M7RC Newsletter Issue 4

Pit and Paddock

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2014

Issue 4: July 2014 Official Mini Se7en Racing Club Newsletter www.mini7.co.uk

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DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

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preview: rounds 9&10

Aft

oulton PARK july 12

WORDS: Richard Williamson

er two years away, the Mini Se7en Racing Club returns to the Cheshire track, this time on the full 2.69-mile International circuit which the 1.0-litre Se7ens and 1.3-litre Miglias last raced on in 2003. For the second of this year’s Mini Racing Festivals, a strong entry is expected and action guaranteed in a pair of double-header races for both classes. www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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MINI SE7EN Just when it seemed reigning Champion Andrew Deviny had

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found unbeatable form after the first three meetings of the season, his title bid was reined-in at Thruxton last month by closest challenger Darren Thomas. The latter took victory in Round 8 on the Sunday after Deviny had led him past the chequered flag to take his third win on the trot in Round 7 the day before.

They were joined at the head of the field by ex-triple champion, Paul Spark, who scored a competitive second place on his seasonal meeting debut, this after

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1

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4 a car-damaging off in the opener on the Saturday when Ashley Davies’ engine let go right in front of him and dumped its oil.

However, such is the camaraderie within the club that Spark was able to borrow a subframe off off race rival Thomas to compete the next day.

Behind Deviny and Thomas in the points standings, Kieren McDonald chalked up another pair of solid top-five finishes, avoiding a couple of incidents in which several cars were eliminated, none more serious looking than Ross Billison’s trip into the pit straight Armco after the car in front got out of shape exiting the chicane.

Thankfully it was more metal and pride that was hurt than the driver, although it will be a challenge to have the car ready for

Oulton.

Davies recovered from his loss of oil to take a welcome fourth on the Sunday, while in the lessertuned S-Class, Shaun Tarlton retained his points lead despite an unavoidable collision in the second race with former S-Class champ’ Julian Proctor.

Predicting the final Mini Se7en result isn’t easy, but with Spark a winner here two years ago, race favourites Deviny and Thomas will certainly have their hands full as not only Spark but up to halfa-dozen would-be race winners tag along behind like a swarm of angry wasps. And with two races in a day on the undulating Cheshire track, there will be double the dose of excitement from the 110 mph buzz-bombs.

Se7en heaven!

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Mini se7en Records & Regulations

Lap record: Andrew Deviny

Time. 2:11.015 Ave. 73.97 mph on 13 July 2003

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 July 2014 Issue 4 SPONSORS

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Hav MINI MIGLIA

ing gone to Thruxton last month trailing in the overall standings by two points to Dan Wheeler, Kane Astin reversed that gap with his third win of the year despite an added 2-second penalty for hopping across the last corner chicane in Round 8 on the Sunday.

He backed that up with a strong second in Saturday’s Round 7 opener behind the on-form Rupert Deeth, the latter adding to his debut win at Cadwell in Round 6 a fortnight beforehand, whilst Wheeler’s best (in the car that Mini racing legend Peter Baldwin took to last year’s title) was a second place, dropping him behind Astin in the standings. Mini racing veteran Tony Le May had looked well placed for a double podium finish for the weekend until pulling in to retire, which dropped him behind Colin Peacock in the Challenge points, while others on the fringes of the top six include James Coulson, Aaron Smith, Dave Drew and Rob Howard, all of whom have had turns running up the front this season.

Around the picturesque Cheshire

Time. 1:58.674

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

Trophies to top three finishers

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INVITATION Class A Mini Invitation class, running on the same grid as the Mini Miglias, allows for a variety of A-Series engined Mini contenders from other motorsport disciplines, and this season has seen several regular contenders, including locally based Gary Warburton in his 1380cc example.

Invitation class Records & Regulations

MINI MIGLIA Records & Regulations Lap record: Bill Sollis Ave. 81.66 mph on 13 July 2003

venue, you can expect the 125 mph Mini Miglias to put on a fabulous display of close racing, jostling for position in the allimportant dash to the flag. If the sun’s out, grab yourself an ice cream (or a long, cool drink) and find one of the many excellent viewing spots to watch what promise to be a pair of flat-out, action-packed sprint races.

Mig-nificent!

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

Note: 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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3

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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

T

he Cadwell Park and Thruxton meetings have been and gone and we’re on the ‘last knockings’ for the MSV Mini Festival at Oulton Park. What a lovely, typical British Circuit Cadwell is!

Now much has been said about the low ‘turnout’ at Cadwell, so without labouring the subject and hopefully not giving an impression of doom and gloom, let’s hope that grid sizes will be improved for our next round. I’m sure the reasons for these ‘low-ish’ grid sizes are varied... the general increased cost of racing, the cost of entry fees, maybe our race meetings are too close together etc. On the last reason, given by some Members, when the provisional race calendar was released at the AGM, there weren’t any adverse comments about the spacing between events.

Yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing. To inform you all, a ‘special’ Committee meeting was called on July 9th, the main purpose is to openly discuss the future of the Classics {several ex M7RC Members, who now race Classics are being invited} and secondly, to see if there is anything that the M7RC Committee can do to increase the grid sizes of the Mini 7’s and Miglias. If any of you have ideas, we have had a few, please let me or any Members of the Committee know your suggestion{s}. I have to say that we are still not at the low levels of some grids - one race at Thruxton had nine cars participating... but

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it would be foolish to turn a blind eye to what is happening. There is one thing for sure; the MSA will be monitoring our entry levels very closely!

Another unfortunate situation that occurred at Thruxton was paddock behaviour on the Saturday night. Now when we {the Cooke family} were racing {a while ago now}, some inconsiderate people let their generators run, even though they were not required.

