M7RC Newsletter - Issue 3

Pit and Paddock

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2014

Issue 3: May 2014 Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk

SPONSORS

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

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preview: rounds 5&6

Can

CADWELL PARK MAy 31-Jun 1

WORDS: Richard Williamson

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it really be four years since the Mini 7 Racing Club last visited the picturesque Lincolnshire circuit? Likened to a ‘mini Nurburgring’ the 2.19-mile circuit, which was originally carved out for motorbikes 80 years ago, rises and dips with fast open sweeps combined with tight and twisty sections in among the trees, and offers a fabulous roller-coaster ride for the drivers. Both the Mini Se7en and Mini Miglia Challenges will no doubt

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produce the races of the weekend, but on the support bill are the equally interesting Legends, Mazda MX5s and Classic Touring Cars.

MINI SE7EN Four rounds into the 2014 season and reigning Champion Andrew Deviny sits atop the points table with a nine-point advantage over his nearest rival.

At the recent Brands Hatch Mini Racing Festival a fuelling problem

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1

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3 restricted Andrew to seventh on the Saturday but second place on Sunday helped boost the total of first and second from Castle Combe last month.

Kieren McDonald has crept into second on points, thanks to four consistent finishes in the top-six, while in third is Darren Thomas who came away from Brands with second place followed up with victory to add to the one he scored at Combe, and underline his status as one of the title favourites. Ashley Davies looked to be on course for a doublevictory at Brands, having led from start to finish on the Saturday, but sadly the following day his engine failed when out in front. Ashley sits sixth in the points behind Leon Wightman and Graeme

Davis, the latter with a brace of podium visits, while of the rest Ross Billison produced a fine drive to third in the first Brands race before retiring in the second, while Spencer Wanstall leads the Novice standings by a single point from Shaun Tarlton, the latter heading up the S-Class runners after Brands.

So who might be a good bet for Cadwell honours? Well, on the last visit in 2010 Andrew Deviny shared the race wins with Max Hunter (still hoping to be out during 2014), while other runners from then still competing in Mini Se7en this year include Darren Thomas, Graeme Davis, Nathan Burge, Julian Proctor, Kelvin Edgar, David Robinson, Steven Hopper, Ian Deviny and Kevin O’Shea.

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Mini se7en Records & Regulations

Lap record: Neil Johnson

Time. 1:50.12

Ave. 71.04 mph on 29 April 2001

Engines: 998cc modified A-Series (S-Class: Std 1275cc limited mods) 0-60mph: 6.6 seconds (S-Class: 7.5 seconds) Top speed: 110 mph (S-Class: 105 mph) Note: Trophies to top three finishers (trophy to S-Class winner) Note: (S-Class numbered from #90 - #99)

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2

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3 SPONSORS

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Com MINI MIGLIA

petition among the leading Mini Miglia runners in 2014 is probably as close as it has ever been, with up to half-a-dozen potential winners.

After a measured weekend at Brands which saw him take his second win of the season, Kane Astin leads the Challenge from Dan Wheeler by virtue of the extra victory as they both have amassed 72 points so far. Combe winner Dan had a hectic Brands schedule as he also competed in several historic races in his Mini Cooper S, so a third and fourth were a good return on his efforts.

Having come away from Combe with just a single point, pre-season favourite Aaron Smith needed to claw back some points at his local circuit. A contentious clash with Richard Casey when going

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MINI MIGLIA Records & Regulations Lap record: Chris Lewis Ave. 77.87 mph on 29 April 2001

Time. 1:40.46

Engines: 1293cc modified A-Series 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds Top speed: 125 mph Note:

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Trophies to top three finishers

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for the lead at Paddock Bend put them both out of Saturday’s race (Richard also non-starting in the second race), so a hard fought victory the next day at least put Aaron’s season on the map.

The biggest step up in performance however has come from Rob Howard, whose Endaf Owens-tended car has been transformed over the winter into a car capable of leading and setting fastest race laps. Rob sits a point ahead of the consistent Colin Peacock, with Rupert Deeth a further point in arrears, and with three podium finishes already this season is surely due that first win soon!?

Tony Le May and James Coulson have been on the tails of the frontrunners throughout, while Dave Drew’s opening round promise of a pair of thirds was tempered with a huge off in practice at Brands, and may have curtailed his season for the time being. Similarly the points table positions of Richard Casey and Niven Burge don’t reflect the pace they have shown so far.

Based on the previous races from 2010, then Niv Burge’s pair of second places might suggest he is a dark horse for victory, although the double-winner back then was Paul Thompson, who currently helps run the car of Kane Astin…

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3

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3 MINI-7 CLASSIC Class After their dedicated historic races at Brands, battle resumes at Cadwell in the inaugural series for the invited classics. Most of the runners from Combe last month have signalled their intention to be at Cadwell, with Ian Curley likely to be among the Class leaders. The Nick Paddy/ Bill Sollis car was rolled at Brands so hopefully will be repaired in time, while Tim Stanbridge and Steve Jones will be aiming to close the gap around the tighter parts of the Lincolnshire venue. Once again, the Mini-7 Classics will share the grid with the Miglias and Invitation cars.

