kane Astin 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 1985 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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Issue 6

Chris Tyrell Russell Grady Russell Grady Mike Fry 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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22

Pit & Paddock

July 2016

Issue 6

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 Sharon Roche 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 Vacant apply editor@love-mini.co.uk SPONSORS

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WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA Stephen Colbran E: info@stephencolbran.co.uk

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