This was easily sorted, by switching them off! I’m not talking about this in this instance. This time around it was a case of some of our Members having, no doubt, had too much to drink, disturbing other Club Members {up to 2 o’clock in the morning I gather}. It is totally and utterly inconsiderate, is the only way it can be described.

Please.......... don’t do it again or action will be taken! On an even more concerning aspect..... are

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some drivers indulging in too much alcohol ‘the night before’ a race? Worrying if so...... I have asked Steve Prior to keep an eye on this topic.

I’m feeling, at this stage in my ‘chat’, that I’m taking on the role of ‘big brother’; I hastily add, I hope this isn’t something I need to do in the future. I still enjoy attending the meetings, talking to the Members and trying to overcome any problems that exist. Let’s hope that the next meeting is quiet and peaceful in the paddock, during the night / late evening.

See you all at Oulton Park

Nick Nick Cooke Chairman M7RC

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4

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report

Round 5 Cadwell Park May 31 - June 1, 2014

rubbing and tight tussles WORDS: Mark Chandler

Av

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 1 ery expensive free practice Saturday morning meant that Gareth Hunt and Leon Wightman did not make the grid.

Championship leader Andrew Deviny started on pole with Darren Thomas, Ashley Davies and Graeme Davis behind.

It was a great start for Deviny and Davis, who was trying to slot into second but couldn’t quite get there, taking third until he challenged again going into Park and this time making it stick. This gave Deviny chance to get away and take a good lead. With a train comprising of Davis Thomas, Davies, Billison and McDonald following behind.

Proctor didn’t get off to a good start and pulled off at the start of lap 2.

On the same lap Davies tried to get past Thomas in the Quick Links • Preview

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Mountain but Thomas wasn’t letting him past, until the Start/ Finish straight where Davies’ speed paid off and he got by.

Davis, Davies and Thomas were all together all the way through Chris Curve, Gooseneck and Mansfield but nobody could make the position changes stick.

Problems then arose for Ashley Davies as he doesn’t make it over the start finish line giving Thomas the third place back, with McDonald and Billison side by side fighting for fourth and fifth then a gap and Ian Deviny and Shaun Tarlton battling for sixth and seventh respectively.

Lap four saw McDonald and Billison catch the second and third cars making it a four-car battle, but a big mistake sent Thomas and McDonald spinning at the Gooseneck. A good recovery saw Thomas get back on track

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behind Billison into fourth but McDonald kept falling back letting Ian Deviny and Tarlton through.

The last lap was a thriller with Thomas catching up and Billison side by side with Davis at Coppice, but great defending meant that Davis kept the place - which is how it stayed until they went into the trees between the hairpin and the Barn, Thomas and Davis touch and Davis ends up in the wall.

Andrew Deviny takes first and the fastest lap, Thomas is second 2.750secs behind and Davis 0.901 seconds later for third.

1 2 3 4 5 6

MINI SE7EN ROUND 5 RESULT 1 Andrew Deviny 4 Darren Thomas 22 Graeme Davis 49 Ross Billison 90 Ian Deviny 91 Shaun Tarlton

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5

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report

Round 5 Cadwell Park May 31 - June 1, 2014

WORDS: Mark Chandler

Aar

MINI MIGLIAS: RACE 1 on Smith and James Coulson made it to the grid with seconds to spare after crashing out in free practice, well done to both teams for the massive effort.

Wheeler fights of astin assault www.mbracephotography.co.uk

into Charlies.

Astin mades a challenge at the bottom of the hill coming Pole postion went to into Mansfield but Wheeler championship leader Dan makes sure there is no way Wheeler with Rupert Deeth past.

Kane Astin and Colin Peacock The top four pulled away behind. Rob Howard got a 10-second penalty and had to leaving a long gap back to start from the back of the grid. Coulson, Smith, a fast dropping Deeth and Cowan then A great start for Deeth another gap to Howard and saw him take the lead with Wheeler, Astin, Peacock and Le Willburton.

Deeth finally pulls off - the May behind. Smith is making problems are terminal. progress too already up to Up front Le May catches the seventh. top two into the Mountain It is a four car train up at the closely followed by Peacock. front with Astin on Wheeler’s Astin is putting great bootlid and Le May not letting pressure on Wheeler as is them get away.

Peacock on Le May until he Problems for Deeth arose makes a mistake letting Le May on lap four as Wheeler, Astin, LeMay and Peacock all go past get away.

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Astin is not going to let Wheeler get away with this looking every way he can to get round, getting as close as side by side at times, but he just cannot make any of these moves stick.

The race finishes with Wheeler in first, Astin 0.271 sec behind then Le May 3.911sec, with Wheeler taking fastest lap.

1 2 3 4 5 6

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 5 RESULT 88 Dan Wheeler 11 Kane Astin 69 Tony Le May 8 Colin Peacock 47 James Coulson 21 Aaron Smith

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6

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report

Round 6 Cadwell Park May 31 - June 1, 2014

Rapid rebuild and hefty lead WORDS: Mark Chandler

Ash

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 2 ely Davies just made it to the grid after the team spent all night rebuilding the car. He finally appears but goes into the pit lane after breaking down on the collection lap and will start from there.

Andrew Deviny and Darren Thomas started from the front row with Davis on his own on row two.

It was a great start from the front row keeping together, but Deviny got the lead with Thomas, Davis and Billison behind. Davies made excellent progress from the pit lane overtaking O’Shea in the first lap and putting his sights on the pack.

Deviny is still leading with Billison making a play for fourth but cannot make it stick.

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Thomas is hanging onto the tail of Deviny with Davis, Billison and McDonald behind and Ian Deviney, Tarlton and Davies behind them.

Through Copis Thomas was catching Deviny making him defend but keeping his place.

Meanwhile Davies pulls off a fantastic move and overtakes Tarlton putting himself into sixth, and on to Ian Deviny.

