M7RC17 Issue6

2017: Issue 6 SPONSORS

August 2017

Issue 6

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 11&12 OULTON PARK

AUGUST 19, 2017

WORDS: Richard Williamson

The Dunlop-supported Mini Challenge ventures north to the scenic Cheshire circuit, where the topography always guarantees excellent racing, either from the top-of-the-range-performance Mini Miglias, or the super combative Mini Se7ens, with further inter-class battles from the ‘budget’ Mini 7 S-Class and invitational Mini Libre, so you’ll never be left watching an empty track!

MINI SE7EN Superlatives abound whenever the Mini Se7ens are on the race card; hardly surprising when you consider the formula is now into its 52nd action-packed season, having first graced UK tracks back in 1966.

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There is certainly no shortage of takers either, and top of the huge list of 47 drivers to have entered already this season is Charlie Budd, who holds what looks like a healthy 26-point advantage over his nearest rival. However, as the

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August 2017

Records Mini se7en :

Lap record

ed to be establish ile -m for 1.66 Fosters circuit

season reaches the last four rounds, dropped scores will come into play, meaning that Lewis Selby’s four victories to date may well elevate him above Budd who has yet to score his first series win, despite numerous podium finishes! Likewise, former triple champion Andrew Deviny in third overall has one victory to his credit this year, while also ready to pounce is reigning champ’ Ashley Davies who won both races last time out at the Brands Hatch Mini Festival

last month, and also won here 12 months ago. Further victories have gone to Darren Thomas despite several DNFs elsewhere, while also in the top six overall with outside shots at the title are Dom Burger in his second season, and perennial sideways entertainer, Gareth Hunt in his ‘Tigger’ liveried car.

Leading the novice series is Joe Thompson, but he has Chris Blackwell-Frost and Darren Eaton on his tail ready for any slip ups.

Issue 6

MINI 7 S-CLASS The moderately tuned 1275cc ‘introductory’ class has undergone a resurgence in the last couple of seasons, representing nearly a third of the Se7en grid this season.

Based on current levels of take up and new cars in-build, the possibility of qualifying races in 2018 could spell a return to the heady days of the1990s, back when RoverSport was the Minis’ on-track parent company! The battle for class honours is a humdinger too, with 2014 champion Shaun Tarlton having recorded seven victories to hold a slim 2-point advantage over Ben Butler who is in his first season in the category, but yet to reach the top step of the podium. Justin Cooper has won the other three rounds and has the pace to be on top again, while of the rest, Roland Parsloe and James Bull have picked up some useful placings to lie fourth and fifth respectively.

The S-Class cars are easy to spot too; all run with green door squares and windscreen headers, and numbers in the #700s.

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August 2017

Records Mini MIGLIA Lap record

:

to be establish ed for 1.66-mile Fosters circuit

MINI MIGLIA Potentially half-a-dozen drivers can still win the Miglia crown, but the two favourites have to be current leader, and former champion in 2014, Rupert Deeth, along with Aaron Smith, who between them have shared the winners’ spoils in the 9 rounds run so far.

Deeth holds a 5-4 winning margin, plus an 11-point lead overall, while a technical exclusion at Snetterton has left Smith with it all to do to in the remaining five rounds (the abandoned round 2 at Castle Combe has been rescheduled as a third race at the Rockingham finale in September), but Deeth will know he has to be at his

best if he is to secure that second title. In third overall, Dave Drew has been there or thereabouts should the top two falter, with solid top-six finishes, likewise Rob Howard and Dan Wheeler although the latter has missed the last few races to leave him with a very slim outside chance, along with Sam Summerhayes in sixth overall. The 2015 champion, Kane Astin, along with historic racing exponent Nick Padmore, have both been close to the top step in limited appearances this season, so are likely to be in the mix if they appear, while further down the order, there is a lively novice battle led by teenager Alfie Brown, with James Cuthbertson closest on points.

Issue 6 Mini Libre Adding welcome depth to the Miglia grid is Mini Libre, an invitational class for cars that look to all intents and purposes like those ahead of them, but with a run-what-yerbrung choice of motive power under the bonnet.

