M7RC17 Issue3

2017: Issue 3 SPONSORS

June 2017

Issue 3

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 5&6 donington park

JUNE 3-4, 2017

WORDS: Richard Williamson

The full 2.5-mile GP circuit returns to the Dunlop Mini racing calendar for the first time in six years. With two races apiece for the Mini Se7ens and Mini Miglias, and with strong entries from the Mini Seven Racing Club overall, expect nothing less than close, door handle-to-door handle action all the way!

MINI SE7EN Four races into this season’s 14-round Challenge and the pace up front among the leading 1.0-litre cars has been remarkable, with three different winners and a lineup of potential title challengers to put other race series into the Quick Links

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shade! Leading the standings by just 2 points is Lewis Selby, with two wins at Combe plus a second at Snetterton; a fitting tribute to his engine builder father, Rob Selby, who sadly passed away recently.

In second overall, Charlie Budd came close to his first series win at

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June 2017

Issue 3

Records Mini se7en Lap record

:

Paul Spark Time: 2:03.259 ph Ave: 72.64 m

ly 2011 set on 16 Ju

Records Mini s-CLASS Lap record:

Julian Proctor Time: 2:05.824 Ave: 71.53 mph

set on 16 July 20 11

Snetterton three weeks ago with runner-up spot, and will be a hot favourite to go one better this time, while in third, former triple-champion Andrew Deviny will be looking to make up for his DNF in round 4 when looking on course for a double victory. Reigning champion Ashley Davies sits back in 9th, a superb win last time out making up for a pair of early retirements, while also

well placed are Gareth Hunt, four-time champion Paul Spark and Kieren McDonald, who all have the experience to be in with a shout at the chequered flag. So far this season a whopping 38 drivers have turned up to try their hand, and among the new crop of drivers Joe Thompson has opened up a healthy lead in the Novice table.

MINI 7 S-CLASS Sharing the same Mini Se7en grid, registrations for the introductory ‘scholarship’ category have risen dramatically in the last 12 months, and competition among the restricted-tuning 1275cc machines is as close as in the higher-tuned 1.0-litre Se7en class. Ahead on points after four rounds is Justin Cooper, who ‘won’ both Combe races in April, while 2015 class champion Shaun Tarlton ‘triumphed’ twice last time out at Snetterton, but lies third in the table behind Ben Butler.

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Issue 3

Records Mini MIGLIA Lap record

:

Kane Astin Time: 1:52.507 Ave: 79.59 m ph

set on 16 Ju ly 2011

MINI MIGLIA The more powerful, full-race, 1.3-litre category is arguably even closer, with a tie on points between 2014 champion Rupert Deeth, and Aaron Smith.

Deeth narrowly defeated Smith in both encounters in Norfolk last month, with Smith finishing ahead of Sam Summerhayes in the opening round at Combe held in April.

Round 2 was postponed after a big accident in another race sent the meeting over time, and that is scheduled to be re-run later in the year. Dan

Wheeler has finished on the podium twice to keep himself within touch of the leading duo, while seasoned racers Tony Le May, Peter Baldwin and Rob Howard have also been on the front-running pace to score high points. However, 2015 champion Kane Astin is surely due a change of fortune after his mechanical woes have continued on from last season leaving him way down the order, so look out for the lap record holder to be on a charge, while best of the newcomers so far is Alfie Brown, who lies 10th overall.

Mini Libre Adding depth to the Miglia grid is the invitational class for Mini Libre, catering for A-Series-powered Minis that might otherwise be struggling for other series to race with. Devon-based Peter Crewes has a wealth of Mini racing experience and leads the way in his 8-port example, although fellow West Country racer Peter Hills has been a constant shadow in his 16-valve example, and the aim is for half a dozen cars to be regulars by season end.

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Race Report Round 3 Snetterton 200 May 13, 2017

Safety win for deviny

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

The

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 1 Dunlop Mini Se7ens is back again for the second round of races this weekend at Snetterton. Deviny will be looking to push his car to the max as he seeks his first race win after finishing second twice last time out.

in a battle for fourth spot.