The top two are making a break leaving a gap before Davis, Billison and McDonald then a gap before very determind Davies who has now overtaken Ian Deviny.

Davis doesn’t seem to be able to catch the leading pair on lap 5, having his own battle with Billison and McDonald.

Ashley Davies is another eight seconds behind in sixth place in front of Ian Deviny, Tarlton, Trench, Proctor, Edgar and Keat who all only have five

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seconds between them.

Two laps to go and Deviny has a three second lead and Billison has made up time in fourth, while Davies is still trying to catch leading pack.

Edgar makes a play for 10th against Proctor but is shrugged off.

Deviny takes the win with Thomas 8.568 seconds behind and Davis 15.686 seconds behind. Fastest lap was Thomas with a 1.50.448.

Well done to Ashley Davies for finishing fifth after starting from the pit lane.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 6 RESULT 1 1 Andrew Deviny 2 4 Darren Thomas 3 22 Graeme Davis 4 49 Ross Billison 5 88 Kieren McDonald 6 5 Ashley Davies

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7

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report

Round 6 Cadwell Park May 31 - June 1, 2014

big battles, great defending WORDS: Mark Chandler

Ad

MINI MIGLIAS: RACE 2 readful start for Dan Wheeler gave Rupert Deeth the lead in the second race of the weekend followed by Astin and Le May. A great recovery by Wheeler saw him take third by the Mountain making it a great three-car train round the track followed by Peacock in fifth Smith, Coulson, Warburton and Howard, who again had a 10-second penalty.

The Park straight sees Le May and Peacock have a great battle for fourth and fifth but the order stays the same.

But then there seems to be a problem for Peacock as Smith and Coulson get past.

Astin challenges for the lead but great defending from Deeth means he cannot get past but this does allow Le May to catch the leading pack.

Now Wheeler is looking all Quick Links • Preview

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ways at Copis but Astin shuts the door. All this fighting at the top has given the rest a chance to catch up making it a rarely-seen eight car train.

Wheeler goes round the outside out of Mansfield to take second from Astin heading determinedly for Deeth leaving Astin looking everywhere to try and get the place back while having to defend all the time from Le May. The cars are so close it could be anybody’s, everyone is waiting, hoping somebody makes a mistake.

Wheeler makes another challenge at the start/finish straight but great defending from Deeth means he can’t get past but it doesn’t stop him trying again at Gooseneck with similar results. This has given Astin time to get on Wheeler’s tail at the bottom of the Mountain but Wheeler has the better exit and keeps the

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place, giving Deeth a bit of a breathing space out in front.

The train of eight all jostle for position but no places change.

The last lap sees the last chance for everyone to have a go. Wheeler is looking round every side of Deeth but there is just no way past. Astin is also having to defend well from Le May who is on his case.

A great drive from Deeth sees him take his first place and achieve his aim for 2014, with Wheeler 0.365sec behind and Astin 0.588 behind that.

Fastest lap went to Coulson with a 1.41.497 lap.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 6 RESULT 1 23 Rupert Deeth 2 88 Dan Wheeler 3 11 Kane Astin 4 69 Tony Le May 5 21 Aaron Smith 6 8 Colin Peacock

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8

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Round 7 Thruxton, June 14-15, 2014

Sparked out on final laps WORDS: Mark Chandler

Ar

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 1 eturning Paul Spark qualified second to start behind Andrew Deviny with Ashley Davies and, with Spencer Wanstall who qualified fifth in the late Graham Edwards car that his dad, Mark Wanstall. has rebuilt.

A great start for polesitter Deviny but Sparks was not so lucky losing a second to Davies but regaining it at Brooklands.

Lap two saw Spark right on

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Deviny’s heels but also having to be careful as Davies is sitting on his bootlid. Wanstall has been dropped by the leading three but has Darren Thomas sitting behind him.

At Brooklands Deviny loses the lead to Spark and Wanstall loses fourth to Thomas. Deviny gets lead back into Seagrave only to lose it again by Club.

Billison and McDonald are quickly catching the leading group.

Lap four saw it all change again at the top of the track

with Davies taking the lead and Deviny, Spark and Thomas following.

Into Church Corner it is all change again with Deviny with Davies, Spark and Thomas having a great race behind, then a gap to another great battle between Billison, McDonald, Davies and Wanstall fighting for fifth.

Lap six sees yellow flags at Mallards and no Spark or Davies as the safety car pulls them all together for the start of lap seven. After a lap under the safety car the chequered flag comes out with Deviny taking the win Thomas second and Billison third.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 7 RESULT 1 1 Andrew Deviny 2 4 Darren Thomas 3 49 Ross Billison 4 88 Kieren McDonald 5 22 Graeme Davis 6 10 Leon Wightman

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Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

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Race Report Round 7 Thruxton, June 14-15, 2014

Thrills & oil spills WORDS: Mark Chandler

past Deeth. Peacock is also looking at Aaron Smith and takes fifth.

Lap five see the leading three followed by Coulson then a gap before Smith who is leading the next pack of Minis.

Through Church on lap six Coulson had a really terrible Deeth gives Astin a turn to start ending up in ninth. Astin punch a hole through the air quickly caught Deeth and sat in the lead, only to power past in his slip stream ready for an him again with the ex Owens overtake but great defending championship-winning engine means Deeth keeps the lead. showing its strength.

Tony Le May is all over the Colin Peacock pulled off grass but makes it back on the track just before Club on the track in one piece, while Coulson is recovering and has lap six, bringing the yellow flags out at one of the best fought his way back up the field - now in fourth with Smith overtaking spots. Going into Club there is contact between and Peacock behind him.