Peter Crewes leads the way having scored six victories in his 8-port example, with three-time winner Gary Warburton (1380cc), along with Peter Hills (16V), giving regular chase. Warburton will be especially keen to do well at his local track and has been setting competitive times in testing. Paul Thompson is an ex-Se7en and Miglia champion, and he is also giving Libre a go this weekend, so could really up the ante, and already the initial Libre development season has seen eight drivers turn up for a try-out, which signifies potential for more invitees in 2018. Look out for the pale blue door squares/headers and 3-figure numbers.

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Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 9 Brands Hatch July 8, 2017

smith battles it out to the deeth

The

MINI MIGLIAS: RACE 1 next round of Mini racing is upon us, this time, we are in Brands Hatch in Kent. Another tricky track with lots of bends and deadly straights.

We were back to the normal set up this time round with the Mini Se7ens having their own qualifying and race with the Mini Miglias up first.

The pole position has a familiar face to it as Rupert Deeth, 2014 champion and current championship leader, sits there, with Nick Padmore, who we haven’t seen racing since the first weekend, sitting next to him. Aaron Smith is just Quick Links

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

behind in third.

The lights go down and it’s Aaron Smith who makes a better start then Padmore as he sails through into second place, race leader Deeth is also making a good start.

A good start from Dave Drew moves him through into third, as Padmore loses yet another place. What a terrible first lap from Padmore.

Deeth stretches his lead going into the second lap, but Smith looks like he will be putting pressure on him. While Drew is now putting Smith under pressure. At the minute, it’s any of the top seven cars.

Third lap in and Smith tries again up the inside but can’t

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get past Deeth.

Meanwhile in the Libra class, Joe Thompson leads as Gary Warburton spins off the track, but he recovers well to get back onto the tarmac.

Deeth leads at lap four and is still under huge pressure from Smith, Drew is still in the mix but gets it horribly wrong round Hawthorn bend and lets Padmore back through into third.

Kane Astin puts in the fastest lap back down in sixth place on lap 5 as Rob Howard retires from the race with engine problems.

Coming into lap 6, Deeth still leads but Smith is right up behind the championship • Race Timetable • Archive

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leader and is putting him under real pressure.

Smith then looks at going past him but Deeth makes it stick. Then Padmore tries to go past them both as Drew recovers from his earlier spin to catch up with the leading four.

This is so close now as Padmore and Drew make contact and both have a little spin and recover very well gets a good run through Hawthorn.

Drew moves up into third with Padmore trying to recover and make his way back to the front four, but what’s this?

Drew looks in trouble here and is going off.

Going into lap 10, Smith takes the lead from Deeth as he out-powers him, but the Quick Links

August 2017

former champion sticks with him and is putting pressure back on as Padmore seems to be pulling the front two in.

Deeth then looks to go round Smith at Paddock straight but Smith keeps his line, they then go side by side coming through Druids - what a race we have here!

Deeth comes through the outside of Druids on the next lap but Smith draws him in again to keep the race lead, he then tries to go up the left side, but once again Smith blocks his path through.

The front three are very close here as Deeth slipstreams on Smith, but again the leader defends and Deeth cannot get through.

Coming onto the final lap

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Issue 6

now and Deeth tries again to move up the inside of Smith, but Smith just has the speed as he crosses the line to take Round 9. Deeth takes second place and Padmore takes third. Colin Peacock finishes in fourth.

Rupert Deeth, who couldn’t quite get round to win said: “I just kept trying to give it a go, but this is Aaron’s home track and he knows it well. What an excellent race though.”

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 9 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Aaron Smith Rupert Deeth Nick Padmore Kane Astin Colin Peacock • Race Timetable • Archive

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Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report davies defiant despite penalty

Round 9 Brands Hatch July 8, 2017

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

The

MINI Se7ens: RACE 1 Mini Se7en Championship and the S-class is also back for round 9. After qualifying Lewis Selby and Darren Thomas sit on the front row with Ashley Davies sitting just behind.

is 20 plus competitors.

The lights go out and Selby and Thomas sit side by side going into turn one.

Selby is only slightly ahead of everyone else here as three cars try to slipstream each other as Thomas tries to get past Selby.

