Pit & Paddock - Issue 2

2017: Issue 2 SPONSORS

May 2017

Issue 2

Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter

2017

Pit and Paddock Pit & Paddock

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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

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preview: Rounds 3&4 SNETTERTON

MAY 13-14, 2017

WORDS: Richard Williamson

The evergreen Dunlop Mini Challenge tackles the classic 200 circuit for the first time in several seasons, so the form guide might go out of the window as drivers strive to relearn their lines! Whatever the outcome, expect plenty of action from four battling grids full of the nation’s favourite classic small car!

MINI SE7EN Last month’s season opener at Castle Combe drew a whopping entry of 33 cars, once again proving that there really aren’t many other cheaper or more fun ways to start motor racing.

In two incredibly close Quick Links

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encounters, it was Lewis Selby who emerged with a brace of wins in the main, highly-tuned, 1.0-litre category but only by a combined gap of 0.239s over both races!

Triple champion Andrew Deviny ran Selby closest on both occasions, with Charlie Budd and four-time

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Issue 2

Records Mini s-CLASS Lap record:

Julian Affleck Time: 1:38.681 Ave: 72.39 mph

set on 8 May 20 11

Records Mini se7en :

Lap record

Graeme Davis Time: 1:34.783 ph Ave: 75.36 m

set on 8 May

2011

champ’ Paul Spark taking a third place apiece. These four must start as favourites this weekend, but reigning champ Ashley Davies will be hoping he has better luck than the pair of DNFs he suffered last time out. Others who might be expected to challenge near the front include Gareth Hunt, Darren Thomas and Kieren

McDonald (who scored his first victory here in Norfolk last season).

There is also a Novice award up for grabs, first instigated as far back as 1973 for first-time racers, and of this season’s ‘rookie’ crop, young Joe Thompson (son of former double-class champion, Paul) impressed mightily at Combe.

MINI 7 S-CLASS In the burgeoning ‘scholarship’ S-Class denoted by green door and windscreen series decals, and numbering in the #700s Justin Cooper has established a useful points gap with two class wins also, ahead of former class champion Julian Affleck, and series newcomer Ben Butler.

This season has seen a huge take up in numbers for the feeder series to the main Se7en category, many newcomers attracted by the budget-conscious spec and greater reliability of the limited-tuning 1275cc machines.

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Records Mini MIGLIA Lap record

:

MINI MIGLIA This weekend’s double-header for the full-race 1.3-litre category is scheduled as rounds 3 and 4 in the 14-round National Challenge.

However, round 2 has still to be rescheduled after last month’s Combe meeting ran over its alloted time.

Heading the points therefore after just one race is Aaron Smith, hoping for a better season after his 2016 was blighted by mechanical woes. In an equally exciting encounter as the Se7ens’ races, the winning margin

in the Miglia thrash was also less than a blink of an eye with, in second place, Sam Summerhayes coming the closest yet to his debut win in the category, all the while fending off 2014 champion Rupert Deeth in third.

Seasoned campaigners Dan Wheeler and Rob Howard will be hoping to break onto podium this time around, while look out for former Mini winners Kane Astin, Martin Wager and historic convert Nick Padmore as possible contenders up front.

Tony Le May Time: 1:25.831 Ave: 83.22 m ph

set on 8 May

2011

Mini Libre Starting a few seconds behind the Miglias on the same grid will be the M7RC’s new initiative, Mini Libre.

Running with light blue series markings, this invitational class caters for a variety of competition Minis running to ‘Free Formula’ guidelines and is aimed as a feeder series to the main Miglia formula. Peter Crewes’ 8-port example currently leads the way.

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April2017 2015 Issue May Issue 21

Mini Se7en News Remembering mini legends lost

Over the Mini Festival weekend, The Mini Seven Racing Club will be remembering former and prominent members of the M7RC who have sadly passed away recently.

Glyn Swift founded the renowned Swiftune Engineering back in the Sixties’

heydays of Mini tuning, while Rob Selby was a noted builder of Mini race engines for many seasons, and his son Lewis currently leads the Mini Se7en Challenge. Both Glyn and Rob had also been Mini competitors themselves, Glyn taking part in the inaugural Leyland 1275

GT Challenge in 1976, and Rob winning several Mini Se7en races in the early 1990s.

They, along with former Club Chairman, and 1970s Mini 7 racer, Martin Moorhead, will all be greatly missed by the Club’s many members, past and present.

GLyn Swift BILL SOLLIS: Glyn Swift was more than just an Mini tuning legend, he was one of the founding fathers of the whole story. One of the corner stones of the industry which we now have the pleasure of sharing and enjoying. I loved his passion, energy and competitive spirit. I was lucky enough to witness it at first hand.

