www.oregonminisociety.com
2019 Holiday Bonus Issue
Oregon Mini Society Pages This Issue brought to you by our friends at Jet Motors, Mini Mania, MINI of Portland, Seven Mini Parts & Hagerty
president
Rhonda Hull Minimemberships@gmail.com
vice president Eric Newland eric@hybridmoon.com
membership
Karen McCune karen.mccune@gmail.com
treasurer
Mary Wood mypopoki@gmail.com
historian
Joe Munsch jmunsch@slvsoft.com
regalia
Debbie LeWarne smith.debbie25@gmail.com
web guru
Nicholas Coker geminate@me.com
EDITOR
Randy Unsbee randy@sponsorpr.com
ADVERTISER INDEX MINI of Portland page 11 JET Motors - page 15 Mini Mania - page 19 Hagerty - page 21 Seven Mini Parts - page 23
Merry Christmas & H a p py H ol i d ays ! Tex t by R a n dy U n s bee What a great year of activities it has been, culminating in the 43rd Annual All British Field Meet (ABFM) at Portland International Raceway along with the 17th Annual Columbia River Classic sanctioned by the Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts (SOVREN). As I’m sure most of you already know, the highlight of the vintage race weekend was the running of the 60th Anniversary Mini Race with 25 drivers attempting to achieve the honor of finishing on the podium in one of four classes. Mini racers from Canada and the United States overcame weather, mechanical problems, and the occasional off-course excursion to provide a memorable weekend for drivers, families, teams, sponsors, and spectators. My ordeal but eventual climb to the podium is detailed later on these pages, but having the legendary Mini pilot Paddy Hopkirk present the trophies is something all of we drivers will never forget. Not to be outdone, Oregon Mini Society members took to the track in two slalom events as well as displaying their rolling treasures as part of an 800-plus car show. Many of them won awards as well. Regardless of the trophies and ribbons, being a part of this annual tradition was reward enough. Special thanks to our advertisers for this issue and all of 2020:JJet Jet Motors, Mini Mania, MINI of Portland, Seven Mini Parts, & Hagerty. Please let them know you appreciate their dedication!
contents 2 FROM THE EDITOR Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from the Editor of OMS Pages
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FROM THE DESK OF MADAM PRESIDENT
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ALL BRITISH FIELD MEET
We had some incredible events in 2019
page 4
OMS Members take home the ribbons in the 43rd Annual event
12 ABFM GIANT SLALOM Braving the elements results in a challenging event for OMS members and their classic cars
16 YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN - THE 60TH RACE Did Thomas Wolfe get it all wrong?
20 FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT
page 12
The 60th Anniversary Mini Race
page 30
28 I MAY BELONG IN A MUSEUM. . . . . . but my race car doesn’t
page 6
30 THE MINI LEGACY 60 YEARS ON
One of the most successful cars ever celebrates a birthday
32 OMS CLUB NEWS
Membership Mania & Holiday Party
33 MINI PHOTO FROM THE PAST Snapshot of a Mini, family, and friends
page 16
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Fr om the Desk of Madam Pr esident Tex t by R h on da Hu l l This fall, Mark and I had the opportunity to host a Russian mathematician from Vladimir State University. Our guest, Roman, stayed with us for a week while he explored the frontier of on-line and hybrid teaching with the other Russian delegates through an exchange program at the college where we teach. Roman spoke VERY little English and we spoke NO Russian, but thanks to Google Translator, we were able to somewhat communicate; albeit comical at times. Roman got to see some of our NW tourist sights. We hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls, gazed at Cannon Beach’s iconic haystack, and cruised up and down the Willamette River on the Spirit of Portland. Language is not a barrier when nature’s beauty can speak for herself. And, wow, we had “knock your socks off” gorgeous weather to show off the natural resources of our beloved Pacific Northwest.
lots of sunshine. He teased that he would “abduct our sunshine” when he went back to Russia and yet, as I type this, the sun is still shining! I reflect back through the year 2019 and realize we have had incredible weather for many of our OMS car events; including our fall events. The PDX ABFM and the Mini racing events were a huge success during the second weekend of September. There was a significant downpour for Saturday night’s sold out ABFM dinner. However, a little liquid sunshine was just what our UK celebrity, Paddy Hopkirk, needed to warm our hearts with his talented story telling.
a loads of fun! Lots of sunshine and no snow… We took a similar tour back in March 2018 and many of us remember how the unexpected Snowmageddon complimented Jeremy’s racing slicks…
The month of October was also packed with traveling adventures. A group of OMSers, led by Lynn and Thank you, Mr. Hopkirk, for helping Marlene Long, drove our beasties up us celebrate sixty years of Minis - the gorgeous gorge for a sleepover in The Dalles. OMS loves you Paddy! The following weekend, Kyle Francis (from Hagerty Collector Car Insurance) organized a wonderful tour. About 20 Minis/MINIS traveled through the Clark county woods and back roads ending at Backwoods Brewing for a pizza feed compliments of Hagerty.
The following day we participated in the Concours de Maryhill in Goldendale, WA. The show is comprised of all years and all makes of automobiles on the grounds of the Maryhill museum. We concluded the day by drinking wine on the back deck of the Maryhill Winery overlooking the Columbia River.