It’s a good start by Davies This is the fifth year the S-class who moves to be wheel to cars have taken part, with them being an entry level into wheel with Thomas in second, but Thomas makes it stick as the championship.

Budd looks comfortable in The design of the S-class fourth place. cars are designed to have As the second lap starts, low running costs. The cost Davies gets a 10 second of running a S-class car for a time penalty for being out of season is the same as buying position on the starting grid, two Starbucks coffee a day, what a bad error from the which is just incredible. defending champion.

This year, the class as Thomas then gets the black exploded with over 10 competitors taken part and the and white warning flag for his driving style as he pulls up side forecast for the next 2-3 years Quick Links

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by side to Selby again but he holds on.

Thomas moves up the side of Selby and puts in a case for the lead, which he manages to get, but Selby then tries to squeeze him out and does it. Davies then moves past Thomas into second.

Lap six now and Davies looks to attack Selby in the lead but he closes the door as Budd, who is now in third makes a move on Davies and takes it, but Davies wins it straight back.

Selby looks to be slightly pulling away now, but Davies isn’t giving up as he tries it on with Selby again and he yet again gets the door closed on him.

The Welshmen then has a turn of pace and goes past • Race Timetable • Archive

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Pit & Paddock

Selby into the lead. Very nicely done there. Selby then has another nightmare as Thomas moves past him and moves into second.

Budd then puts pressure on Selby who is now in third.

Thomas and Davies move side by side but Davies shows why he is current champion and defends again. Selby then does a lovely move up the outside of Thomas to take second place back.

This is going to be a fascinating end to the race as the top four are all equal distance apart.

Going into lap 12 now as Selby goes side by side with Davies. Then, Thomas develops a mechanical fault Quick Links

August 2017

and is forced into the pit lane.

He was having such a good battle, what a shame.

The front two are so close now as Budd moves up into third. Selby moves side by side with Davies but he still cannot get past the Welshmen as they come up to some backmarkers, who are causing havoc.

Lap 16 now as the front two remain tied together as Budd joins them for the battle for the win. Selby then tries to get past Davies, which in turn allows Budd to come through past Selby into second place.

Coming into the final lap now, Davies looks to be more comfortable in first now and Selby dropping back in third place. Davies then crosses

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Issue 6

the line to take his second victory of the season, and Mr Consistant, Charlie Budd takes second place with Selby coming home in third.

Lewis Selby, who lead for most of that race said “Not too disappointed with that, it was a hard race, I was put under a lot of pressure, so very happy to get third actually.”

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 9 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ashley Davies Charlie Budd Lewis Selby Max Hunter Dom Burger • Race Timetable • Archive

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August 2017

Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Report Round 10 Brands Hatch July 9, 2017

Battle for second as davies dominates

Min

MINI Se7ens: RACE 2 i Se7ens second race is up and Darren Thomas and Ashley Davies are both on pole with Charlie Budd in second and Dan Budd in fourth. As they go through the warm up lap, Dan Budd seems to have stopped on the grid and can’t get moving again. This is holding up the start of the race as he gets pushed back into the pits.

Davies and Thomas both make good starts as Davies moves side by side with Thomas. Meanwhile Lewis Selby dives up the inside of Budd and moves up into third place.

Davies then sneaks slightly into the lead and is pulling Quick Links

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

away as Selby and Budd battle it out for second place because Thomas has another problem with his car and is out.

The top three cars breakaway with Davies pulling out into a strong lead and Selby and Budd making a great battle out of it.

These two are very close as Budd tries to slipstream up the side of Selby but he closes the door.

Lap five starts and Darren Eaton comes off and Selby slightly moving away and keeps going as he increases his lead.

The top three are in a world of their own it seems. Budd and Selby go side by side at Druids, but keeps hold of the lead. Meanwhile, Deviny, who

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has had a bad couple of races, moves up into fourth.

Lap 10 starts and Davies is well in the lead as Budd keeps on going at Selby but he is doing a great job of defending. They go side by side through Druids but Selby keeps hold of second place.

This is a great battle these two are having.

Budd then has enough speed to go side by side with Selby, but yet again, Selby defends and is still in second place.

His resilience pays of though as he picks up enough speed to finally sneak past Selby and make it stick.