The ultimate father and son team, it was an absolute honour to see them together at Goodwood. Winning.

Gone now, but never will such a great man be forgotten. RIP my friend. And sincere condolences to the family.

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April2017 2015 Issue May Issue 21

Mini Se7en News Rob SELBY KIEREN MCDONALD: After a thoughtful few days and sifting through pictures and videos, I thought I’d share some words regarding the very sad news of Rob Selby’s passing. Anyone that has dealt with Rob will no doubt have many fantastic memories. For me, Rob provided a top notch service regarding my Mini 7, he shared many stories, we chatted about anything and everything, shared the odd beer and glass of wine, gave me great advice and listened, gave plenty of racing tips.

Rob was very much a father figure and someone I had a high level of respect for. Rob was extremely passionate, highly intelligent, kind, humorous, one of a kind. Rob did everything to help anyone and he invested so much into the Mini 7 Racing Club from many different angles over a long period. Many people would think Rob had alterior motives when suggesting regulation changes but quite

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the opposite, he would fight for longevity of the club and its membership. He had fantastic results when behind the wheel himself “back in the day” and was responsible for many championship wins, race wins, lap records for many of his customers. I am very happy

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to have been part of the first ever Selby podium lockout at Combe last year and how much that meant to Rob. Rob has left a big hole and is sorely missed, may you rest in peace.

Wishing Angie, Lewis, Lisa and rest of family and friends best wishes at this difficult time.

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Issue 2

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 1 Castle Combe April 7, 2017

Lewis gets lucky

WORDS: Ryan Wheeler PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

It’

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 1 s Easter Bank Holiday.

It’s Howard’s Day at Castle Combe. You know what that means? It’s the opening weekend of the 51st Mini7 Championship and the Mini Migla Challenge.

racing.

Like in qualifying, the Mini7 Championship went first, with Budd and Selby on the front row.

The pair got off to a very good start, pulling off the line quickly.

The lead kept changing throughout this very tight With more cars racing than race, Budd leading, then Selby ever before, this weekend sneaking through, then Budd promised to be a cracker, and again, then even Deviny took it did not disappoint. the lead.

With the day starting bright Coming into the final lap, it and early, the drivers needed was Deviny leading from Selby to be sharp coming into the and Budd, then coming round first qualifying session. Young the back of the track, Deviny driver Charlie Budd proved merely touched the grass with to be the sharpest as he put his front wheel, which slowed in the fastest time of 1:24, followed closely by Selby then him down and allowed Selby to come back through into the Deviny in third. lead.

Going into the first round of Deviny pushed and pushed races, the weather conditions through the last corner but were perfect, the track couldn’t catch Selby who condition was slippery, which made for some very interesting took the chequered flag, with Quick Links

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Deviny in second and Charlie Budd in third.

At the end of the race, a very disappointed Deviny said “I just lost it, I stuck a wheel on the grass and he nipped through.”

“I thought I had it in the bag.”

A win in the first weekend of the season is always going to special, but this win for Selby was even more special for Selby as his dad, who has been very ill, went into hospital last week and so, he wanted to get the first win for him, which he managed.

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 1 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Lewis Selby Andrew Deviny Charlie Budd Paul Spark Daniel Budd • Race Timetable • Archive

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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Smith sneaks the win at the deeth

In

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 1 the Miglia Challenge, 2014 champion, Rupert Deeth qualified fastest to start the race on pole position.

2014 winner and runner-up for the last two years, Rupert Deeth, was starting on pole for with Aaron Smith and Kane Astin starting in second and third.

The focus though, was on first timer Padmore, who was racing in his first ever Mini Miglia Challenge race, but had had experience racing in Formula 1, racing round the likes of Monaco and Brazil.

If the Mini7 Championship race was anything to go by, this race was going to be very intriguing.

The race started with Deeth, Quick Links

Round 1 Castle Combe April 7, 2017

WORDS: Ryan Wheeler PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

Smith and Summerhayes making good starts, then, when the cars got to the Esses, someone clipped the back of Wager’s car, who was back in eighth place on the grid, and he flipped his car on to his roof, which brought out the red flags. This happening on the same day, just over 10 years ago, that his dad did exactly the same thing and flipped his car.

The cars then proceeded back to the start line to restart the race, in which Astin was pushed onto the grass and couldn’t get his car going again. In the midst of all this, Padmore had some problems with his car and so he was out as well.