Lewis Selby, the double winner last time, tries to make a move up the inside of the front two, but Budd and Deviny manage to block really well and keep Selby in third, but then he manages to push through Budd into second.

There’s a coming together between two cars on lap 3, In qualifying, the story was more or less the same from last the stewards ponder whether to wave their yellow flags time, Deviny and Budd both and the safety car is being pushing really hard to get themselves on the front row of considered, as Spark’s car starts to smoke. With Deviny in the the grid.

Last year’s champion, Ashley lead from Selby and Budd, the Davies, starts way back, he will safety car was brought out.

As the safety car eventually be looking to make a good comes back in, Selby lines up a start. move up the inside on Deviny, The race begins and Deviny he just about manages to get and Budd make a really good by in first place. Budd who start, with Budd instantly had moved up into second, is putting pressure on the front now passed by Deviny, which runners. is then followed by a move on Ashley Davies does make a great start to his race and he is Selby, which puts him back side by side with Graeme Davis into the lead.

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Charlie Budd gets caught up in a battle for third, but can then pull away from fourth.

After two cars go into the barriers, the yellow flags and safety car comes back out, then it’s followed by the red flags. That’s the end of the race, Deviny wins with Selby in second and Charlie Budd in third. Not the best way to end a race.

Double winner last time out, Selby said: “A bit tricky out there today, before the red flags came, I think Andrew had it covered.”

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 3 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Andrew Deviny Lewis Selby Charlie Budd Kieren McDonald Ashley Davies • Race Timetable • Archive

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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 3 Snetterton 200 May 13, 2017

Deeth steals the win

The

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 1 Mini Miglias took to the track early on Saturday morning for their qualifying. With a hint of rain in the air, the Miglias were awaiting to see what the Snetterton track would throw up for them.

After a good start to the season last time out, Aaron Smith and Rupert Deeth, were looking to continue their good form by seeking a place on the front row of the grid. But, as always in motorsport, you never know what to expect and this was no exception.

Rob Howard came in with the fastest lap, followed by Summerhayes and Wheeler.

With the weather playing havoc on the track front-row sitters last time out, Deeth and Smith, came in 7th and 9th respectively.

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

When it came to race time, the rain had died down and it was a nice dry track.

Both Summerhayes and Howard made a good start, coming into the first corner side by side, Howard just making the most of the inside line. Aaron Smith made an even better start though, jumping up into 4th. Then, amazingly, Smith moves up the outside on the straight and moves up into the race lead with Wheeler desperately trying to hold onto second, being challenged by Howard, who in turn is trying to hold off Summerhayes.

Astin and Deeth make up so much ground that they move up to battle it out for 3rd with Howard. Where did those two come from?

Meanwhile, at the back of the field, Crewes leads the Libre class.

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Summerhayes then comes off at Nelson’s corner allowing Deeth to come through into 4th to challenge for a podium place.

Deeth then passes Astin in third and then Wheeler in second, this is incredible for the 2014 champion.

Unfortunately Kane Astin finishes early as his car suffers a sudden loss of power.

Aaron Smith tried to close the gap on Deeth on the final lap, but the latter had too much power and crossed the line to take the win in the first race of the weekend.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 3 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Rupert Deeth Aaron Smith Dan Wheeler Peter Baldwin Rob Howard • Race Timetable • Archive

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June 2017

Issue 3

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Race Report Round 4 Snetterton 200 May 14, 2017

disaster for deviny

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

The

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 2 second race of the weekend for these Min Se7en cars was very similar. Selby on pole with Deviny right next to him.

are beginning to catch up with the leaders.

Selby then takes the lead back but Davies is fighting hard as it becomes a seven-car fight for the lead.

Then Deviny tries an impossible move up the inside, Thompson and Davis having Davies blocks him first, but problems at the start of the Deviny manages to pass him. race, so they did not start.

What a move.