Traffic then holds up Selby in third, which allows Budd to increase his second place lead, • Race Timetable • Archive

8

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while Davies is way ahead enjoying his lead. The battle for second continues into the final lap, as Davies crosses the line to take the victory.

A little while later, Budd and Selby cross the line. Budd in second and Selby in third.

What a fantastic race.

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August 2017

S-class winner was Peter Crewes with Butler coming in second. Crewes getting the fastest lap of the race for them.

Championship leader, Charlie Budd, said “I really enjoyed that race, it’s just a shame I didn’t manage to pull away.”

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Issue 6

MINI SE7ENS ROUND 10 RESULT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ashley Davies Charlie Budd Lewis Selby Andrew Deviny Max Hunter • Race Timetable • Archive

9

PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 9+10 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 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

3 5 77 1 28 37 2 25 7 791 8 27 742 35 11 20 700 19 47 49 95 94 4 99 723 45 55 707 84 765 46 15 771 17 48

Charlie BUDD Lewis SELBY Andrew DEVINY Ashley DAVIES Dom BURGER Gareth HUNT Spencer WANSTALL Joe THOMPSON Graeme DAVIS Shaun TARLTON Kieren MCDONALD Leon Oli WINDOW Ben BUTLER Paul SPARK Tim STANBRIDGE Darren THOMAS Justin COOPER Tom SANDERSON Daniel BUDD Ross BILLISON Julian PROCTOR Lee ROBERTS Max HUNTER Chris BLACKWELL-FROST James BULL Leon WIGHTMAN Darren EATON Roland PARSLOE Rob PEARSON Simon MARTIN Dick HUNTER Steve BAKER Julian AFFLECK Ian BRISCALL Ralph BUDD

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

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

12 3

1 3

1 1 13 2 2

2 0 12 2 1

9

8

4 8

2 6

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

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

15 20 19 17 14 12 18 1 16 11

19 20 18 17 13 3 12 8 16 9

3 0 w 1

9 14 w 7

6

5

10

1

1 9 7

18 5 14 19 17 1 16 1 8 10 13 12 9

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

19 18 1 20 16 14 1 15 10 13 1 7 8

19 18 17 20 13 12 14 15 3 9 1 1 6

9 6 1 3 1 10 1 1 13 8 7

10 5 6 11 1 1 14 1 15 4 7

11 20 1` w 15 1

7 20 11 w 1 0

12 1 3

10 1 4

1

0

2 2

6 7

2 6

1 0 6 2 17 1 5

1 0 5 2 16 2 1

4 5

0 1 3

2

1

1 4

5 4

2

2

2

2

2* 2 11 2

1 2 11 2

5

2

1 1 1

0 2 0

1

3

9 2

7 2

4

8

181 155 144 132 131 113 102 97 89 83 82 79 67 63 62 58 53 41 37 37 36 36 33 31 27 26 26 25 22 19 17 17 17 15 12

181 155 144 132 131 113 102 97 89 83 82 79 67 63 62 58 53 41 37 37 36 36 33 31 27 26 26 25 22 19 17 17 17 15 12

36 37 38 39 41

44 46 nc

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

96 747 792 44 724 779 30 792 70 38 71 60

Stuart GILBY Kelvin EDGAR Kevin O’SHEA Duncan EMMETT Richard BULL Andy DICKINSON Tina COOPER Kevin O’SHEA Eian RIDDIFORD Steven HOPPER Simon JONES Malcolm KEAT