INVITATION Class The Brands Mini Racing Festival drew a healthy five-car entry, with overseas visitors joining in too. On this occasion, newcomer Jason Burgess bagged a brace of Class trophies in his 1300 example, beating Damon Astin to the prize in the opening race, and then taking the second after Damon dropped out of the Class lead, although their battle with Sam Summerhayes’ full Miglia-spec car was a highlight of the second encounter. On each occasion, Combe victor Gary Warburton chased for all his worth to stay within sight of the lead battle, while unfortunately French visitor Greg Carini (class runner-up here two season ago) crashed out early in the first race and missed out on the second.

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Mini-7 Classic Records & Regulations Note: Mini-7 Classic series numbered from #150 upwards, nonpoints scoring but trophy to class winner (if three starters or more).

Note: Invitation class numbered from #100 - #149, non-points scoring but trophy to class winner (if three starters or more).

Note: Mini-7 Classic series & Invitation class intended to start on the Mini Miglia grid.

Note: The M7RC holds its own award ceremony in the paddock after the races – this is in addition to any post-race podium presentation by the circuit/meeting organisers…

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4

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Chairman’s Chat Words of wisdom from the man at the top.

F

irst of all, apologies for not writing the last Chairman’s Chat… thanks Colin for stepping in at the last moment, as I was off to Devon for a week to have a family gathering in an old paper mill! Great pub in the village by the way.

Well I’m now in the swing of it again and lots to talk about. Let’s start with the racing so far… Castle Combe and Brands Hatch. As usual we put on a great show, with very respectable grids for a warm Easter Monday Combe meeting. Great shame that Gareth Hunt had a crank go in the first race, especially being on pole. It was also good to see a new member at Combe ~ Matthew Gleave, with Andy Ruthven’s old car. I was in the commentary box for the first race and witnessed the confusion of the number of laps completed! In fact the cars completed 11 laps. First time I can remember this happening.

It was so good to see several Classics joining the Miglia grid for the first time; some old faces were racing with us again. Old, in the ‘past members’ sense of the word! Shame to see some cars were badly damaged at the end of the meeting, but good to see the drivers were not injured.

It was somewhat surprising to see

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somewhat reduced grids at Brands Hatch, compared to last year’s Mini Festival. A total of 51 cars {Migs & Se7ens} qualified last year and 35 cars this year. Why were the numbers down? “The meeting was too early this year” {June 22/23 last year}, “It clashed with a major Mini show at Himley Hall”… were two reasons given by those who I asked around the paddock. Neither of these reasons can I understand.

Saying that, we still put on a great show, thanks to all of you who turned up to enjoy a great weekend {albeit very cold}, along with an excellent BBQ put on by the usual team.

Thanks again and also what a fantastic sum of money collected for Macmillan Cancer support. A big

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thank you to all of you {you know who you are} who attended the Club stand, sold lots of brightly coloured woolly hats, handed out 2014 regs {Jacquie and Simon} to those who had not received them at Combe, the list goes on. Where would we be without our volunteers? Also thanks to Matthew and Co. for some great pictures and our race reporters.

I would like to think and already it is becoming evident, that this year will be somewhat improved when it comes to more frequent newsletters and an improved website. Becoming a Club Member online has been an issue over the years, as is getting on the Club website for some.

Mark Cowan has kindly offered his services in revamping the website, now that Jeff Carter has decided to call it a day. Jeff has contributed excellent work over the years, doing a lot of ‘things’ behind the scenes, which most people

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5

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Chairman’s Chat contd… are not aware of. I thank Jeff for all of his excellent work over the years.

Following on from this, the makers of love:mini magazine have stepped in to produce our newsletter ‘at zero cost’.

Please attach the love:mini decals to your cars, if not already in place, ready for the Cadwell meeting. I would like to think that you all are pleased with the quality and quantity of the newsletters so far…

I await some comments! Thank you to Craig McBeth of love:mini.

On the subject of decals, Darren Thomas has kindly said he will look after the Championship decals during 2014… it is so important that these are present on your cars, to maintain sponsorship agreements and to follow Championship regulations! Steve Prior will be on the prowl looking for ‘culprits’ during 2014.

There are two subjects I would like to raise… first subject is the annual awards evening. Jeff Carter has looked after this in the past {one of his behind the scenes unpaid activities} but as of yet, I have had no volunteers to take over the managing of the event. Similarly, we haven’t organised a venue for 2014, so yet again, some suggestions would be

appreciated. This is fairly high priority, as we are approaching halfway through the season!

Secondly, what do we do next year to celebrate our 50th season of racing?

Before anyone says it is 2016 that we should be celebrating, not 2015… think www.mbracephotography.co.uk about it. 1966 was the first season on racing… 2015 will be our 50th season of racing. I’m afraid Goodwood have SPONSORS declined our offer of putting on an excellent show at their 2015 Members Meeting… “You’re too modern etc”!

Very short sighted of them, I feel. So any suggestions would be gratefully received; like the awards evening, we need to crack on getting some ideas together.