Deviny has a great start, Then Deviny goes very pulling himself in front of Selby wide out of Nelson’s, which on the first corner. allows Davies to pull alongside Ashley Davies also has a him, Davies cannot pass him good start to the race as he tries to get third. Charlie Budd though. Budd and Davies then is elbowed back into sixth from collide which pushes Budd down the field, Davies though, third and what a start from manages to save himself Spark who started in 12th, he and remains second. Then moves up into fifth. suddenly Deviny pulls into the Selby tries to go up in the pits, which doesn’t look good. inside of Deviny but he closes the door on the championship Davies overtakes and is now in the race lead. Meanwhile Selby leader.

Ashley Davies pulls alongside is battling with McDonald for third with Budd, but Selby Deviny and Selby in the battle is losing ground. Selby just for first and Davies takes the cannot get the speed back up race lead. The rest of the pack Quick Links

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again. McDonald then makes a move on Budd but Budd just hangs on to third as they cross the line. Ashley Davies wins the 4th race of the season, after struggling in the previous races. This will be a massive weight off the champion’s shoulders. Budd comes home in second with McDonald in third.

After the race win, he said “I had a few problems with my car yesterday, but it’s great to get back here today and win.

What a race, seriously good racing.”

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 4 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ashley Davies Charlie Budd Kieren McDonald Paul Spark Gareth Hunt • Race Timetable • Archive

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June 2017

Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 4 Snetterton 200 May 14, 2017

deeth strike

In

MINI MIGLIA: RACE 2 the second race, the front row looked at bit more familiar as Deeth and Smith lined up next to each other. The pole sitter was determined by the lap times from the previous race. Kane Astin was forced to sit out this one as he couldn’t fix the engine problems he had suffered from the previous race.

Deeth and Smith both make a good start to this race, pulling off the line together. But it’s Deeth who makes the better start as he goes up into 1st.

Peter Baldwin and Drew look to make a good start too as they race up along side Baldwin in third and looked Quick Links

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

as though they were going to swallow him up.

Deeth and Smith continue to battle it out for first as they go side by side, but it’s Smith who comes out on top this time.

Meanwhile, Summerhayes, who started in 12th moves up to 5th and then is involved in a collision with Baldwin at Murray’s corner which pushes them both down the field.

Le-May reels Wheeler and Summerhayes in, but Summerhayes pulls out a fastest lap, but pushes too hard going into Brundle’s and spins off and loses out on a lot of places.

With Smith leading, Deeth gets a good run coming out of the corner, but Smith defends

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his lead on the pit straight, but then on the first corner, Deeth times his move perfectly to overtake Smith.

Smith makes another bid for the lead on the final lap, but Deeth has just enough power to take his car over the line.

He is a double race winner this weekend. Smith comes in second and Wheeler comes in third.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 4 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Rupert Deeth Aaron Smith Dan Wheeler Tony Le May Jason Porter • Race Timetable • Archive

7

PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 3+4 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 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 30 31 33 34

5 3 77 37 35 8 28 25 1 27 2 19 45 791 700 742 7 47 46 94 17 20 99 55 95 707 771 11 49 765 44 724 747 70 792

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

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

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

1

4

2 1 1

2 2 2

19 18 20 14 4 17 12 13 16 1 15 0 1 11 3 8 1 w

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

6 1

5 0

10 9

1 1

7 1 w 1 5

3 2 w 7 2

1 1

4 0

74 72 59 59 56 52 40 40 38 31 28 26 26 23 23 23 22 17 17 17 15 14 14 14 13 13 9 8 8 7 5 5 5 3 3

74 72 59 59 56 52 40 40 38 31 28 26 26 23 23 23 22 17 17 17 15 14 14 14 13 13 9 8 8 7 5 5 5 3 3

36 38 nc

723 15 71 96

James BULL Steve BAKER Simon JONES Stuart GILBY

1

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

Castle Combe Castle Combe Snetterton Snetterton Donington Park GP Silverstone GP Brands Hatch Oulton Park Rockingham Brands Hatch