2 1 1

2 2 4

w 1

1

1

w 0

2

1

1

2

3

2

2 2

2 2

0

0

2 2 2

2 2 2

2

1

4

2 0

0 w

w

12 9 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 0 -

12 9 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 3 0 -

Entered 32 32 28 28 37 37 Qualified 33 33 29 29 27 27 26 26 37 37 Started 32 31 27 23 27 27 26 23 35 35 Finished 21 25 18 20 21 22 19 21 28 28 Scoring: 1st = 20, 2nd =19, 3rd =18, etc down to 18th = 3, all other finishers = 2, non-finishers = 1 Castle Combe 17 April FL: C Budd Pole: C Budd Spax Grid Improver: B Butler (+14) Castle Combe 17 April FL: L Selby Pole: C Budd Spax Grid Improver: T Stanbridge (+18) Snetterton 13 May FL: L Selby Pole: A Deviny Spax Grid Improver: S Tarlton (+8) Snetterton 14 May FL: A Davies (record) Pole: L Selby Spax Grid Improver: T Sanderson (+20) Donington Park GP 3 June FL: D Thomas Pole: C Budd Spax Grid Improver: A Davies (+9) Donington Park GP 4 June FL: A Davies (record) Pole: D Thomas Spax Grid Improver: J Thompson (+12) Silverstone GP 25 June FL: D Thomas Pole: A Davies Spax Grid Improver: A Deviny (+17) #20 ran as 201 Silverstone GP 25 June FL: D Thomas (record) Pole: D Thomas Spax Grid Improver: G Hunt (+16) #20 ran as 201 Brands Hatch 8 July FL: D Thomas Pole: L Selby Spax Grid Improver: R Pearson (+21) #55 ran in consolation race* Brands Hatch 9 July FL: C Budd Pole: D Thomas Spax Grid Improver: K O’Shea (+10) Oulton Park 18-19 August Rockingham 30 Sept-1 Oct Brands Hatch 18-19 Nov

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 11

791 742 700 707 723 771 765 792 747 724 779

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

1 8 10 5 1 6

1 8 10 1 0 6

1 4

5 4

10 8 4 6

10 6 8 4

1 5

3 2

1 1

0 5

10 6 8

10 8 1

5

6

4 1

4 5

10 8 1 5 6 1 4

6 8 10 4 5 3 2

10 8 5 3 6 2 2 2 2

10 8 6 3 1 4 2 5 2

4

2

78 76 63 31 30 26 25 19 13 6 6

78 76 63 31 30 26 25 19 13 6 6

Pts

Total

38 27 23 22 14 4

38 27 23 22 14 4

Scoring: 1st = 10, 2nd = 8, 3rd = 6, 4th = 5, 5th = 4, 6th = 3, all other finishers = 2, non-finishers = 1

2017 MINI SE7EN NOVICES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

1 2 3 4 5 6

25 99 55 765 96 724

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

3 1 2

4 2 3

5 4 3 2 w 1

4 1 1 2 w 3

1 5 4 3 2

4 3 1 2 1

1 4 1 2 3

6 2 5 4 3

5 1 2* 4 3

5 4 1 3 2

Scoring: lowest finisher = 2, higher incremental finishers = +1, non-finishers = 1

11

12

13

14

PROVISIONAL POINTS after rounds 9+10 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 18 19 20 21 22 23 nc

1 2 3 4

23 21 29 72 88 85 92 83 81 77 42 22 11 26 37 797 50 55 56 69 20 40 49 15

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

18 20 15 16 17 19 12 13 1

1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

20 19 15 16 18 1 14 13 11

20 19 15 0 18 13 16 12 11

0

12 w 1

10 w 1

11

0

14 1

0 0

1 10 17

1

1

20 -0 17 19 18 1 1

11 20 17 19 18 13 0

1 1 16

16 14 12

0 9 14

17

15

0

1 1

0 15

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

20 19 18 17 0 15 13 -0 14 16 12 1

10 1

11 0

1

19 20 1 1

18 20 17 13

14 9 16 15 13 12 11 17 7 10 6

1 11 15 14 16 12 1 19 8 10 7

18 0

1 1

8

9

w

w

0

0

Entered 19 19 16 16 25 25 Qualified 19 19 18 18 15 15 16 16 24 24 Started 18 0 18 15 15 12 16 13 23 23 Finished 13 0 13 14 8 11 13 11 18 17 Scoring: 1st = 20, 2nd =19, 3rd =18, etc down to 18th = 3, all other finishers = 2, non-finishers = 1 Castle Combe 17 April FL: A Smith (record) Pole: R Deeth Grid Improver: D Drew (+8) Castle Combe 17 April FL: n/a Pole: A Smith Grid Improver: n/a * Round 2 Postponed after grid published; rescheduled race provisional @ Rockingham 30 Sept-1 Oct… Snetterton 13 May FL: A Smith Pole: R Howard Grid Improver: A Smith (+7) Snetterton 14 May FL: R Deeth (record) Pole: A Smith Grid Improver: T Le May (+7)