Well that’s enough from me for the time being… hope to see good grids at Cadwell Park. Haven’t been there for magazine yonks. Hope to see you all there… it’s a great testing track!

love:mini

Nick Nick Cooke Chairman M7RC

TEAM WARBURTON Using their loaf “I have attached a team photo that was taken at Castle Combe, I think it is obvious for all to see that we were all thrilled to be there and thoroughly enjoying the day.

If you have a newsletter please put us in as I think we make a good advert for the club.”

Thanks for your help Jayne Wickstrom Team Warburton Car #102 Quick Links • Preview

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6

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Brands Hatch, May 10-11, 2014

Davies dominates as deviny retires WORDS: Mark Chandler

Ash

MINI SE7ENS: ROUND 1 ley Davies took pole on a very greasy Brands Hatch Indy track with Hunt, McDonald and Wightman behind for an 18-lap race.

It was a fantastic start for Andrew Deviny and Graeme Davis as Kieren McDonald fell back to sixth allowing Deviny to move up to second after chasing down Gareth Hunt at Cooper straight. Hunt falls back to fourth after being overtaken by both Deviny and Davis, as Ashley Davies leads.

Lap three see Deviny, in second, being chased down

by Darren Thomas, who has made great progress through the pack after starting seventh on the grid. Davis and Billison take Paddock Hill Bend three abreast but it was Thomas who closes the door to take third with Davis fourth and Billison fifth.

A big gap back to the Quick Links • Preview

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chasing pack sees Gareth Hunt followed by Burge, and Wansall and Wightman having their own battle for sixth and seventh.

Lap five sees Deviny 1.4 seconds behind a flying Ashley Davies, with Thomas putting in the fastest lap with a 1.00.384 to catch the second-place man coming over the start-finish line together. Deviny defends nicely leaving Thomas to slot back into third at Paddock Hill Bend where he makes a big mistake dropping a wheel off the tarmac losing ground but not a place which he soon makes up going into Druids.

Deviny had a very sideways moment in McLaren allowing Thomas to get back with him.

There is still a fantastic battle going on for sixth, seventh and eighth between McDonald, Hunt and Wightman all jostling for places.

Lap nine see Deviny and Thomas swap places but only for a short time as Deviny

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works hard to get it back.

Davies, Deviny and Thomas lead with Billinson and Davis falling away battling for fourth but Davis is slowing quite dramatically, eventually pulling off on the grass in lap 11.

Lap 14 see Deviny develop a misfire allowing Thomas to take second and a now free Billinson to take third. Wanstall makes big mistake, ending up in the gravel at Clearways.

Deviny struggled on to finish the race in seventh, and Tom Hartwell also had to pull off on Lap 16. Davies took the chequered flag with Thomas 0.957 seconds behind and Billinson 6.853 seconds behind that.

MINI SE7EN RACE 1 RESULT 1 5 Ashley Davies 2 4 Darren Thomas 3 49 Ross Billison 4 37 Gareth Hunt 5 88 Kieren McDonald 6 10 Leon Wightman

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7

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Brands Hatch, May 10-11, 2014

Casey blow lets astin in WORDS: Mark Chandler

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Astin is looking to overtake but can't make it. In the chasing pack Aaron Smith takes Rupert Deeth and tries really hard to pass Rob Howard but can't do it this lap. His efforts were soon rewarded on the next lap with an amazing move at Druids.

It was not a great star for A six-way pack sees Casey, either Casey or Wheeler but Astin, Smith, Wheeler Deeth, they managed to keep their Howard and Burge all jostling places. From fifth place came for postion over the start-finish a flying Kane Astin who came line. Smith goes wide in a round the outside at Padock Hill Bend to take second by the brave move and takes Astin at time he'd got to Druids Corner. Paddock Hill Bend moving into second.

He was soon attacking Casey Deeth and Wheeler are also for first, with Wheeler, Deeth, battling behind, with Deeth Smith and Howard, who lost securing fourth the next time three places on the first lap, round at Paddock Hill Bend. behind.

Lap 11 saw Aaron Smith try Astin made his move for the same move again coming the lead at Paddock Hill Bend into Paddock Hill Bend but on Lap 2, but Casey has the this time he was unsuccesful, better line and fights off the coming into contact with challenge.

Casey and heading into the The safety car came out for gravel to end his race. the next three laps due to an Richard Casey tries to carry incident with Carini. on but severe damage forces As soon as the race restarts him to retire on Hailewoods

Aw

MINI MIGLIAS: ROUND 1 et race for the Miglias saw Richard Casey on pole with Dan Wheeler and Rob Howard following.

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Hill.

Kane Astin now leads with Rupert Deeth, Wheeler, Howard and Burge following.

Astin has earnt some breathing space as Deeth and Wheeler scrap over second and third. Deeth defends well to keep the place.

The fantastic final laps saw Deeth and Wheeler still scrapping, but nobody can make it stick giving Astin a break to win by 0.0294 seconds in front of Deeth and Wheeler 0.0968 seconds behind.

Congratulations to Burgess for taking the Invitation Class win followed by Damon Astin.