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

0

33 31 25

1 0 w

0 0 w

32

32

29 27 18

29 23 20

FL: C Budd FL: L Selby FL: L Selby FL: A Davies (record)

1 1 0 -

Pole: C Budd Pole: C Budd Pole: A Deviny Pole: L Selby

1 1 0 -

Spax Grid Improver: B Butler (+14) Spax Grid Improver: T Stanbridge (+18) Spax Grid Improver: S Tarlton (+8) Spax Grid Improver: T Sanderson (+20)

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 6 7 8 9 10

700 742 791 771 707 747 765 724 792 723

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

10 8 1 6 5 4

10 8 1 6 1 4

1 1

5 0

4 8 10 1 6 1 5 1

8 6 10 3 4 0 2 5

32 30 22 16 16 9 7 6 6 1

32 30 22 16 16 9 7 6 6 1

Pts

Total

16 9 8 4 4 -

16 9 8 4 4 -

2017 MINI SE7EN NOVICES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

1 2 3 4 5 nc

25 55 99 724 765 96

Joe THOMPSON Darren EATON Chris BLACKWELL-FROST Richard BULL Simon MARTIN Stuart GILBY

3 2 1

4 3 2

5 3 4 1 2 w

4 1 1 3 2 w

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 3+4 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 12 13 14 15 16 17 nc

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

23 21 88 29 92 83 85 72 50 81 42 797 69 55 37 11 49 56 22

Rupert DEETH Aaron SMITH Dan WHEELER Dave DREW Jason PORTER Colin PEACOCK Sam SUMMERHAYES Rob HOWARD Peter BALDWIN Alfie BROWN Paul SIMMONDS Jim BURROWS Tony LE MAY Michael GREEN James CUTHBERTSON Kane ASTIN Martin WAGER Nick PADMORE James DUNKLEY

18 20 17 15 12 13 19 16

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1

0

14 11 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

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

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

1 1

0 1

w

w

19 19 Entered Qualified 19 19 18 18 Started 18 0 18 15 Finished 13 0 13 14 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 May FL: A Smith Snetterton 14 May FL: R Deeth (record) 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

58 58 53 45 42 38 33 32 31 23 22 19 18 14 12 3 1 1 -

Pole: R Deeth Pole: A Smith

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

Pole: R Howard Pole: A Smith

Grid Improver: A Smith (+7) Grid Improver: T Le May (+7)

58 58 53 45 42 38 33 32 31 23 22 19 18 14 12 3 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

1

797

Jim BURROWS

10

10

20

20

Pts

Total

5 3

5 3

Pts

Total

2017 MINI MIGLIA NOVICES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

1 2

81 37

Alfie BROWN James CUTHBERTSON

1 2

0 0

2 1

2 0

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

10 8

1

0

30 24 6 2 0

30 24 6 2 0

Pit & Paddock

June 2017

Issue 3

SPONSORS

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June 3 & 4 Round 5 & 6 Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP 01953 887303

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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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Race Timetable Donington June 3-4, 2017

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Mini 7 Saturday June 3 Sign on 09.25 Qualifying 10.55 11.15 Race 1 14.45 15.05 Sunday June 4 Race 2

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11.25 11.45

Mini Miglia Saturday June 3 Sign on 09.25 Qualifying 10.55 11.15 Race 1 16.25 16.45 Sunday May 14 Race 2

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12.00 12.20

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Photo Gallery

Snetterton, May 13-14, 2017 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC history books recounts what happened at Donington (mostly) in past decades…

2007 10 Years Ago

2007 – Pauls Woodbridge and Simmonds battle in Miglias Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

T

he BARC-hosted Dunlop Motorsport Festvial weekend of 4-5 August saw the National Challenge at Donington for rounds 7-of-10 in the National calendar.

In the 14-lap Mini Se7en race on the 1.96-mile National circuit, a 24-car field was led away from pole by champion elect Max Hunter, thereafter up to half a dozen cars all in with a shout.