Once the race was back up and running, it was, yet again, a very tight race, with the

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three front runners battling it out. Deeth leading, then Smith leading, then Summerhayes leading. The three were neck and neck going down the pit straight when Smith was slightly pushed off the track, but he carried on to continue to fight.

As they took the chequered flag, Smith was in the lead, Deeth was runner-up and then Summerhayes came in third.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 1 RESULT 1. Aaron Smith 2. Sam Summerhayes 3. Rupert Deeth 4. Dan Wheeler 5. Rob Howard • Race Timetable • Archive

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Race Report Round 2 Castle Combe April 7, 2017

deviny denied as selby pips at the post

Mov

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 2 ing onto the second round of races, the grid looked the same as the first one, with Budd and Selby locking out the front row with Deviny pulling up in third.

WORDS: Ryan Wheeler PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

season, made a mistake in the lead, which meant he dropped down into fourth. That left Selby, Deviny and Spark, who had moved up from fourth, to fight for the lead.

Like all the other two races so far, this race was just as intense as the drivers kept jockeying for position, Budd leading, Deviny leading, then Selby leading.

Heading towards the end of the race, Charlie Budd, the most exciting prospect this Quick Links

Coming round the last corner, Selby and Deviny were side by side, but unfortunately for Deviny, Selby’s car just had the edge as his car passed the finish line just ahead.

That was the second win of the day for Selby as he takes an early lead in the championship with Deviny, with two seconds, ranked second in the Championship.

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 2 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Lewis Selby Andrew Deviny Paul Spark Charlie Budd Kieren McDonald • Race Timetable • Archive

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Race Report Round 2 Castle Combe April 7, 2017

ABORT FAIL RETRY

The

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 2 Mini Miglia’s had to wait until the last race of the day to go out again, by which time the rain had arrived.

But in the race just before, a three car crash, in which one

WORDS: Ryan Wheeler PHOTOS: www.mbracephotography.co.uk

was on it’s roof, and another had to be cut apart to get the driver out, meant the day had to be cut short.

After a great day’s racing at Castle Combe, the season has started with a bang and looks to continue in that way. Next stop, Snetterton.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 2 RESULT SUSPENDED

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PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 1+2 – AMENDED 2017 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

Best 11

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26

30 32 33

5 77 35 3 37 45 27 7 8 47 46 28 25 20 17 95 19 700 11 742 771 94 44 55 747 707 70 99 792 1 791 723 2

Lewis SELBY Andrew DEVINY Paul SPARK Charlie BUDD Gareth HUNT Leon WIGHTMAN Leon Oli WINDOW Graeme DAVIS Kieren MCDONALD Daniel BUDD Dick HUNTER Dom BURGER Joe THOMPSON Darren THOMAS Ian BRISCALL Julian PROCTOR Tom SANDERSON Justin COOPER Tim STANBRIDGE Ben BUTLER Julian AFFLECK Lee ROBERTS Duncan EMMETT Darren EATON Kelvin EDGAR Roland PARSLOE Eian RIDDIFORD Chris BLACKWELL-FROST Kevin O’SHEA Ashley DAVIES Shaun TARLTON James BULL Spencer WANSTALL

20 19 17 18 15 13 14 10 1 16 9 1 7 1 8 12 11 6 1 5 4 3 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

20 19 18 17 14 12 10 11 16 1 8 15 9 13 6 1 1 5 7 2 2 3 4 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 0 0

40 38 35 35 29 25 24 21 17 17 17 16 16 14 14 13 12 11 8 7 6 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 0

40 38 35 35 29 25 24 21 17 17 17 16 16 14 14 13 12 11 8 7 6 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 0

Entered Qualified Started Finished Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton Donington Park GP Silverstone GP Brands Hatch Oulton Park Rockingham Brands Hatch

1 2 3+4 5+6 7+8 9+10 11+12 13+14 0-Plate

33 32 21 17 April 17 April 13-14 May 3-4 June 24-25 June 8-9 July 18-19 August 30 Sept-1 Oct 18-19 Nov

33 31 25 FL: C Budd FL: L Selby

Pole: C Budd Pole: C Budd

Spax Grid Improver: B Butler (+14) Spax Grid Improver: T Stanbridge (+18)

2017 MINI SE7EN S-CLASS Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

Best 11

1 2 3 4 5 7 8

700 742 771 747 707 792 791 723

Justin COOPER Ben BUTLER Julian AFFLECK Kelvin EDGAR Roland PARSLOE Kevin O’SHEA Shaun TARLTON James BULL