Wheeler and Coulson, Wheeler Lap three saw Wheeler spins and ends up down the catching the leading pair field. Further back Dave Drew making it a three car battle. looks like he has blown his through Club. Astin takes a engine, putting oil down at really wide line but can’t get Club too. Rob Howard catches

Ru

MINI MIGLIAS: RACE 1 pert Deeth has had a great start from pole, with James Coulson, Kane Astin and Dan Wheeler behind.

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the spill and ends up in the tyres.

Church sees Deeth in the lead on lap eight with a spinning Astin behind who does very well to keep it on the track and stay second. Le-May has third with Coulson on his heels for fourth. This is how it finishes with Deeth first, Astin second 4.928 seconds behind then Le May 0.954 seconds behind that. Wheeler can be happy with his fastest lap at 1.29.718 but not his fifth place finish.

1 2 3 4 5 6

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 7 RESULT 23 Rupert Deeth 11 Kane Astin 69 Tony Le May 47 James Coulson 88 Dan Wheeler 21 Aaron Smith

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10

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Round 8 Thruxton, June 14-15, 2014

Thomas picks his moment www.mbracephotography.co.uk

WORDS: Mark Chandler

In the Complex all three are on top of each other now, joined by Davies. By the time they all finish fighting Deviny has second Davies third and Spark finds himself in fourth.

Lap four sees Deviny come round Campbell with the lead, Spark takes the inside line and retaking third.

They are three wide through Club with slight contact It was a great start for Darren between Spark and Thomas Thomas with Paul Spark, allowing Deviny to get a Davies and Deviny behind. couple of car lengths away.

Deviny is all over Spark but Davis and McDonald have great defending means he managed to catch Davies in can’t get past.

Into Campbell Corner Deviny fourth with Wightman close behind. And Edgar and Keat makes a brave move up the inside and somehow gets past are having their own battle for ninth.

Spark for second.

Lap six sees Deviny Nobel sees Deviny retake the successfully fight for the lead lead but only until Woodhill where he finds himself in third into Campbell.

Thomas try the outside line after a brilliant move from both at Church but they stay side Thomas and Spark.

Rac

MINI SE7ENS: RACE 2 e two was red flagged on lap two after an incident between Ross Billison and Ashley Davies. The race was restarted but without Billison, Proctor, Robinson, Wanstall and Tarlton on the grid for an eight lap race.

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by side into Brooklands but Deviny has the better line and keeps the lead.

The last lap see first and second swap places and swap back again. Thomas leads out of the Club into Campbell, Spark then goes through the middle taking second away from Deviny.

Thomas gets first with Sparks 0.892 sec behind and Deviny 0.129 second later followed by Davies. Fastest lap also went to Thomas.

MINI SE7EN ROUND 8 RESULT 1 4 Darren Thomas 2 35 Paul Spark 3 1 Andrew Deviny 4 5 Ashley Davies 5 10 Leon Wightman 6 88 Kieren McDonald

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11

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT

Race Report Round 8 Thruxton, June 14-15, 2014

gutsy astin breaks the deadlock

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WORDS: Mark Chandler

a problem and pulls off.

Colin Peacock has made it up to fifth with Dave Drew, Sam Summerhayes and Rob Howard all following behind.

Lap four sees great defending from Deeth to keep a tight hold of his first place It was a good start for Deeth with Astin and Wheeler hot on and a better one for Coulson his heels. but it was a flying Kane Astin The leading three are still who went straight into second nose-to-tail and nobody seems with Coulson and Wheeler willing to make their move just behind. yet, but behind Peacock has Astin is really applying the pressure on lap 2 but can’t get taken fourth from Smith.

Lap seven sees Wheeler take past, but Wheeler makes it past up the challenge into Club Coulson and is catching up with the leaders. Again, Deeth with him going up the inside pushing Astin out onto the leads and the rest fall back.

They are all looking for a way grass which he holds well only losing one place down to past each other at Campbell but no places change and the third. Smith and Le May both have problems one pulling off squabbling four gives Aaron and one crawling down the pit Smith a chance to catch up. lane.

Church corner sees them all On lap eight it’s Astin’s turn very close, Wheeler makes a to put the pressure on Wheeler charge into Club and comes into contact with Astin but still who is closing in on Deeth. no places change. Coulson has Campbell sees Wheeler try

Bac

MINI MIGLIAS: RACE 2 k on pole for the second race was Rupert Deeth, with James Coulson, Kane Astin and Dan Wheeler behind.

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again, with more contact, just with Deeth this time and he pushes his way into the lead.

Deeth also under attack from Astin at Seagrove and loses second. At Club Wheeler finds Astin on him and they are side by side, but a great move from Deeth see him go round the outside to take first.

Into Complex Wheeler goes for the inside but Deeth shuts the door. Allard sees Wheeler pull out and Astin on the outside, everyone brakes late but Astin bounces over the kerb and takes first with Wheeler 0.626 seconds behind and Deeth 0.867 seconds later.

MINI MIGLIA ROUND 8 RESULT 1 11 Kane Astin 2 88 Dan Wheeler 3 23 Rupert Deeth 4 8 Colin Peacock 5 29 Dave Drew 6 85 Sam Summerhayes

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12

POINTS after Round 7 + 8 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 22 23

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 4 88 22 49 10 69 5 59 91 92 73 90 63 47 60 37 52 38 35 23 89 96

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

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

Entered Practiced Started Finished

Castle Combe Castle Combe Brands Hatch Brands Hatch Cadwell Park Cadwell Park Thruxton Thruxton