However, it was Andrew Deviny who came through to score his first win of the season by a 2.730s

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margin, also setting the fastest Darren Thomas, Steven Hopper, lap. After a bit of shuffling of the Niven Burge, Andy Miller, Glyn Swift, Paul Clark, Tristen Knight, top six in the last couple of laps, Hunter claimed second from Paul Thompson, while Gareth Hunt demoted Ian Deviny and James Coulson to fifth and sixth.

Familiar names in the starting lineup also included 2007 – Niv Burge minus bootlid Dick Hunter, Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

2007 – Miglia win for Endaf Owens, despite this grassy moment Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

Graeme Davis, Steve Baker and Kane Astin.

Twenty cars started the 15-lap Miglia encounter and, in an enthralling race, polesitter Endaf Owens was able to retake the lead after being passed by Kelly Rogers early on, holding on by 1.516s ahead of title rival Andy Hack in second. Rogers claimed a new lap record of 1:22.420 (85.49 mph) but was pushed back to fourth at the flag by Colin Peacock, with the battle for fifth resolved in favour Tony Le May from Mark Smith. Also among the starters were Phil Dale, Paul Simmonds, Phil Harvey and Mark Sims.

2007 – Se7en podium of Thompson, Deviny and Hunter Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1997 20 Year s Ago

1997 – Miglia action led by Mike Jackson Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

F

or the 7th round of 13 in the Unipart-DCM National Challenge, the BRSCC invited the M7RC to race on the full 2.5-mile GP circuit, on 3 August.

Steve Bell headed the 36 Mini Se7en entries after qualifying,

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34 of which were allowed to start the 10-lapper. Having led early on, Bell then dropped out with a smoking engine, leaving Phil Manser to battle with Matt Hayman, Dave Banwell, Mark and Tim Sims (not related) and Bill Boldison, the final order

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reading Manser by 0.31s from Hayman, Sims M, Boldison, Sims T (fastest lap) and Banwell, while further down the result sheet were Dick Hunter, Andrew Deviny, Paul Thompson and Steven Hopper.

The Miglias attracted 26 cars,

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June 2017

Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1997 – Phil Manser took the Se7en victory Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

23 of whom started. Having secured pole position, Bill Sollis was then able to drive away to a comfortable 13.26s winning margin, including the fastest lap. The rest were left to battle among themselves for

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the runner-up spot, and after numerous changes of position, Ian Curley grabbed the spot ahead of Chris Lewis, with Julian Sole in fourth ahead of Mike Jackson, then Ian Gunn a little further back to complete the top

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six. Wayne Grayer had been 6th on the road but was later excluded for corner cutting, while Phil Harvey, Colin Peacock, Peter Baldwin and Michael Green could also came under starters orders.

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Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1987 30 Years Ago

1987 – Se7ens headed by Alan Jackson Photo: M+A Jackson Collection / Ferret Fotographics (S Jones)

T

he first of two visits came on 14 June for the British Motor Racing Marshals’ Club-run meeting, round 5 of 15 in the Austin-Rover sponsored National Challenge.

Chris Tyrrell, aka ‘The Leatherhead Loon’ claimed Mini Se7en (850cc) pole in wet qualifying by 1.6s ahead of novice Malcolm Joyce. It was dry by racetime, but Tyrrell managed to stay ahead for the full 10 laps,

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despite intense pressure from Ron Philiips and then Bill Sollis, the latter nipping into second before the end. Tina Cooper got ahead of Peter Bonas for fourth, while sixth place finisher Ben Dutson was one of several drivers to later be excluded for not carrying the series windscreen header! Graham Penn thus inherited sixth, while the fastest lap was shared between Sollis and Bonas.