MINI MIGLIA RACE 1 RESULT 1 11 Kane Astin 2 23 Rupert Deeth 3 88 Dan Wheeler 4 72 Rob Howard 5 53 Niven Burge 6 8 Colin Peacock

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8

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Brands Hatch, May 10-11, 2014

Thomas tames the pack WORDS: Mark Chandler

As

MINI SE7ENS: ROUND 2 low start from pole sitter Ashley Davies let Gareth Hunt take the lead into Paddock Hill Bend but a recovering Davies retook it into Druids and put a slight gap between him and the chasing pack.

A fantastic start saw Thomas make his way from eighth on the grid up into second in just two laps, and also Deviny moving steadily from fifth to third.

Gareth Hunt and Kieren McDonald were tussling for fifth while Leon Wightman and Graeme Davis were keeping close to them, looking to steal a place or two. An opportunity opens and Davis shoots round and off after Quick Links • Preview

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Hunt and McDonald, who he overtakes nicely, now setting his sights on Billison.

Behind Burge, Proctor and Wanstall were fighting over ninth with Tarlton and Trench getting involved a few laps on.

Up front, Thomas was trying every move he could to get past as stubborn Ashley Davies who was having none of it until he made a mistake going into Paddock Hill Bend, ending up in the gravel and giving Thomas the lead and a determined Deviny second.

Back-marker Hopper had a moment at Graham Hill Bend in front of the two leading cars, both managed to get round safely but it had allowed Deviny to catch Thomas.

Great defending from Thomas meant that whatever Deviny

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tried he just couldn’t get past, allowing Thomas to take the win just 0.161 seconds in front and Daves third, 18 seconds behind that, with Hunt, McDonald, Wightman, Tarlton and Proctor finishing off the top eight.

Tarlton had a great race starting 13th on the grid and finishing an impressive eighth and top of the 'S' class battle also with the fastest lap at 1.02.108.

MINI SE7EN RACE 2 RESULT 1 4 Darren Thomas 2 1 Andrew Deviny 3 22 Graeme Davis 4 37 Gareth Hunt 5 88 Kieren McDonald 6 10 Leon Wightman

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9

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Brands Hatch, May 10-11, 2014

Smith makes up for off in first race

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WORDS: Mark Chandler

Coulson and Peacock battling for sixth place on lap five, allowing the top five cars to pull away.

A delighted Aaron Smith finally gets the better of Rob Howard with Astin tight on Le-May’s bootlid who are both now attacking Howard for Tony Le-May and Kane Astin follow behind, and then a gap second.

Smith manages to pull ahead to Deeth and Coulson. Smith thanks to the battles going on was racing hard to get past behind him, and Rupert Deeth Howard but great defending is all over the track as he looks by the race leader meant that for a way past Astin who is in Smith stayed in second at third, but Astin remains firm.

Graham Hill Bend.

Le-May pulls out at Paddock Rupert Deeth was having Hill Bend, to get second, as a great run catching the does Deeth but despite the leading four cars, whilst Mark jostling nobody can change Cowan seemed to be having position in the top five, but problems, pulling into the pit lane and retiring from the race. in the sixth-place battle Dan Wheeler overtakes Colin Smith is still trying to find Peacock. any way he can to get past Howard manages to pull Howard, but nothing. McLaren sees Astin challenge Le-May for away from Le-May, who is losing speed, to give himself third but he can't make it stick some breathing space, and and then sees himself having Le-May pulls off before Driuds. to defend from Deeth who is Astin sees his chance but right behind him at Paddock makes a big mistake putting Hill Bend. a wheel in the gravel at

Aar

MINI MIGLIAS: ROUND 2 on Smith had a perfect start on his favourite track, moving from the second row on the grid up to second, behind polesitter Rob Howard.

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Clearways losing places to Deeth and Wheeler who suddenly seems to have found his speed, getting the fastest lap with a 54.956.

The last few laps see Smith, Howard and Deeth all bunch up waiting for someone to make a mistake which doesn’t happen, leaving Smith to take his first win of the year 0.626 seconds in front of Howard with his first podium and Deeth 0.847 seconds behind that.

Congratulations to Burgess who stayed out of trouble to win the Invitation Race with Warburton second the other invitation driver Damon Astin a DNF, but who managed to get the fastest lap with a 55.809.

MINI MIGLIA RACE 2 RESULT 1 21 Aaron Smith 2 72 Rob Howard 3 23 Rupert Deeth 4 88 Dan Wheeler 5 11 Kane Astin 6 8 Colin Peacock

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10

POINTS after Rounds 3 + 4 2014 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts best 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

1 2 3 4

1 88 4 10 22 5 59 73 49 69 37 91 52 38 92 63 90 23 89 60 96

Andrew DEVINY Kieren MCDONALD Darren THOMAS Leon WIGHTMAN Graeme DAVIS Ashley DAVIES Julian PROCTOR Spencer WANSTALL Ross BILLISON Steve TRENCH Gareth HUNT Shaun TARLTON Nathan BURGE Steven HOPPER Kevin O’SHEA David ROBINSON Ian DEVINY Jabez DYER Tom HARTWELL Malcolm KEAT Matthew GLEAVE