10 8 6 4 5 1 1 1

10 8 6 4 1 5 1 0

20 16 12 8 6 6 2 1

20 16 12 8 6 6 2 1

Pts

Total

7 5 3

7 5 3

2017 MINI SE7EN NOVICES (amended) Pos

#

Driver

1

2

1 2 3

25 55 99

Joe THOMPSON Darren EATON Chris BLACKWELL-FROST

3 2 1

4 3 2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 1+2 - AMENDED 2017 DUNLOP MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES Pos

#

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

1 2 3+4 5+6 7+8 9+10 11+12 13+14 0-Plate

21 85 23 88 72 29 55 83 92 37 81 11 49 56

Aaron SMITH Sam SUMMERHAYES Rupert DEETH Dan WHEELER Rob HOWARD Dave DREW Michael GREEN Colin PEACOCK Jason PORTER James CUTHBERTSON Alfie BROWN Kane ASTIN Martin WAGER Nick PADMORE

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

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Entered Qualified 19 19 Started 18 0 Finished 13 0 Castle Combe 17 April FL: A Smith (record) Castle Combe 17 April FL: n/a * Round 2 Postponed after grid published; rescheduled race TBC… Snetterton 13-14 May Donington Park GP 3-4 June Silverstone GP 24-25 June Brands Hatch 8-9 July Oulton Park 18-19 August Rockingham 30 Sept-1 Oct Brands Hatch 18-19 Nov

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

Pole: R Deeth Pole: A Smith

Grid Improver: D Drew (+8) Grid Improver: n/a

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

2017 MINI MIGLIA S-CLASS Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

Best 11

-

-

-

-

Pts

Total

2 1

2 1

Pts

Total

2017 MINI MIGLIA NOVICES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

1 2

37 81

James CUTHBERTSON Alfie BROWN

2 1

0 0

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

2017 MINI LIBRE Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Best 11

1 2 3 4 5

177 126 182 149 127

Peter CREWES Peter HILLS Matt KANE Gary WARBURTON Ian FRASER

10 8 6 1 0

0 0 0 0 0

10 8 6 1 0

10 8 6 1 0

Pit & Paddock

May 2017

Issue 2

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MAY 13 & 14 Round 3 & 4 Snetterton Norwich, Norfolk NR16 2JU 01953 887303

http://www.snetterton.co.uk

RACE DATES 2017 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 7 Castle Combe May 13-14 Snetterton 200 June 3-4 Donington Park June 24-25 Silverstone GP July 8-9 Brands Hatch Indy August 18-19 Oulton Park Mini Festival Sept 30-Oct 1 Rockingham Nov 18-19 Brands Hatch

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Snetterton May 13-14, 2017 Mini 7 Saturday May 13 Qualifying 12.40 13.00

magazine

Sunday May 14 Race 1 Race 2

09.00 09.20 14.35 14.55

Mini Miglia Qualifying Race 1

11.05 11.25 16.00 16.20

Sunday May 14 Race 2

11.00 11.20

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Photo Gallery

Castle Combe, April 7, 2017 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC history books recounts what happened at Snetterton in past decades…

2007 10 Years Ago

2007 – Ian Deviny heads a chasing Se7en bunch Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

T 2007 – Phil Rudge cocks a wheel Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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he Norfolk venue was the second stop on the 10-round Dunlop National Challenge, held over the 28-29 April weekend.

A strong 31-car entry contested the Se7en race, reigning champion Andrew Deviny setting pole time ahead of Paul Clark. From the word go this race had fireworks, the leading bunch all trying to funnel through the Esses together on the opening lap.

Needless to say the order got shuffled up, thereafter Max Hunter benefitting the most to open up a huge 15+ secs margin after

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From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago 2007 – Miglias led by Colin Peacock Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

14 laps. Behind him however, the chase for second involved half the field, Paul Thompson edging it from Niven Burge, with Andrew Ruthven scoring his best result to date in fourth ahead of Clark and, after an amazing recovery drive from the back of the field including fastest lap, Andrew Deviny in sixth. Dave Banwell, Kane Astin and Ian Deviny had all been in the lead mix too before falling off, while others still racing Minis a decade later included Graeme Davis, Jabez Dyer, Gareth Hunt, Tristen Knight, Paul Spark, Darren Thomas, Steve Baker, Andy Miller, Malcolm Keat, Kelvin Edgar, Nathan Burge, James Coulson, Dick Hunter, Anthony Towey and Damon Astin.

In the 15-lap Mini Miglia race, Kelly Rogers lined up on

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pole after qualifying, joined at the front by Colin Peacock.