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The Miglias (1000cc) garnered all the press plaudits as the “best race of the day”, with seven potential winners from pole position man Russell Grady, Myk Cable, Dave Brookes, Peter Allen, Bev Comber, Graham Chivers and Dave Hancock. In an incredible contest that had already seen Chris Lewis fall by the wayside with engine problems, and series leader Jones having to start from the back

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June 2017

Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1987 – Graham Penn and Julie Armstrong in Mini Se7ens Photo: G Penn Collection

after qualifying, Grady finally lost the lead on lap eight when he and Cable went off together down the chicane escape road, allowing Chivers and Comber through to lead. Chivers then dropped out but Jones had forced his way up to the leading bunch, including setting the fastest lap, and almost snatched it on the line, indeed the first five covered by just 1.6s in the order of: Comber, Jones, Allen, a recovered Grady and Brookes, with Owen Hall a little further back in sixth. Cable also returned to the fray only to T-bone a sideways Richard Colburn, leaving him badly shaken.

The M7RC returned to the East Midlands on 13 September for the penultimate National round, hosted on this occasion by the BARC. The Mini Se7ens went first again, Sollis leading from pole

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before Dutson got in front early on, this pair joined by Tyrrell, Joyce and Bonas. Sollis had to wait until the halfway point to finally regain the lead, but by the end of 10 laps never shook off the attentions of Dutson as the

0.2s winning margin testified.

Tyrrell grabbed the final podium place ahead of Joyce, with Tina Cooper forcing through into fifth ahead of Bonas, while among the rest of the 17 starters Alan Jackson took ninth.

After a long delay to clear up a FF1600 accident, the Miglias race later on in the day was cut to just 5 laps. Chris Lewis pretty much dominated this one, setting fastest lap and opening up an 11.9s gap by the chequered flag to leave Chivers in second ahead of Colburn in third. Hall, Comber and Howard Hunt filled the remaining top six slots as championship leader Grady salvaged seventh having dropped down the order after starting from pole position.

1987 – Peter Allen’s Miglia spins at the chicane Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

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Pit & Paddock

June 2017

Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1977 40 Years Ago

1977 – Se7ens; Gordon Levett ahead of Mike Jackson Photo: J Parish Collection / Ferret Fotographics (R Standish)

F

or the re-opened 1.95-mile Donington circuit, after several decades unused, the M7RC included four dates on the three-tiered Leyland Cars-backed calendar.

The first visit came courtesy of the Nottingham Sports Car Club on 17 September, round 14 of 16 in the National Mini 850 (Se7en) Challenge. As expected, the battle for top honours was extremely tight, Bob Addison taking a narrow victory over Chris Tyrrell, and both sharing the new lap record of 1:38.4 (71.60 mph).

Martin Goodall, Patrick Watts, Chris Lewis and Russell Grady

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followed them home in close order.

It was a BRSCC-hosted event on 2 October next, rounds 15 and 13 respectively for the National Mini 850 and 1275 GT Challenges.

In the smaller-engined race, champion elect Goodall started from pole and eventually won a three-way tussle between himself, Watts and Tyrrell, with Addison, Lewis and John West next best of the remaining 24 starters. Goddall also lowered the lap record to 1:37.6 (72.20 mph).

In eighth was then Chairman of the M7RC, Martin Moorhead who

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sadly passed away recently.

The over-subscribed grid meant several of the slower 850s beefed up the 1275 GT grid to 18 starters, led away by polesitter Paul Taft. However, having set the quickest lap of the race he was soon in trouble with gearbox problems, allowing Steve Soper to pull away to win by 5.5s from Geoff Till and Roger Saunders.

The MiniSport-backed car of John Edawrds-Parton took fifth behind Malcolm Leggate, with Anthony Pownall completing the leaderboard ahead of Steve Harris in seventh. Terry Mulloy was the leading 850 in eighth

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Pit & Paddock

June 2017

Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

1977 – Patrick Watts leads Chris Lewis in Se7ens Photo: J Parish Collection / Ferret Fotographics (R Standish)

overall.

Running on the BARC support programme to the headlining Formula 3 championship, the 1275 GTs returned on 16 September for their penultimate National round.