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

1 1

0 0

1

1

1

0

17 17 17 11

17 17 14 11

21 April 21 April 10 May 11 May 31 May 1 June 14 June 15 June

14 19 16 1 18 15 12 20 10 1

19 20 16 18 1 15 1 1 13 14

1

11

9

9

17 13 11

17 12 10

1

1

16 16 16 12

16 16 16 12

20 19 14 18 17 0 10 1 1 15 11

20 19 16 18 17 0 12 15 11 13 7

16 9 13 12 0

14 8 10 9 0

16 16 14 12

16 16 14 14

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

20 19 17 16 18 15 14 1 13 12 10 7

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

11 8 9

1 13 12

1

19

16 16 14

16 16 10

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

150 137 125 107 90 89 87 85 75 69 59 52 47 47 44 43 35 25 21 20 2 2 1

Spax Improver: S Trench (+6) Spax Improver: S Wanstall (+9) Spax Improver: D Thomas (+5) Spax Improver: D Thomas (+7) Spax Improver: K O’Shea (+3) Spax Improver: J Proctor (+4) Spax Improver: R Billison (+6) Spax Improver: K Edgar (+8)

Total

POINTS after Round 7 + 8 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 Best 11

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

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

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

nc nc nc nc nc nc

102 118 113 141 136 114

Invitation Gary WARBURTON Jason BURGESS Rob PERKINS Damon ASTIN Greg CARINI Paul DE JONG Entered Practiced Started Finished

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Castle Combe Castle Combe Brands Hatch Brands Hatch Cadwell Park Cadwell Park Thruxton Thruxton

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

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

1 1 11

11 1 1

(7)

(9)

22 22 20 17

22 22 21 16

21 April 21 April 10 May 11 May 31 May 1 June 14 June 15 June

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

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

19 20 1 17 18 14 16 15

18 19 20 15 17 13 1 16

13

14

(1) (13)

(10) (12)

(1)

(12)

(11) (1) w

(1) (0) w

20 19 18 11

20 19 16 11

10 10 10 8

10 10 10 9

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

* Invitation class not eligible for Challenge points

19 16 20 1 18 1 17 15 14 1 0

20 19 18 17 1 14 1 1 15 16 0

(0) (13)

(13) (0)

13 11 8

13 11 8

148 146 116 108 105 101 78 69 55 53 40 31 29 25 19 12

-

Pole: A Smith Spax Improver: R Deeth (+13) Pole: D Wheeler Spax Improver: D Drew (+6) Pole: R Casey Spax Improver: Niv Burge (+14) Pole: R Howard Spax Improver: P Simmonds (+6) Pole: D Wheeler Spax Improver: J Coulson (+3) Pole: D Wheeler Spax Improver: A Smith (+4) Pole: R Deeth Spax Improver: T Le May (+4) Pole: R Deeth Spax Improver: S Summerhayes (+5)

Total

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

Photo Gallery

Cadwell Park, May 31 - June 1, 2014 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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15

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

Photo Gallery

Thruxton, June 14-15, 2014 All images copyright www.mbracephotography.co.uk

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16

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4 July 12 Round 9 & 10 Oulton Park Little Budworth, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9BW 01829 760301 www.oultonpark.co.uk

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

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AUGust 23-24 Round 11 & 12 Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP 01332 810048 www.donington-park.co.uk

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FINAL ROUNDS September 20-21 Round 13 & 14 Croft Circuit West Lane Dalton On Tees North Yorkshire DL2 2PL 01325 721815 www.croftcircuit.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 12 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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17

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

DUNLOP MINI SE7EN & MINI MIGLIA CHALLENGE supported by MINI SPORT Race Timetable Oulton Park July 12, 2014

SPONSORS

Miglia Qualifying

08.30

Mini Se7en Qualifying

10.00

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Miglia Race 1

11.30

Se7ens Race 1

12.40

Miglia Race 2

15.00

Se7ens Race 2

16.05

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18

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

MINI 7 RACING CLUB DRIVER PROFILE NAME:

AGE:

CLASS:

CAR NUMBER: FULL SEASON: LOCATION: EMPLOYMENT: SPONSORS:

Spencer Wanstall 18 Se7en 73 Yes

Kent Restaurant Manager/ Student Rightline Motorsport, Vickers, Curley UK, Graeme Davis, Dyno Solutions,

Spencer Wanstall

RACING HISTORY:

nd in British Autograss Series 2010; Kent Autograss Champion 2 two years running; Junior Kent Autograss Champion

BEST ACHIEVEMENT:

2nd in British Autograss Series 2010

WORST MOMENT:

Barrel-rolling the car six times at Scunthorpe in 2010

Car History:

reviously Paul Thompson’s Championship-winning Mini. Driven P

by Autosport’s Ben Anderson

WINTER REBUILD/CHANGES: Rebuilt engine by Peter Vickers ENGINE BUILDER:

Peter Vickers

FAVOURITE CIRCUIT:

Brands Hatch

WORST CIRCUIT:

Don’t know yet!

TEAM INFO:

Rightline Motorsport

FAMILY INFO:

ad previously race drag bikes and Mini 7. Sister races Autograss.

D Mum gardens.

AIMS FOR 2014:

Top 10 finish

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19

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

MINI 7 RACING CLUB DRIVER PROFILE

NAME:

AGE:

CLASS:

CAR NUMBER: FULL SEASON: EMPLOYMENT:

Colin Peacock 50 Miglia 8 Yes

Self-employed

Colin Peacock

RACING HISTORY:

1987-94 Karting; Minis since 1997

Other Hobbies:

Arsenal; 5-a-side football

BEST ACHIEVEMENT:

2x Wins, 2x 2nd position in final Championship standings

WORST MOMENT:

Leading at Thruxton on the last lap and finising fifth!

Car History:

Built 2001

WINTER REBUILD/CHANGES: KAD Engine ENGINE BUILDER:

KAD

FAVOURITE CIRCUIT:

Oulton Park

WORST CIRCUIT:

Rockingham

TEAM INFO:

Leigh Dale

FAMILY INFO:

Wife - Deborah; three children - Hope, Innes, Hannah

AIMS FOR 2014:

Win the title!