The latter swept into an early lead before Rogers, and then Andy Hack, took turns in the lead. The shuffling of the lead pack involved several cars, all keeping up the pressure but it was Rogers who eventually took the chequered flag in front after a contest that he likened to a “game of chess”, opening up a 3.458s gap over Bill Sollis with Hack, Peacock, Jonathan Lewis and Endaf Owens rounding out the leaderboard, the latter recording fastest lap. Also among the 17 starters were Mark Sims, Paul Simmonds, Phil Dale and Phil Harvey.

2007 – Spark and Thomas off course Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago 1997 20 Year s Ago

1997 – Peter Baldwin leads Jonathan Lewis in Miglias Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

A

trio of visits to Norfolk began with round 10-of13 in the Unipart-DCM National Challenge, held over the 13-14 September weekend and organised by the BRDC. A 20-car Miglia grid was led away from pole by Peter Baldwin until Ian Curley came through from second to lead up to half distance. It was then Bill Sollis’ turn to move ahead of them both, setting the fastest race

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lap to help secure his sixth victory in a titlewinning season.

A couple of seconds behind the winner, Baldwin got back in front of Curley to claim second, with Chris Lewis, Jonathan

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1997 – Steve Bell won in Se7ens Photo: M7RC Archive / Fe rret Fotographics (M Ha rvey)

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Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago Lloyd and Wayne Grayer next up.

Further back, Colin Peacock and Michael Green battled over 13th, while Mike Jackson was an early DNF. The Se7ens had 32 starters, headed after qualifying by reigning champ’ Phil Manser.

Despite constant pressure from half-a-dozen would-be winners, the poleman was able to lead for the majority of the 10-lapper.

However, Steve Bell had been biding his time and come the last lap, the slightest of errors at the Esses by the leader allowed Bell a tiny gap, and in a blink he was through for his fifth win in an equally successful championshipwinning season. The battle for third finished in the order of Rob Cullum, Dave Braggins and Matt Hayman (fastest lap), with Tim Sims fending off the rest for sixth.

In among the chasing hordes were the likes of Mark Sims, Niven Burge, Paul Thompson, Andrew Deviny and Dick Hunter.

The 6-round Dunlop-backed Winter series saw two BRSCC-run

1997 – Paul Triffitt shared this Se7en with David Philip Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

meetings in November (brrrr!), and with two rounds already run in March before the Nationals began, the series reconvened at Snetterton on the 2nd. A combined grid of 18 cars saw Peter Baldwin start from pole but an awful start gave Jonathan Lewis the early Miglia lead from David Abbott. Baldwin was soon back in contention and, after both Lewis and Abbott spun, took a clear win.

1997 – Jonathan Lewis ahead of Peter Baldwin Jonathan Lee Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey) thus inherited second with Richard Pulley taking third.

In the Se7ens class, points leader Alan Waite had also been quickest

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in qualifying, but Andrew Deviny got ahead early and stayed out in front to finish 7th overall at the flag. Sarah Munns and David Philip completed the class podium after Waite’s car went sick on the last lap and he dropped down the order. Fastest laps went to both class winners.

Two weeks later on the 16th, a similar 19-car field again saw Lewis and Baldwin battle it out, joined by Lee in their shadows.

Twice Lewis looked to have it sewn up but twice he ran wide, firstly letting fastest lap man Baldwin through for victory, and then Lee into the runner-up spot. Thompson was the man on form in Se7ens, taking class pole, fastest lap and then the win too. Waite made a great start from way down the grid to take second from Munns in third.

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Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1987 – Russell Grady heads the Miglias Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

A

brace of visits were held on 17 May and 26 July, National rounds 4 and 9 respectively in the 15-round Austin-Rover Challenge.

Overcast and wet conditions blighted the BARC-run May event, the 1.0-litre Miglias going first for their 12-lapper. Peter Allen led the 17-car field away from pole position but Russell Grady was soon swapping the lead with him once Chris Lewis had dropped out with

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engine problems. Several more exchanges of the lead eventually saw Grady nab the victory by just 0.3s from Allen, the latter compensated with fastest lap, as Mark Jones, Graham Chivers, Ian Gunn and Owen Hall filled out the top six.

In the 850cc powered Se7ens, reigning Novice champion, Alan Jackson had secured top spot after qualifying ahead of Bill Sollis. These two led the 19 starters away on the still damp

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1987

30 Years track but within a Ago couple of laps the reigning Se7en champion, Chris Tyrrell had passed both in a typically daring move at Riches, thereafter holding the lead despite the best efforts of Peter Bonas who had moved up into second. Sollis just pipped Jackson for third, while the Cooper siblings, Tina and Steve were right on their tails, in fifth and sixth, Tina also setting the fastest lap. Of note among

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Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1987 – Dick Grimwood’s spun Se7en is passed by Neil Johnson and Steve Cooper Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

the other runners was Rob Selby, who finished 11th.