A four-way battle ensued among Leyland’s high profile Clubman-fronted Minis, with poleman Taft eventually breaking free, courtesy of a really quick lap, to win by 4.8s, leaving the runner-up battle between Saunders, Soper and Jerry Hampshire to finish in that order after 8 laps. Edwards-Parton and

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Rob Lodge filled the next places.

To be on the support bill to European Formula 2 was quite an achievement for the Mini 1000’s first ever visit to Donington, and their National finale for the 1.0-litre class, with the BRSCC Midlands hosting this highly prized meeting over the 29-30 October weekend.

The 21-car entry saw Phil Spurling on pole from confirmed champion, Paul Gaymer, for the last race on Saturday. However, it was Tom Shepherd who made the break into Redgate, only to spin and delay several others,

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including Spurling. Gaymer held the early lead from Chris Dobson, before Spurling’s meteoric comeback saw his superior straightline speed take him to the front by half distance, also establishing the class lap record of 1:30.54 (77.80 mph). Even when a broken fanbelt saw his engine temperature shoot up, Spurling was able to limp home with just enough to spare from Gaymer, with Dobson in fourth, then Derek May, David Abbott and Brian Coles completing the leaderboard at 10 laps.

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Pit & Paddock

June 2017

Issue 3

From the Archives:

Donington Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago

F

end it was Mick Walker who ollowing its closure 1967 50 Ye ars crossed the line first, ahead before the Second Ago World War, of Richard Ferris then Gordon Line in third after Geoff Gilkes Donington Park didn’t had spun and was collected host motor racing again until by the deseamed car of Gerry 1977. However, just down the Allen. A second, non-points, road, Mallory Park was to be a regular Midlands venue for the consolation race over the same distance saw victory go to John early years of Formula Mini-7, Yardley from future Se7en and and on 10 September the then named M7C hosted round 10-of- Miglia champion, Mick Osborne in second, and Arnie Poole third.

12 in the second season of the A further non-championship low-cost 850cc category. invite, from the London Car Club, Utilising just the 1.0-mile oval on 15 October drew a small FM-7 section including the Esses kink field for 8 laps around the fuller (minus the familiar 0.35-mile layout. Following a 4-car pile-up section up to and around Shaws at the hairpin on the opening lap, hairpin), a 12-car entry sped round for 10 dizzying laps. At the Walker was left out in front and

went on to take the chequered flag ahead of Richard Bromley in second and Yardley third.

Earlier in August at Mallory, during a mixed saloon car event, runaway FM-7 series leader Bob Fox had been critically injured when his Mini lost a wheel and he went headlong into the bank at Gerrards bend. Such was his poor medical prognosis, the M7C named the annual trophy in Bob’s ‘memory’, but history relates he not only recovered to race again, but his 1967 points tally – despite missing the last three rounds - proved to be enough to retain the trophy he won in 1966!

1967 – FM-7 consolation race grid at Mallory Photo: M7RC Archive

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Pit & Paddock

June 2017

Issue 3

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers 2017

Mini Se7en

Mini Miglia

# Driver 1 Ashley DAVIES 2 Spencer WANSTALL 3 Charlie BUDD 5 Lewis SELBY 7 Graeme DAVIS 8 Kieren MCDONALD 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 Lee ROBERTS 95 Julian PROCTOR 96 Stuart GILBY 99 Chris BLACKWELL-FROST

# 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

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

INVITATION # Driver 110 Ralph BUDD

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JOIN THE CLUB

M

June 2017

Issue 3 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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June 2017

Roll of Honour

Issue 3

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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June 2017

Issue 3

Club Contacts CHAIRMAN Nick Cooke E: nick.cooke@mini7.co.uk COMMERCIAL MANAGER Colin Peacock E: colin.peacock@mini7.co.uk TREASURER Jeffrey Parish E: jeffrey.parish@mini7.co.uk CHAMPIONSHIP CO-ORDINATOR Richard Williamson E: richard.williamson@mini7.co.uk

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

SPONSORS

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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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