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20

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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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21

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

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

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive/ Pitlane (Walzpics)

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

10 Years Ago

J

ust a decade ago, the two Dunlop-backed series motored up to Cheshire on 21 August (a Saturday) for the sixth round of the then compact 10-round National Challenge.

Both races were scheduled for 12 laps on the 2.226-mile Island circuit (without the Shell loop), with the 1300cc Miglias up first.

From a strong field of 17, Bill Sollis narrowly secured pole position from reigning Champion Peter Baldwin, and the early laps saw these two battling for the lead before the latter clipped the tyres at Knickerbrook and was forced to retire (although he would go on to retain his title).

Thereafter Kelly Rogers gave spirited chase, setting fastest

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lap, but had to settle for second behind Sollis by just 0.135 of a second, with current roving reporter Mark Chandler in third from Colin Peacock, then the two Sims, Mark and Tim (not related) completing the top six. Other familiar names included Paul Simmonds in eighth, and Ralph Saunders and Mike Jackson both on the dnf list.

An even fuller 1000cc Mini Se7en entry of 25 cars saw some excellent action throughout, no more so than James Hayman’s superb drive to third from the ninth row of the grid. Just ahead however, Lewis Selby kept it all together to win by a couple of seconds from the late Joe Tandy after several other frontrunners

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Lewis Selby won the Mini Se7en race.

had dropped out of the running, including Champion-elect James Hall who set fastest lap, and polesitter Dave Banwell. Behind the impressive Hayman, Paul Thompson took fourth from Paul McGarry and Geoff Letts in fifth and sixth respectively, while other runners included Paul Clark (eighth), Paul Spark (ninth), Dave Edgecombe, Graeme Davis, Malcolm Keat, Max Hunter and current works Porsche driver Nick Tandy. The trio of non-starters were current racers Damon Astin, Gareth Hunt and Ian Deviny.

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22

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Oulton Park: 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago 20 Years Ago

T

his was the era of Unipart-DCM title sponsorship and RoverSport patronage which, unsurprisingly, produced very strong entries across both classes. Another Saturday meeting, this time on the 4 June, and the full International layout (2.776 miles with Shell loop) was used for a pair of 10lap thrashes, round four of the 12-round Challenge, and just a fortnight before what would be the M7RC’s first visit to Spa in Belgium.

The Miglias were in their first official season of 1300cc engines after switching from the 1.0-litre units run since 1969/70, and from an entry of 28, there were 23 cars for qualifying. Jonathan Lee set the fastest time but would ultimately retire from the race, along with other former Miglia title

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winners Myk Cable, Len Brammer, Owen Hall and 1994 Champ’ Chris Lewis (setting a new lap record at 1:59.17).

Crossing the line in front however was the reigning 1993 Champ’ Ian Gunn, a cool 1.3 secs clear of Stewart Mike Jordan ahead of a locked-up Bob Drake, with Humphreys in the Miglia race.

Bill Sollis, Image: M7RC Archive / Ferret Richard Pho tographics (Mary Harvey) Wager, Peter Allen and David third Grocott next in line. ahead of Dave Braggins, Shaun By this time the Mini Se7ens King and Matt Hayman. A glance had already been running their down the finishing order also uprated unleaded 1.0-litre units reveals just how competitive the for three seasons, and so the 37class had become, with several car entry was par for the course. ex-champions among the likes Indeed, with a grid limit of 32, of Paul Brown, Mike Jackson, qualifying was a bunfight in Phil Manser, Steve Cooper, Tim itself just to make the race, and Stanbridge, the late Mickey Bray, topping the timesheets (as he Rob Selby, Mark Sims and the would a decade later) was Dave late Steve Bell, filling seventh to Banwell, ahead of Kelly Rogers 15th positions of the 28 finishers! alongside on the front row. In Of minor note too, in 27th the race, the latter would go on and lapped, a certain Richard to set the fastest race lap, and Williamson, having scraped in win by 1.4 secs from Ian Curley, last on the grid! with Banwell shuffled back to

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23

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Oulton Park: 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago 30 Years Ago

Peter Calver’s ‘Mini 25’ Silver Jubilee Miglia replica racer alongside a roadgoing Mini 25 Special Edition Image: P Calver Collection

C

ommemorating 25 years of the Mini, the two series were renamed the Austin Mini Silver Jubilee National Challenges, with Oulton Park scheduled in fourth of 16 rounds, on Bank Holiday Monday 7 May. The 850cc Mini Se7ens were up first, with 23 cars headed after qualifying by reigning Champ’ Chris Gould by just over a second, on the shorter 1.654mile layout. That advantage was reduced to half a second after 12 laps by top lady racer Barbara Cowell, Gould just holding on for what would be the first of 10 National victories in another titlewinning season, and both setting a new lap record of 1:47.7. Colin

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Rodger, Gary Hall, Peter Brown (on his local circuit) and Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett filled the top half-dozen after a front-running battle sometimes four-abreast, although the added challenge from Russell Grady, Ralph Budd and Dick Robinson was cut short before the first corner after a multi-car fracas. Non-starting was Graeme Davis, in his debut season sharing a car with Steve Young.

The 14-car 998cc Miglia entry was led away from pole position

by Mike Fry and the Champion elect was well on his way to a comfortable victory, including a new lap record of 1:40.5, when mechanical gremlins stopped

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him a couple of laps from the finish, handing victory to Jim McDougall, well clear of Gerald Dale, Colin Beckwith and Dave Hancock as the only unlapped runners, with Peter Tisdale (11 laps) and Grant Munday (10 laps) next of the seven finishers.