Despite much drier weather at July’s Snetterton Racing Clubhosted meet, the Miglia field was down to 12 cars. Grady pretty much dominated on this occasion, taking pole and then leading all 10 laps, including quickest lap. Behind, however, the action was very entertaining, with Allen, Jones, Chivers, Hall, Myk Cable and Bev Comber all fighting over second. Allen

1987 – Simon Scott’s Se7en is pushed away Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

eventually took the spot from Chivers in third after Comber, Hall and Jones dropped out. Cable limped over the line for fourth with a misfire, ahead of Richard Colburn in fifth and Peter Tisdale sixth.

Sixteen cars started the Se7ens race, led away by Peter Bonas from Tyrrell in second. This pair swapped the lead a couple of times before Bonas went out with a puncture after a clash with Steve Cooper, joining both

Sollis and Jackson on the DNF list. Tyrrell fought back to lead when it mattered, passing both Coopers to secure victory on the last lap, Tina (another fastest lap to her credit) taking second ahead of brother Steve, with Dick Grimwood fourth, locallybased Terry Palmer fifth and Guy Sims sixth. Of note, Dan Wheeler made his Se7en debut in qualifying, albeit failing to start the race.

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Pit & Paddock

May 2017

Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1977 – Viv Church, Julian Cutler and Patrick Watts battle in Leyland 850s Photo: J Parish Collection / Ferret Fotographics (R Standish)

A

mammoth seven meetings involved the M7RC, the first of these a BRSCC event on a damp 27 March for the opening round of the 16-round National Leyland Mini 850 (Se7en) Challenge. The expected 10-lap battle between reigning champion Graham Wenham and polesitter Graham Woskett failed to materialise when the former’s car cut out on the warm-up lap. John West took an early lead but was adjudged to have jumped the start, eventually dropping to sixth with the penalty and a loss of oil pressure, leaving

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Woskett to a clear victory and fastest lap. Ron Cuthbert and Chris Lewis followed some way adrift to complete the podium, with Russell Grady and Derek Ransome battling closely over fourth.

Round 2-of-6 in the Southernbased TEAC (Thames Estuary Automobile Club) series came on 29 May, and a small grid of 850s was led home by Peter Daniels from poleman Martin Moorhead, the latter setting fastest lap despite having to drive half the race on the ignition key due to a sticking throttle! Dick Watkinson was third.

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A week later, on the 6 June, the BRSCC hosted round 6 the National Leyland Mini 1000 (Miglia) Challenge, and it produced “the best race of the day” according to the motorsport weeklies. Bob Taylor qualified fastest but became one of several DNFs (10 of the 32 entries failed to start), and it was Bob Hazell who took an early lead before an off dropped him right back. This left a three-way dice 1977 40 Years for the lead, only Ago resolved on the last lap in favour of Andy Devine (driving with cracked ribs) from Phil Spurling (fastest lap) and Paul Gaymer, while Geoff Robson, Peter Richman and Tom Shephard completed the leaderboard.

The 1275 GTs had their only visit on 26 June (BRSCC), round 6 in their 16-round National Leyland Challenge. In a race of attrition – just 5 of the 10 GT starters finished – firstly pole man Paul Taft barely made Riches on the opening lap as his clutch disintegrated, then reigning champ’ Roger Saunders slowed

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Pit & Paddock

May 2017

Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago from the lead before retiring, followed by Malcolm Leggate.

This left Steve Soper out in front, however his handling went awry and as the chequer was being held out to close 10 laps he was caught and passed by Steve Harris, who himself had barely got going and needed a push start before regaining lost ground! Anthony Pownall was third, while best of the few Mini 850s boosting the grid was Keith Manning’s Clubman-fronted version in sixth overall.

Both 850 and 1000 classes gathered on 14 August at a 750MC run event, rounds 11 in the National Leyland Challenge.

The smaller-engined cars went first over 12 laps, described in Autosport as “…Mini racing at its best”. From 23 starters, half a dozen cars vied for the lead, but after Wenham and Bob Addison dropped out of the battle it came down to a straight duel between pole man Martin Goodall and West. The latter looked to have secured it with a lap to go but a missed shift and subsequent off-key engine handed the win to Goodall, who also set fastest lap. The fight for third was equally hard fought, Patrick Watts coming out ahead of Julian Cutler, John Love, Tim Cousins and Viv Church, while also in the field was Julian Affleck. There was also a class for ‘Mini 7’ in a Special Saloon race the same day,

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John Lambe the best of these.