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

19 16 20 15 17 11 14 18 1 13 0 12

10

10

16 1

1 1

1 1

0 0

Entered Practiced Started Finished

17 17 17 11

17 17 14 11

Castle Combe Castle Combe Brands Hatch Brands Hatch

21 April 21 April 10 May 11 May

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

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

9

9

1

1

16 16 16 12

16 16 16 12

FL: D Thomas FL: G Davis FL: D Thomas FL: A Deviny

72 63 60 58 54 51 49 44 37 37 35 28 25 21 20 18 17 2 2 1 1

Pole: G Hunt Pole: A Deviny Pole: A Davies Pole: A Davies

Spax Improver: S Trench (+6) Spax Improver: S Wanstall (+9) Spax Improver: D Thomas (+5) Spax Improver: D Thomas (+7)

Total

2014 DUNLOP MINI SE7EN S-CLASS supported by MINI SPORT Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

best 11

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

91 92 90 96

Shaun TARLTON Kevin O’SHEA Ian DEVINY Matthew GLEAVE

Castle Combe Castle Combe Brands Hatch Brands Hatch

1 8 10 1

10 8 1 0

1

21 April 21 April 10 May 11 May

10

22 16 11 1

S-Class FL: I Deviny S-Class FL: K O’Shea S-Class FL: S Tarlton S-Class FL: S Tarlton

S-Class Pole: I Deviny S-Class Pole: I Deviny S-Class Pole: S Tarlton S-Class Pole: S Tarlton

2014 MINI SE7EN NOVICE Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

1 2 3 4

73 91 89 96

Spencer WANSTALL Shaun TARLTON Thomas HARTWELL Matthew GLEAVE

2 1

3 2

1 1 1

2 3 1

1

0

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts 8 7 2 1

Total

POINTS after Rounds 3 + 4 2014 DUNLOP MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

Best 11

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

11 88 72 8 23 69 47 42 29 37 85 55 21 53 13 99

Kane ASTIN Dan WHEELER Rob HOWARD Colin PEACOCK Rupert DEETH Tony LE MAY James B COULSON Paul SIMMONDS Dave DREW Richard CASEY Sam SUMMERHAYES Michael GREEN Aaron SMITH Niven BURGE Phil HARVEY Mark COWAN

nc nc nc nc nc

102 118 141 136 114

Invitation Gary WARBURTON Jason BURGESS Damon ASTIN Greg CARINI Paul DE JONG

nc nc nc nc nc nc

188 200 192 177 157 771

1 2 3 4

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

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

(7)

(9)

Mini-7 Classic Ian CURLEY Tim STANBRIDGE Steve JONES Bill SOLLIS William WARD Nick PADDY

(9) (8) (6) (0) (5) (4)

(8) (7) (6) (10) (5) (0)

Entered Practiced Started Finished

22 22 20 17

22 22 21 16

Castle Combe Castle Combe Brands Hatch Brands Hatch

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

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

1

1

72 72 59 58 57 51 43 40 36 31 26 25 22 19 12 2

(1) (13) (11) (1) w

(10) (12) (1) (0) w

-

20 19 18 11

21 April 21 April 10 May 11 May

20 19 16 11

FL: R Deeth FL: R Howard FL: K Astin FL: D Wheeler

Pole: A Smith Pole: D Wheeler Pole: R Casey Pole: R Howard

Spax Improver: R Deeth (+13) Spax Improver: D Drew (+6) Spax Improver: Niv Burge (+14) Spax Improver: P Simmonds (+6)

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

2014 MINI MIGLIA NOVICE Pos

No

Driver

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Pts

Total

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Photo Gallery

Brands Hatch, May 10-11, 2014 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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14

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3 Race Entry

May 31 - June 1 Round 5 & 6 Cadwell Park Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 9SE 01507 343248 www.cadwellpark.co.uk

Click here to book your entry online or download the forms.

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JUNE 14-15 Round 7 & 8 Thruxton Circuit Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW 01264 882 222 www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

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July 10 Round 9 & 10 Oulton Park Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9BW 01829 760301 www.oultonpark.co.uk

RACE DATES 2014 Rd 1/2 Rd 3/4 Rd 5/6 Rd 7/8 Rd 9/10 Rd 11/12 Rd 13/14

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April 21 May 10/11 May 31/June 1 June 14/15 July 10 August 23/24 September 20/21

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Castle Combe Brands Hatch Indy Cadwell Park Thruxton Oulton Park (Int) Donington Park (Nat) Croft

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15

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Timetable Cadwell Park May 31 - June 1, 2014

SPONSORS

Mini 7

Saturday May 31 Signing on

09.15 Scrutineering 09.25 Qualifying 14.30 - 14.50 Race 1 16.45 - 17.05

Race 2

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Sunday June 1 14.15 - 14.35

Mini Miglia

Saturday May 31 Signing on 08.15 Scrutineering 08.25 Qualifying 13.55 -14.15 Race 1 15.35 -15.55

Sunday June 1 Race 2 11.35 -11.55 www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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16

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

MINI 7 RACING CLUB DRIVER PROFILE NAME: AGE:

Leon Wightman 40

CLASS:

CAR NUMBER:

Se7en 10

FULL SEASON:

EMPLOYMENT:

Yes

Plumber

SPONSORS:

Mini Sport, Emtome, City Plumbing, CG Clutch

Leon Wightman PHOTO: Josh Smith

RACING HISTORY:

FF 1600 in 1998, started in Minis in 2011

BEST ACHIEVEMENT:

7th in Championship

WORST MOMENT:

Crashing at Snetterton

WINTER REBUILD/CHANGES: New dash, ECU and data logger ENGINE BUILDER:

Selby

FAVOURITE CIRCUIT:

Donington

WORST CIRCUIT:

Brands Hatch

TEAM INFO:

AL Motorsport

FAMILY INFO:

2x boys aged 13 and 11, 1x loving girlfriend

AIMS FOR 2014:

Better season than last year

SPONSORS

Get Exposure!!

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Promote your team and sponsors through magazine articles.

Speak to our roving reporter.

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17

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Know your rival Mini 7 Racing Club drivers

Mini Se7en 1 4 5 16 22 23 35 37 38 45 46 47 49 59 60 63 69 73 88 89

Andrew Deviny Darren Thomas Ashley Davies Julian Affleck Graeme Davis Jabez Dyer Paul Spark Gareth Hunt Steve Hopper Leon Wightman Max Hunter Kelvin Edgar Ross Billison Julian Proctor Malcolm Keat Dave Robinson Steve Trench Spencer Wanstall Kieren McDonald Tom Hartwell

Newport Pagnell Gloucester Abergavenny High Wycombe London Leominster Cannock Coventry Maidenhead Dunstable Leighton Buzzard Hollywell Epsom Downs Coleford Bolton Darlington Camberley Newington Aylesbury Evesham

Mini Se7en s class 90 91 92 93 96 97

Ian Deviny Lincoln Shaun Tarlton Northampton Kevin O’Shea Frome Roland Parsloe Matthew Gleave Waltham St Lawrence James Burrows Romford

Mini 7 Classic 157 William Ward 177 Bill Sollis 188 Ian curley

Battle Hildenborough Maidstone

192 Steve Jones 200 Tim Stanbridge 771 Nick Paddy

Wells Stevington

Mini Miglia 8 11 13 16 20 21 23 29 37 42 43 44 47 53 55 69 72 79 85 88 99

Colin Peacock London Kane Astin Swaffham Bulbeck Phil Harvey Birmingham Lee Jones Northolt Mark Sims Headley Aaron Smith Maidstone Rupert Deeth Cambridge Dave Drew Alton Richard Casey Burnley Paul Simmonds Collier Street Dave Edgecombe Ledbury Paul Clark Denbigh James Coulson London Niven Burge Nr Royston Michael Green Haverfordwest Tony Le May Norwich Rob Howard Chipperfield Jon Lee Wellingborough Sam Summerhayes Bristol Daniel Wheeler Olney Mark Cowan Benfleet

Invitation 102 141 118 113 114 123

Gary Warburton Damon Astin Jason Burgess Rob Perkins Paul De Jong Gordon Pocock

Frodsham Ely Peterborough Peterborough Asperen, NL Church Westcote

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18

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

From the Archives:

Cadwell Park: 20, 30, 40 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC Archive helps us to recap what happened over the decades at Cadwell Park around this time of year.

W

ith the two formulae only occasionally appearing at the same meetings, just the Mini Miglias got to appear at Cadwell during 1974 - their first time ever - on 23 June, at a Nottingham Sports Car Club-run event.

Twenty two of the 998cc Miglias were entered and 16 appeared to take on 8 laps of the 2.25-mile circuit, and by the finish Champion-to-be Russell Dell had established a new class lap record and taken his Ripspeedbacked car to a narrow victory over Phil Spurling’s Oselli-powered machine, with the top six rounded out by Philip Johnstone, Terry Hird (Team Lassman), Mike Humphrey and Gary Cashman. The latter’s Tollgate team-mate Eric Groves had started from pole position, but dicing for third eliminated both himself and Alex Boyle (Team Lassman) in a clash at the tricky 40 Years downhill Gooseneck section.

Ago

30 Years Ago

T

o

coincide with 25 years of the Mini, the National championships were named the Austin Mini Silver Jubilee Challenges. Mike Jackson, driving the Mikal/West Just the one visit Midland Engines Mini Se7en, finished to Cadwell was second to Chris Gould at Cadwell arranged, on 24 (Photo: M+A Jackson Collection) June and, like this season, the meeting was organised by the BARC. Twenty-one Mini Se7ens were entered for the 10-lapper, and taking another victory on his way to a second National title was pole-sitter Chris Gould, who fought past early challengers Colin Rodger and Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett before taking the chequered flag less than four seconds ahead of Mike Jackson in second, and setting fastest lap too. Woskett took third, with future and past Mini Se7en Champions Russell Grady and Gary Hall (uncle of James Hall) having a good dice for fourth, and Rodger in sixth with a flapping bonnet.