Reigning Champion Chris Lewis had qualified second but was pushed off the grid just before the start.

T

here was no visit to Oulton Park for the thennamed Racing section of the Mini 7 Club…

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40 Years Ago

• History • Contacts

24

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Thruxton: 25, 30, 35, 45 years ago

WORDS: Richard Williamson PHOTOS: M7RC Archive

A delve into the M7RC Archive. Remarkably, 5, 10, 15 & 20 years ago Thruxton was not on the M7RC calendar – so, we go back even further.

Miglias and Se7ens ran together frequently; Brian Kippax (506) and Steve Cooper (3) line up for the respective classes [Photo credit: M7RC Archives/Shell]

T

he Austin-Rover National Mini Challenges paid two visits to the Hampshire circuit in 1989, the first on 11 June for round 7, and again on 8 October for round 15 and the series final. Both meets were run with combined grids, leading to several unhappy drivers who missed out on a race, especially among the 850cc class.

In June, race organiser BARC filled the 34-car grid with 24 Miglias and just 10 Se7ens

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25 Years

Ago completed the top six out starting behind them from the 43-car entry of 15 finishers. Tagging and, in sunny conditions, along behind, just three it was no surprise that the 1-litre of the five 850cc cars remained unlapped, Champion-to-be Steve cars dominated the 10-lap race.

Cooper starting from class ‘pole’ Champion-elect Myk Cable set the fastest lap and ran out and remaining comfortably the overall winner in his Mini ahead of Rob Selby (fastest lap) Spares-backed car, with pole and Neil Johnson, with Eian Riddiford and Mike Jackson position man Mark Jones in his completing the finishers. Current Slark-powered car a couple of seconds adrift in second. Jeremy Miglia frontrunner Dan Wheeler was a non-finisher, while among Wheatley, Tony Parker, engine tuner Steve Harris and John Percy the disappointed race reserves

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25

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Thruxton: 25, 30, 35, 45 years ago was Mini-7 Classic contender Bill Sollis.

On to the 10-lap October race and BARC produced a far more balanced grid, with 19 Miglias and 15 Se7ens this time. In dry conditions, best of the 998cc brigade was once again Myk Cable who secured his first of three Miglia titles, although he was hounded all the way by Brian Kippax who set the quickest lap, and series runner-up Ian Gunn. Gareth Mellin, Jeremy Wheatley and Irishman Sean Tierney completed

the first half-dozen. In addition Phil Harvey took eighth while polesitter Peter Allen pulled off on the opening lap with suspension damage. Of great interest among the smaller class was the ‘race test’ debut of the 1-litre unleaded engine proposed to replace the venerable 850 unit for 1991. Not running for points, former Mini Se7en and three-time Miglia Champion, Russell Grady, tried out the test unit in Eian Riddiford’s car and the comparisons were very favourable, Grady embroiled in

a terrific four-way dice for the class lead. Having started from pole and set a new record lap, Mike Jackson eventually won by just 0.49 of a second from Grady, Steve Cooper and Neil Johnson, with Guy Sims and Marcus Wragg next up. Among the other runners that day were Bill Sollis, Rob Selby and the late Frank Gillibrand, brother of occasional Se7en racer Phillip Gillibrand, who was driving probably the oldest car in the series, ‘Gillimin’ which had competed back in the Sixties.

almighty scrap 30 Years for the lead, with Ago reigning Champion Chris Gould edging it after 10 laps, adding fastest lap too. Colin Rodger had started from pole position and may have won but for a small error near the finish, while the scramble for

third had four cars virtually tied together at the end in the form of Gary Hall, Jeremy Ormerod, Russell Grady and Gordon Miles, with Mike Jackson dropping from the group to seventh. In the 998cc Miglia event, Mike Fry went out early after starting from the pole slot, leaving Jim McDougall to come through from third on the grid to take the victory by the scantest of margins from reigning Champion Chris Lewis. McDougall also set a new lap record of 1:26.84, at the incredible average speed of over 97 mph! Gerald Dale, Rick Cutting, Peter Tisdale and Keith Padmore (currently running a Cooper S in historics) filled out the top six, while familiar Mini names in the 35-car entry also included Bryan Slark, Keith Calver, Steve Harris and Richard Wager.

Mini 7 grid with Chris Gould (01), Colin Rodger (05), Mike Jackson (87) and Steve Mole (76) all in frame [Photo credit: M+A Jackson Collection]

M

arking 25 years of the Mini, the Austin Mini Silver Jubilee Challenge paid a solitary visit to Thruxton on bank holiday Monday 28 May for a BARC Saloon Car Raceday.

After a damp practice for the 27car entry, the 850cc Mini Se7en race was a lot drier and saw an

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26

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Thruxton: 25, 30, 35, 45 years ago

T

here were not one Mini 1275 GTs with John Hopwood (4), Chris Inch (26), but five separate visits Rob Lodge (7) and Peter Baldwin (9) [Photo credit: J to BARC-run Thruxton 35 Years Parish Collection/Ferret Photographics - J Gaisford] meetings during the 1979 Ago season, the first of which was an 8-lap thrash on 11 March, the opening round of the Austin Morris National Mini 850 (Se7en) Challenge.

From the 25-car entry, Patrick Watts (later to star in Touring Cars) emerged as winner after an eventful dice among several cars during a very wet race, and would also secure the title by filling the next places. Reigning the-grid-10 second-penalty-start) the end of the 16-round season.