166 155 134 115 98 90 88 85 83 77 74 52 39 36 33 32 31 29 20 20 17 17 1 -

166 155 134 115 98 90 88 85 83 77 74 52 39 36 33 32 31 29 20 20 17 17 1 -

5

Donington Park GP 3 June FL: R Deeth Pole: R Deeth * #21 to count -0 penalty in final best 11 scores Donington Park GP 4 June FL: R Deeth (record) Pole: R Deeth Silverstone GP 25 June FL: R Deeth (record) Pole: R Deeth #37 ran as 87, 77 as 74 Silverstone GP 25 June FL: R Deeth Pole: R Deeth #37 ran as 87, 77 as 74 * #83 to count -0 penalty in final best 11 scores Brands Hatch 8 July FL: N Padmore (record) Pole: R Deeth Brands Hatch 9 July FL: A Smith Pole: N Padmore Oulton Park 18-19 August Rockingham 30 Sept-1 Oct Brands Hatch 18-19 Nov

6 7 8 9 10 11+12 13+14 0-Plate

Grid Improver: J Dunkley (+8) Grid Improver: A Smith (+12) Grid Improver: D Drew (+5) Grid Improver: A Smith (+6) Grid Improver: S Summerhayes (+5) Grid Improver: A Smith (+4)

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

10

10

40

40

Pts

Total

21 12 8 6

21 12 8 6

Scoring: 1st = 10, 2nd = 8, 3rd = 6, 4th = 5, 5th = 4, 6th = 3, all other finishers = 2, non-finishers = 1

2017 MINI MIGLIA NOVICES Pos

#

Driver

1

2

3

4

1 2 3 4

81 37 26 40

Alfie BROWN James CUTHBERTSON Peter ARNOLD Stuart WRIGHT

1 2

0 0

2 1

2 0

5

6

7

8

9

10

3 1 2

3 0 2

5 4 2 3

5 4 2 3

Scoring: lowest finisher = 2, incremental finishers = +1, non-finishers = 1

11

12

13

14

2017 MINI LIBRE 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

177 149 126 107 182 220 144 127

Peter CREWES Gary WARBURTON Peter HILLS James LINDRIDGE Matt KANE Joe THOMPSON Kenny HUNT Ian FRASER

10 1 8

0 0 0

6

0

0

10 1 8

10 0 8

10 8

1 10

10

10

10 1 8 6

10 1 8 6

1 1

1 0

0

Scoring: 1st = 10, 2nd = 8, 3rd = 6, 4th = 5, 5th = 4, 6th = 3, all other finishers = 2, non-finishers = 1 Mini Libre not eligible for main Challenge points

61 42 40 12 6 2 1 0

61 42 40 12 6 2 1 0

Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

SPONSORS

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AUGUST 19 Round 11 & 12 Oulton Park Little Budworth, Tarporley CW6 9BW www.oultonpark.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

Quick Links

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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August 2017

Issue 6

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPARES

Race Timetable Oulton Park August 19, 2017

SPONSORS

Mini 7 Saturday August 19 Qualifying Race 1 Race 2

09.00 09.20 11.25 11.45 15.15 15.35

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Mini Miglia Saturday August 19 Qualifying Race 1 Race 2

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09.55 10.15 12.30 12.50 16.20 16.40

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

Photo Gallery

Brands Hatch, July 8-9, 2017 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

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

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC history books recounts events at Oulton Park in past decades…

2007 10 Years Ago

2007 – Se7en pack headed by Astin from race winner Thompson Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

Oulton

Park played host to the third-roundof-10 in the Dunlop National Challenges over the 26-28 bank holiday weekend, on this occasion on the slightly shorter 2.26-mile Island circuit (minus the banked hairpin of the fuller International layout).

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Each formula had 11 laps apiece, and in the first of them for Se7ens, Paul Thompson managed to open up an ‘enormous’ 2.315s gap at the flag, including the fastest lap of the race, ahead of Max Hunter, the two Deviny brothers, Andrew and Ian, Kane Astin and Niven Burge.