Topping the 20-car Mini Miglia entry after qualifying was 1983 Champion Chris Lewis, with Champion elect Mike Fry alongside on the front row of the 2x2 grid, with Jim McDougall and Gerald Dale on row 2. Unfortunately, the The 198 4 Mini 7 Racing Archive previous race was red-flagged due Silver Jubliee success to a serious accident, and after Fry’s delight + Gould’s gold the medical team had gone off to hospital with the injured driver, this left the circuit short of the prerequisite number of doctors to be able to continue the meeting before the curfew, so the Miglia race was abandoned before it even started.

VOLUME 4

THE ENDURING EIGHTIES:

1981-1985

A history of the UK’s longestlongest-running oneone-make saloon car race series

Quarter Century for Mini 7 Action

● Austin returns as title sponsor in Mini’s 25th year ● National and Southern series fully competitive ● Mini Se7ens debut on Brands GP circuit ● Irish Mini - 7 Club races twice in UK

1974 - Mini Se7en of Jim Robertson was part of Ripspeed-backed team, which included the titlewinning Mini Miglia of Russell Dell, who also won at Cadwell (photo: J Robertson Collection)

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+ All the...

Cars Drivers Circuits Reports Results Photos

Going Places

● Mallory Park ● Snetterton ● Brands Hatch ● Silverstone ● Castle Combe ● Cadwell Park

www.mini7.co.uk

● Thruxton ● Oulton Park ● Donington Park ● Lydden

Issue 19 / 1984

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19

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

From the Archives:

Cadwell Park: 20, 30, 40 years ago

T

Braggins, Manser and Bell, with Johnson taking fifth behind Mickey Bray, and Andy Burge (brother of Niven) in sixth.

The 10-lap final oozed quality, and resulted in a very narrow win for Ian Curley (currently racing to promote the new Mini-7 Classic initiative) from Kelly Rogers, although the latter was docked 10 seconds for a jump start dropping him to sixth, leaving the runnerup spot to Curley’s team-mate Matthew Hayman. Of the rest, Manser climbed up to a worthy fifth place just behind Genny Cooke in fourth (daughter of current Chairman, Nick) and Dave Banwell inheriting the final podium position, while both Bell and Braggins dropped to the rear of the field after running in the lead bunch, the latter having the distinction of equalling his new lap record set in the earlier race. Mike Jackson and Rob Selby retired early on while another name competing back then was Tim Stanbridge Nick Maylor’s Mini Se7en, one of only who, like Curley, is two non-starters from a 35-car entry! also racing Mini-7 Classic in 2014.

The Mini Miglia field had just the one race for its 24car entry and, like the Se7ens, it was very competitive up at the sharp end. Reigning

wo decades ago the then-named Unipart-DCM National Challenges drew huge entries to the British Nationals meeting on 17 July, part of the Best of British (BBM) package that RoverSport, in conjunction with the BRDC, was running at the time although this meeting was actually organised at a local level by the BRSCC North.

With a grid limit of 24, the superb 35-car Mini Se7en entry was afforded two timed practice sessions, with the fastest halfdozen from each automatically going through to the final, and the remaining 23 scrapping it out in the qualifying race for the remaining dozen spots up for grabs. And this was no backmarker consolation either, with the front two rows filled

by Neil Johnson, Phil Manser, Steve Bell and Dave Braggins!

In the 8-lap race less than 1.8 secs covered the first three of 20 Years Ago

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1994 – Diane Craven was one of two female drivers in the Mini Se7en event Champion Ian Gunn (later to become the current Chairman’s son-in-law!) took pole position from former multi-title winner Chris Lewis, but in the race these positions were reversed, while the scrap for third between Bill Sollis and Stewart Drake ended with Sollis in the tyres on the last lap and Drake limping across the line, leaving fourth spot to Tony Hobbs from Graham Penn and Gordon Pocock. Other names still around the Mini paddocks today included Bob Humphreys, Richard Wager and Phil Harvey, while rounding out the field was US serviceman Ron Graham in the car made famous in the pages of Cars & Car Conversions (CCC) magazine by the late Clive Trickey, and which competed in the first season of Mini Miglia in 1970.

C

adwell Park 10 Years wasn’t on Ago the M7RC calendar for 2004 and in fact did not visit for seven seasons between 2002-2009.

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20

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

JOIN THE CLUB

M

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.

Contacts Mike Jackson

0121 707 5881 i7.co.uk mike.jackson@min

Jeff Carter

07969 157921 o.uk jeff.carter@mini7.c

Jamie Snelling 07814 726270

Matt Barrington 07756 712333

Supporters The Mini 7 Racing Supporters Club enables fans of Mini racing to belong to the Mini 7 Racing Club without the need to join as a racing

Newsletter of the Mini

7 Racing Club

E NT RI E S O P EN The entry form for the Motors TV event at Castle Combe on Monday 7 May is now available and it is requested that all racing members intending to participate get their entries in as soon as possible.