Champion Phil Spurling started and Steve Taylor next up, and 22 Graham ‘Gramps’ Woskett had from pole but dropped out early finished from 34 entries. been fastest all day, starting although he would go on to Sunshine and a dry track from pole position and setting retain his crown. greeted the Mini 1275GT fastest lap, but a spin in unison Mini 850s were back for 10 contenders for round 12 of their with eventual fifth-place Chris laps on 28 May for round 7 of 16-round Austin Morris National Tyrrell left him scrabbling back their National Challenge, and Challenge on 27 August, and to second, with Jim McDougall although the weather was although the 12-car field may third, and brothers Stephen and equally dismal, the race was have seemed thin on paper, Gary Hall sandwiching Tyrrell in televised as part of the support some of the names have certainly the results. to the headlining Aurora AFX made their mark in tin-tops An equally wet 8-lap race on F1 race, featuring occasional over the years. A-Series tuning April Fool’s Day (1 April) opened Grand Prix drivers Rupert Keegan, expert Steve Harris headed the the National Mini 1000 (Miglia) David Kennedy and Emilio De timesheets after qualifying in season, and on this occasion it Villota. Patrick Watts headed the one of his own cars, while Peter was former Se7en and Miglia qualifying times but dropped Baldwin lined up alongside. In Champion Paul Gaymer who out at midway, leaving Jim the race, Touring Car legend would triumph in his Boopspeed McDougall in front before he too Steve Soper machine, although he didn’t The dropped out near the end along came through 19 79 Mini 7 Racing Archive start another National race all with fastest lap man Gary Hall. to challenge year! Despite this, the superAustin Morris makeover This left Russell Grady to take Harris for the Soper - Spurling - Watts competitive field (33 entries) reign the chequered flag from Nigel lead and by saw Freddy Heaney make rapid ‘Boot’ Gaymer (Paul’s brother) the end just progress from mid-grid to finish in another Boopspeed car, and 0.6 secs split second close behind Gaymer, the Swiftune-powered Graham the pair after with Roland Nix, Chris Dobson, Woskett in third, with Nick Baily, the race of the David Abbott and Derek May Chris Tyrrell (flying after a back-of- day, and Soper VOLUME 3

THE LEYLAND GT

YEARS: 1976-1980

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

What’s in a name?

● Rebranded AustinAustin-Morris Challenge title ● Strong Nationwide dealer support ● TEAC adds Mini 1000 series ● Close action across six championships

+ Added...

Cars Drivers Circuits Reports Results Photos

This way and that

● Thruxton ● Silverstone ● Cadwell Park

www.mini7.co.uk

● Mallory Park ● Castle Combe ● Aintree

● Snetterton ● Oulton Park ● Croft

● Donington Park ● Brands Hatch ● Lydden

Issue 14 / 1979

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27

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

From the Archives:

Thruxton: 25, 30, 35, 45 years ago breaking the lap record with a 1m 39s dead. Soper would go on to win his second 1275 GT title that year. Behind the leading pair, Baldwin outlasted others around him to finish third, with future multi-Champ’ Chris Lewis taking fourth ahead of Nigel Bridger and Melvyn Johnson.

Paul Taft, Malcolm Harrison and Chris Inch were among the retirements, as was double Mini Se7en Champion Graham Wenham who found the barriers heavily on the opening lap.

The eighth and final round of the Graham Hill Memorial Trophy drew a massive 41-car entry on 3 November, no doubt boosted by the presence of TV cameras. Effectively an extra series aimed at Mini 1000 and 850 beginners, or drivers who weren’t frontrunners in the National Challenges, the 8-lapper unsurprisingly saw the 1000s out in front, with Roy Kwei taking the honours ahead of Keiths Vinycomb and Padmore. In the 850s, class winner Peter Allen finished a superb seventh overall with the next best pair of Tim Lester and Graham Hobbs in 11th and 12th overall. Vinycomb and Allen set the respective 1000/850 fastest laps, while poleman Tony Edwards fell back to fourth overall and quickest 850 in qualifying, Gary Hall, failed to start. Also on the grid that day was current Mini Se7en entrant, Julian Affleck.

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Formula Mini-7s at the Thruxton chicane, led by Mike Rope in the Claydon Engineering car [Photo credit: Maureen Magee/M7RC Archives]

T

45 Years hordes, the best of which hruxton played Ago host to the opening is Michael Rope (Claydon Engineering) ahead of round of the then Willie Dick (Poglespeed), named Formula Mini7 championship on 27 April John Digby in fifth driving a Hillthorne prepared car also 1969, with a huge entry of 46 nicknamed ‘Ruptured Duck’, cars vying to make the pointsand Mick Jones in sixth. Other scoring 8-lap final, and the standout names in the field reserves having a consolation run in with a selection of Free include Clive Trickey in the CCC magazine-featured car and future Formula Minis. In his first season of circuit racing in a very tidy double-class Champion Len Brammer. In a car shared with car from the Lawrence stable, Chris Tyrrell during the season, Paul Gaymer lays a marker to Dennis Fernie won the Formula his season-long impressive form, and ultimately the title, with pole Mini-7 class in the consolation position, fastest lap and a narrow race, which also saw original Formula Mini-7 Champion Bob win from Graham Wenham.

These two are comfortably Fox having a rare run out after his near-fatal crash in 1967. clear of the maniacally chasing

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28

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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

• Gallery • Next Races

www.mbracephotography.co.uk

• Timetable • Driver Profile

• History • Contacts

29

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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

Quick Links • Preview

• Race Report • Standings

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www.mbracephotography.co.uk

• Gallery • Next Races

• Timetable • Driver Profile

• History • Contacts

30

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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

love:mini magazine

www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview

• Race Report • Standings

• Gallery • Next Races

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

• Timetable • Driver Profile

• History • Contacts

31

Pit & Paddock July 2014 Issue 4

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

love:mini magazine

PRESS OFFICER Craig McBeth E: editor@love-mini.co.uk www.mbracephotography.co.uk Quick Links • Preview

• Race Report • Standings

• Gallery • Next Races

• Timetable • Driver Profile

• History • Contacts

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