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2007 – Gordon Pocock in a spin Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

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August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Oulton Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago Also among the 25 starters were Paul Clark, Gareth Hunt, Graeme Davis, Jabez Dyer, James Coulson, Paul Spark, leading S-Class Nathan Burge, Malcolm Keat and Darren Thomas.

There were 17 cars on the Miglia grid, pole sitter Kelly Rogers getting the nod in an extremely tight encounter, just 0.317s in front of Bill Sollis, with Endaf Owens third, record fastest

2007 – Miglias led by Kelly Rogers Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

2007 – Andy Ruthven gets out of shape Photo: M7RC Archive (Pitlane)

lap man Colin Peacock (1:38.804) fourth, Mark Sims fifth and Andy Hack sixth, with Tony Le May and Paul Simmonds also among

the 14 finishers. Somewhat unusually, qualifying was on the Saturday with the races not until the Monday - rumours that the M7RC went to church en masse on the Sunday are unfounded!

A Good

Friday meeting on 28 March opened the 13-round Unipart-DCM National Challenges, the BRSCC (NW) hosting a trio of 8-lappers on the 2.776-mile International circuit. The first of these was a qualifier to whittle down the massive 42-car Mini Se7en entry to establish 32 starters for the later final. Tony ‘two-tone’ Ragona won this from Niv ‘Nutter’ Burge by the narrow margin of just 0.55s, with Stuart Grayer third. The main race was led away by Dave Braggins from pole, and after championelect Steve Bell had departed the fray after an impossible three-abreast-into-a-corner sortout on the opening lap, Braggins was able to make a break which he kept to the flag, a

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1997 20 Year s Ago

1997 – Chris Lewis won the Miglia race Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

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

1997 – Se7en qualifying race, headed by Tony Ragona Photo: M7RC Archive / Ferret Fotographics (M Harvey)

few lengths clear of a great scrap for second eventually headed by James Hayman after his brother Matt was demoted to fourth on the last lap by Phil Manser in a sterling recovery drive.

Paul Brown and Dave Percival completed the leaderboard, with other familiar names tagging along behind including Mark Sims, Dick Hunter, Jason Porter,

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Paul Thompson, Rob Selby and, in a rare outing in his own car, Eurosport commentator Martin Haven.

Having qualified on pole, Chris Lewis had to wait until the second lap to regain the front from a fast-starting Stewart Drake, although he was made to work for his 0.22s winning margin. The season’s champion,

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Bill Sollis, had to settle for third, but established a new lap record of 1:56.66, while Ian Curley headed the rest from Wayne Grayer and Ian Gunn, with the likes of Phil Harvey and Colin Peacok not far behind. Mike Jackson and Peter Baldwin recorded DNFs, the latter after collecting Richard Wager’s gearless car.

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

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

1987 – Miglia bunch led by Ian Gunn Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

The fab

ulous

Thundersports series headlined the weekend of 5-6 September, round 13-of-15 in the then Austin Rover-backed National Challenge. Hosted by the Oulton Park Racing Club, just the one 10-lap race for the Minis was on offer, meaning a combined grid for the 23 entries, and after qualifying on a somewhat damp Saturday morning, Chrises Lewis

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1987 30 Year s Ago

(Miglia) and Tyrrell (Se7en) headed their respective classes, but split only by 4.94s around the full 2.769-mile circuit! An interesting post-practice note on the timesheets was for several cars to improve the clarity of their race numbers – it seems that some things never change…

Sunday was equally wet, and from pole Lewis went into a lead he was not to lose, despite the efforts of Bev Comber to find a

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way past, the latter setting a new lap record of 2:11.51s, although not as quick as the qualifying times. Starting from the rear, Howard Hunt used his local circuit knowledge to good effect to claim third in his ‘ShyTot’ car ahead of Mark Jones, season champ’ Russell Grady, and Richard Colburn in the 1.0-litre machines.