Meanwhile, the larger-engined Mini race was red-flagged after Tom Shephard clouted the pitlane barrier and rolled in the middle of the pit straight. The shortened 9-lap re-run became a two-way shootout between Gaymer and polesitter Spurling,

Image: M7RC Archive (TEAC)

the gap just 0.2s at the flag. Derek May completed the podium some way adrift, with Chris Dobson, David Abbott and Colin Bigmore next up of the 12 starters. Gaymer set fastest lap.

A fortnight later on 28 August (BRSCC) the Mini 850s were back for round 12 in the National Challenge. Quite simply, nothing was going to prevent Tyrrell from winning this one, taking and letting slip, and then re-taking,

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the lead throughout. Even when he went off again on the last lap he somehow clawed his way back to pass both Addison and pole man Goodall on the line, indeed the split being 0.0s and 0.4s between them, and all three sharing the quickest lap of 1:27.6! Cutler demoted West for fourth on the line too, with Tony Styles right in their wheeltracks.

In another Special Saloon invite, Wenham won the ‘Mini 7’ class, having been a DNF in the main Challenge race.

Finally, at another BRSCC meet on 18 September, the Mini 1000s convened for round 13 of their National series. The 15 car-grid was led away by Spurling and, along with Rick Cutting, May, Dobson and Gaymer, proceeded to race “…often three or four abreast, the drivers eyeing each other as they sped down the back straight…” wrote Autosport.

Cutting had led across the line on most occasions but on the penultimate went off in a cloud of tyre smoke to join May on the DNF list, leaving Gaymer to make a late lunge for the line, the timekeepers giving the nod to fastest lap man Spurling however. Dobson dropped back to third, with Colins Beckwith and Bigmore disputing fourth ahead of Peter Hills in sixth who, interestingly, was experimenting with wheels from the F1 Tyrrell 6-wheeler!

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Pit & Paddock

May 2017

Issue 2

From the Archives:

Snetterton 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

A

fter the initial 1967 50 Years 1966 series, the Ago second season of 850cc Formula Mini7 (FM-7) proved to be an even bigger success. The 12-round National calendar included three Snetterton rounds, all on the full 2.71-mile circuit, including the section which is today the market area up to the main entrance on the A11!

The Romford Enthusiasts’ Car Club (RECC) hosted round 3 on 9 April, 12 cars starting the 10-lapper in fading light, among Free Formula and other saloon Minis, plus one lone Ford Anglia.

While the overall winner came from the 1001-1300cc class, further down the order in FM-7 1967 – Ian Cook came 10th in July’s race Image: I Cook Collection Bob Fox - in the Bill Blydensteintuned car - was continuing on from where he left off in Geoff Gilkes’ fuel-starved Oselli overall saw Fox and Gilkes scrap ’66, setting pole and fastest lap Mini on the last lap. Walker had for the entire 10 laps, Fox getting before taking the class win ahead clouted the Russell banking but the nod by just 0.4s. Third in class of Mick Walker and Gordon Line. managed to limp home fourth fell to Walker ahead of Gerry Further down the order Alan ahead of Clive Trickey and Line.

Allen, the latter reducing the Keefe made the headlines after It was another RECC meeting class lap record to 2:01.4 (80.36 rolling his car heavily at The on 20 August for round 9, FM-7 mph), with Viv Church and Colin Esses. once again sharing the grid with Thomas rounding out the top six.

Round 8 on 16 July was a 750 larger-engined saloons, in fact Motor Club event and wow, contributing what an entry, 32 cars of which 1967 – Formula Mini-7 also raced alongside bigger-engined 17 of the 27 classes Image: M7RC Archive 28 made the grid for the 10-lap starters. A pair race! Walker started from pole of Cooper Ss but Fox was soon out in front to and an Anglia score another victory by a clear commandeered 25s, including a new lap record the overall at an average of 78.55 mph! podium, but the Second place went right down to battle for fourth the wire, Reg Smith nipping past