O 20 13 F LY ING S T AR T T

Mini s as usual for the It’s been busines as this year’s Se7en Racing Club got off to a roaring championships and 1 at Donington start. With Round under at Rockingham Round 2 & 3 has well and truly season the belts our t with it all the begun, and brough action we exys hard fought sidewa

to selong way to go that he’s got a of ionship, and cure the champ the never discount course you can Peter 6-time winner experience of

The Mini 7 Racing Club has bought the grid and we need to know the numbers as

Baldwin.

a few brought with it 2013 has also way that changes in the

Chairman’s Chat

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

2

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

C RAC K I NG S TA RT

INSIDE THIS ISSU E

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

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

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

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.

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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

magazine

s and Archive Jeff Carter Upcomi ng Events

07969 157921 jeff.carter@mini7.co.uk

member.

For an annual fee of just £20 for UK members and £25 for International Members, Mini 7 Racing Supporters Club members will enjoy a range of benefits and exclusive offers.

Racers To race with the Mini 7 Racing Club you must be a Racing Member. At £195 per season this represents great value for money.

In addition to being able to race with the Club, Racing Members also receive the same benefits as Supporters Club members - access to the members forum, club discounts, voting at the AGM and much more.

Member Benefits • • • • • •

Quick Links • Preview

• Race Report • Standings

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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21

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Roll of Honour

SPONSORS

The Champions YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia

YEAR Mini Se7en Mini Miglia

2013 Andrew Deviny Peter Baldwin 2012 Paul Spark Peter Baldwin 2011 Paul Spark Endaf Owens 2010 Paul Spark Paul Thompson 2009 Kane Astin Andy Hack 2008 Paul Thompson Andy Hack 2007 Max Hunter Andy Hack 2006 Andrew Deviny Bill Sollis 2005 Paul Thompson Peter Baldwin 2004 James Hall Peter Baldwin 2003 Tim Sims Peter Baldwin 2002 Tim Sims Chris Lewis 2001 Tim Sims Peter Baldwin 2000 Dave Braggins Peter Baldwin 1999 Dave Braggins Ian Curley 1998 Matt Hayman Ian Curley 1997 Steve Bell Bill Sollis 1996 Phil Manser Stewart Drake 1995 Mike Jackson Chris Lewis 1994 Ian Curley Chris Lewis 1993 Tina Cooper Ian Gunn 1992 Mike Jackson Myk Cable 1991 Bill Sollis Myk Cable 1990 Bill Sollis Owen Hall 1989 Steve Cooper Myk Cable 1988 Malcolm Joyce Russell Grady 1987 Chris Tyrell Russell Grady 1986 Chris Tyrell Russell Grady 1985 Russell Grady Mike Fry 1984 Chris Gould Mike Fry

1983 Chris Gould Chris Lewis 1982 Gerald Dale Chris Lewis 1981 Gary Hall Chris Hampshire 1980 Jonathan Lewis Roland Nix 1979 Patrick Watts Phil Spurling 1978 Steve Hall Phil Spurling 1977 Martin Goodall Paul Gaymer 1976 Graham Wenham Mike Curnow 1975 Graham Wenham Alan Curnow 1974 Chris Tyrell Russell Dell 1973 Mick Moss Phil Spurling 1972 Reg Armstrong Mick Osborne 1971 Graham Wenham Len Brammer 1970 Len Brammer Mick Osborne 1969 Paul Gaymer 1968 Mick Osborne 1967 Bob Fox 1966 Bob Fox

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22

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Extra Curricular activity Double circuit action at brands and oulton minifests Brands Hatch Sunday May 11, 2014 Oulton Park Saturday July 12, 2014

T

rack fans are being served up a double treat this year. To mark the Mini’s 55th anniversary, track owners MSV are expanding their popular Mini Festival event to two events at two different tracks.

Brands Hatch in Kent, will play host to the first Festival on May 11, with Mini drivers offered free entry if they book through the website.

The larger event of the two will take place at Cheshire’s Oulton Park circuit where there promises to be lots of entertainment to enjoy both on and off the track. www.mini-festival.co.uk

castle combe action day Saturday September 27, 2014

P

opular Wiltshire circuit, Castle Combe has announced the date of its annual Miniworld sponsored Mini Action Day. Keep your diaries free for September 27 where for an action-packed day with charity Mini rides, trade and club stands and a track parade. www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk

silverstone classic

SPONSORS

C

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JULY 25-27, 2014

lassic car fans flock to Silverstone every year for this very special event. And every year there is a stunning collection of Minis on display as well as lots more entertainment on the circuit and in the paddock www.silverstoneclassic.com

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23

Pit & Paddock May 2014 Issue 3

Club Contacts CHAIRMAN Nick Cooke E: nick.cooke@mini7.co.uk

M7RC NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL TEAM

COMMERCIAL MANAGER Colin Peacock E: colin.peacock@mini7.co.uk

Editor Craig McBeth editor@love-mini.co.uk Photos Matthew Barrington www.mbracephotography.co.uk

TREASURER Jeffrey Parish E: jeffrey.parish@mini7.co.uk CHAMPIONSHIP CO-ORDINATOR Richard Williamson E: richard.williamson@mini7.co.uk

Words Richard Williamson richard.williamson@mini7.co.uk Reporters Mark Chandler & Jamie Snelling

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

SPONSORS

Membership Secretary Jacquie Martin E: membership@mini7.co.uk

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24