In the 850cc category, soonto-be-champion Tyrrell looked

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Oulton Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago to have thrown away his early lead with a spin at Old Hall on the second lap, but with a couple to go was back up among the class leaders, moving ahead once more (in 9th overall) to win by 1.35s from the closely battling group of Malcolm Joyce, Tina Cooper (new fastest lap) and Peter Bonas, with Peter Brown and Dick Grimwood completing the top half-dozen Se7ens.

1987 – Mikal Mini Se7en on show at the Bromley Pageant Photo: M+A Jackson Collection

Two tri

1977 – Saunders, Leggate and Soper battle in 1275 GTs Photo: courtesy Autosport

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1977 40 Year s Ago

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ps to Oulton were shoehorned into a busy season, the first on 6 June at the BRSCCNW’s Radio City Race Day, in which the Leyland Cars National Mini 850 (Se7en) Challenge had its sixth-round-of-16. From a field of 19 cars, Chris Lewis led away from pole before his remote gearshift fell apart and dropped him from the running. This left a duel between champion-elect Martin Goodall and Chris Tyrrell, which was settled in the former’s favour by a narrow 0.6s, both sharing the fastest lap of the race. John West, Bob Addison, Graham Wenham and Russell Grady filled the next places.

There was o championship

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

From the Archives:

Oulton Park 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago visit for the Mini 1000s (Miglia), but instead, Leyland’s top-tier 1275 GT Challenge played out their ninth-round-of-16 on the 20 August at a BRSCC (NW) meeting. In its second season, the Clubman-fronted series was still short on entries but the quality of racing lacked for nothing, with eventual season champion Steve Soper (Longman-tuned) starting from pole and taking a narrow 0.6s victory over ’76 champion Roger Saunders (Sigma), with Malcolm Leggate (Speedsport), John Parton-Edwards (MiniSport), Rob Lodge and Anthony Pownall in the top six. Front row starter

Geoff Till’s 1977 – Chris Lewis took pole at Oulton in Mini 850 engine let go Photo: J Parish Collection / Ferret Fotographics from the off, (R Standish) then Paul Taft (Motospeed) took over in front but, soon after setting a new lap record, spun off into the armco at Druids, and finally Steve Harris’ (Wessex Kentreds) challenge ended with 850s and 1000s joined in too, piston failure. To help beef up Geoff Cross and Brian Coles best the grid, a few non-championship of these respectively.

The Che

on 7 October drew 17 teams, and even before the start nobody would have given odds on the John Stantonmanaged 850cc Formula Mini-7 Mini crew to run out winners by 3 laps! Although eight M7C team cars were initially entered, just four arrived and one of those, James Jay’s, burst its rad after qualifying, leaving just three cars to take on the assembled rivals.

However, the combined efforts of Bob Green, Mick Walker and Gerry Allen saw them perform heroics, with not only reliability but

1967 50 Year s Ago

shire venue wasn’t on the championship calendar, but instead provided the backdrop for a landmark result in the history of the then M7C. Hosted by the Lancashire & Cheshire Car Club, the annual Oulton Park 5-Hour Relay held

1967 – Infamous Mini racing cartoon!

Image: M7RC Archive

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consistency mixed with a fair turn of speed as well, to complete 130 laps (plus a slightly generous 30 credit laps under the handicap system) in an elapsed time of 4h 58m 23s , at an incredible average of 77.17 mph!

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Pit & Paddock

August 2017

Issue 6

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers 2017

Mini Se7en # 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 43 Ralph BUDD 45 Leon WIGHTMAN 46 Dick HUNTER 47 Daniel BUDD 48 Ralph 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 99

Stuart GILBY Chris BLACKWELL-FROST

Mini Miglia 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 107 James LINDRIDGE 126 Peter HILLS 127 Ian FRASER 133 Les STANTON 149 Gary WARBURTON 177 Peter CREWES 182 Matthew KANE 186 David FRANCIS 192 Steve JONES 220 Joe THOMPSON 225 Paul THOMPSON

# Driver 11 Kane ASTIN 15 Gordon POCOCK 20 Mark SIMS 21 Aaron SMITH 22 James DUNKLEY 23 Rupert DEETH 26 Peter ARNOLD 29 Dave DREW 37 James CUTHBERTSON 40 Stuart WRIGHT 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

August 2017

Issue 6 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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Roll of Honour

Issue 6

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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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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