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Pit & Paddock

May 2017

Issue 2

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers 2017

Mini Se7en # Driver 1 Ashley DAVIES 2 Spencer WANSTALL 3 Charlie BUDD 4 or #46 5 Lewis SELBY 6 or #77 7 Graeme DAVIS 8 Kieren MCDONALD 9 or #19 10 or #95 11 Tim STANBRIDGE 15 Steve BAKER 17 Ian BRISCALL 19 Tom SANDERSON 20 Darren THOMAS 23 Jabez DYER 25 Joe THOMPSON 27 Leon ‘Oli’ WINDOW 28 Dom BURGER 30 Tina COOPER 35 Paul SPARK 37 Gareth HUNT 38 Steven HOPPER 45 Leon WIGHTMAN 46 Dick HUNTER 47 Daniel BUDD 54 Lewis FOX 55 Darren EATON 60 Malcolm J KEAT 63 Dave ROBINSON 69 Steve TRENCH 70 Eian RIDDIFORD 71 Simon JONES 77 Andrew DEVINY

94 95 96 99

Lee ROBERTS Julian PROCTOR Stuart GILBY Chris BLACKWELL-FROST

MINI SE7EN S-CLASS # Driver 700 Justin COOPER 707 Roland PARSLOE 710 Ralph BUDD 723 James BULL 724 Richard BULL 742 Ben BUTLER 747 Kelvin EDGAR 765 Simon MARTIN 771 Julian AFFLECK 779 Andrew DICKINSON 791 Shaun TARLTON 792 Kevin O’SHEA 797 Jim BURROWS (Miglia)

MINI LIBRE # Driver 126 Peter HILLS 127 Ian FRASER 133 Les STANTON 149 Gary WARBURTON 177 Peter CREWES 182 Matthew KANE 186 David FRANCIS 192 Steve JONES

Mini Miglia # Driver 11 Kane ASTIN 20 Mark SIMS 21 Aaron SMITH 22 James DUNKLEY 23 Rupert DEETH 26 Peter ARNOLD 29 Dave DREW 37 James CUTHBERTSON 42 Paul SIMMONDS 49 Martin WAGER 55 Michael GREEN 56 Nick PADMORE 69 Tony LE MAY 72 Rob HOWARD 77 Tristen KNIGHT 79 Jonathan LEE 81 Alfie BROWN 83 Colin PEACOCK 85 Sam SUMMERHAYES 88 Dan WHEELER 92 Jason PORTER

INVITATION # Driver 110 Ralph BUDD

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JOIN THE CLUB

M

May 2017

Issue 2 SPONSORS

ISSUE

01 June 2013

The Official

I s s ue 0 1 / 1 2

Newsletter of

The Official Monthly

The Mini Se7en Racing Club

ini 7 is not just a racing series, it’s a club. It’s where like-minded people, just like you can socialise and get to know each other, chat cars and Minis and find people who just get it.

You don’t need to be a racer to join the club, and if racing is something you’re just getting involved in, then this is a great way to learn from and chat to the pros.

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

As of Round 3 it’s , lead of the Se7ens Paul Spark in the Donny and placed having won at Rockingham races. strongly in both ent from the threestatem It’s a strong who will be looking time champion, in on the board to put early points consecutive title. pursuit of his fourth been an all Kane In the Miglias it’s from three victories Astin affair so far; in him very much three outings leave from performances control. But good Tristen Knight show and Aaron Smith

ni- Sponsor commuNew M7RC off and teams, startingThe Next Events cate with fans Read look newsletter. with this new Club Bulletin else we’re doing on to find out what Europe’s longest to make sure that ls to series appeaNews make single running everybody.

Race Reports Championship Table This Issue

You can online at

 

you

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

C OM B E

FOR

soon as possible.

We also need to make sure the TV commentators have an accurate entry list ahead of the event so driver profiles can be prepared. Remember this is LIVE TV!

Or

pect.

A pr i l 2 0 1 2

TO

tion all the way from start to finish.

In the Mini Se7ens, reigning champion Paul Spark crossed the line to take the first chequered flag of the year.

In the Miglia en-

201 2

counter 2010 Champion Paul Thompson took pole position and then led from start to finish to claim his first victory since Spa last year.

FULL RACE REPORTS ON PAGES 8 AND 9

8 11

Contacts ham Reports Doning ton & Rocking Mike Jackson Modern isers 0121 707 5881 Meet the Mini Se7en mike.jackson s @mini7.co.uk Photo Gallerie

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.

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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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May 2017

Roll of Honour

Issue 2

SPONSORS

The Champions YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia

YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia

2017 ? ?

2016 Ashley Davies Shayne Deegan 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 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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Chris Tyrell Russell Grady 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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Issue 2

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

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 Ryan Wheeler

COMPETITION MANAGER Mike Jackson E: mike.jackson@mini7.co.uk

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Membership Secretary Sharon Roche E: membership@mini7.co.uk WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA Stephen Colbran E: info@stephencolbran.co.uk

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29