We kept telling Roman, “we usually have rain - lots of rain.” But what he experienced was day after day of Thank you Kyle for a great touring crisp autumn air, colorful leaves, and event. This curvy, scenic drive was The following weekend was the much anticipated and well attended annual JET Motors BBQ. Thank you Jeremy and Deb for hosting a venue where like-minded Mini/MINI owners can gather and admire the cars they love.
The legend himself, Paddy Hopkirk, with Rhonda Hull (top ). Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach (left). Jeremy Thorpe found the snowbanks back in 2018 (top right). Maryhill Winery was a feature of the Concours de Maryhill road trip (center right). Rhonda and Mark Hull’s 1974 MK3 Mini (bottom far right), and OMS volunteers for the ABFM celebrate a successful event. (right)
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Fr om the Desk of Madam Pr esident
The week after that was the ABFM Volunteer Dinner at the Cedar Hills McMenamins. This special thank you dinner invite was extended to the 35 OMS volunteers who helped make the PDX ABFM a success. It was a pleasure to have new OMS members, Mark and Susie Hurston who live in Bothell Washington, not only volunteer to help out with the ABFM but they also attended the volunteer dinner – awesome!!! It is Oregon… and it will rain… and when it does, it will rain a lot. But don’t let the rain discourage you. Bask in the warm memories of our Mini fun with our Mini friends. The OMS Holiday is just around the corner, December 7th. This social event is an opportunity to meet new people and hug old friends. It’s a time to reminisce about past adventures and dream of future outings. OMS members, Ben and Glenny Compton, will be making the drive from Manchester, WA to attend the Holiday Party. Our newest OMS member, Carl Barfield from Belfair, WA, lives in the same neck of the northern Washington woods and will also be attending. And I just received an RSVP from Barry Kop who is a long standing OMS member since 1988. Wow – think of all the conversations and exchange of stories that will be shared. We hope to see you at the Holiday Party… Many and Mini cheers! Rhonda Hull OMS Madame President
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All British Field Meet
43rd Annual All Br itish Field M eet Oregon Mini Society is well represented and takes home the ribbons Photos by Adam Anseth and others
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All British Field Meet
 
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All British Field Meet
Just some of the great rolling classics displayed by OMS members in the British Vehicle Display
Davoud Ahadi, ‘66 Morris Cooper
Burt Reif, 1964 Morris Mini Traveler
Mark & Rhonda Hull, Mini 1974 1000
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Joe Munsch, 2006 MINI Cooper S
Bill & Muffy Beeler, 1967 Wolseley Hornet
Dave & Amy Ford, Morris 1960 Mini
Lynn & Marlene Long, Mini 1979 Special
Steve Wittkop, 1962 MK1 Morris Cooper
Eric Newland, Austin 1968 America
Jim & Cyndy Bolin, Mini 1968 Cooper
Keith & Debbie LeWarne, Rover 1969 Mini
All British Field Meet
Sandy Thorsen, Mini 1999 Cooper
Brian Copeland, MINI 2014 R-59
Dwight Smith, Morris 1962 Traveller
Linda Carignan MINI 2013 JCW Roadster
Austin Hinton, Riley 1968 Elf
Bill & Muffy Beeler, 1979 Mini Cooper
Nicholas & Jenn Coker, 1968 Austin Cooper S
Eric Newland, Austin 7
Roger Wooley, 1964 Morris Traveler
Roger & Susan Ferguson, 1969 MK2 Austin Mini Deluxe
Brent & Karen McCune, 1960 MK1 Austin Mini Seven Saloon
Jeremy Thorpe, 1964 Austin Mini Cooper  
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All British Field Meet
O M S W I N N E R S AT T H E A B F M B R I T I S H V E H I C L E D I S P L AY
Best of Show Runner Ups Burt Reif, Portland, OR 1964 Morris Mini Traveler Bill & Muffy Beeler, Portland, OR 1967 Wolseley Hornet People’s Choice
MI-34 Mark III and Mark IV 1st: Mark & Rhonda Hull, Happy Valley OR Mini 1974 1000
MI-36B Variants/ Kits (Elf,Hornet, Moke,Radford,Wood & Picket, Marcos, Etc.) 2nd: Austin Hinton Beaverton OR Riley 1968 Elf
3rd: Lynn and Marlene Long, The Dalles ORE Mini MI-18B Neo MINI 1979 Special Topless (Cab, Rdstr (Cooper, Cooper S & JC MI-35 Mark V thru Wks) Mark VII
Awards AA-08-Race Car
2nd: Keith & Debbie LeWarne, Beaverton OR Rover 1969 Mini
1st: Brian Copeland Portland OR Mini 2014 R-59
1st: Dave & Amy Ford, Troutdale OR Morris 1960 Mini
3rd: Sandy Thorsen Happy Valley OR Mini 1999 Cooper
2nd: Linda Carignan Olympia WA MINI 2013 JCW Roadster
MI-33 Mark II
MI-36A All LWB closed (Woody,Tinny Wagon,Van, Pick-up)
MI-18C Neo MINI LWB (Clubman, Countryman (Cooper, Cooper S & JC Wks)
2nd: Jim & Cyndy Bolin, Tigard OR Mini 1968 Cooper
Don & Penny Griffith, Mini1998 Cooper
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1st: Dwight Smith Lake Oswego Or Morris 1962 Traveller
Jeremy Thorpe, 1967 Austin Cooper S
2nd: Judette Moe Bremerton WA MINI 2013 Clubman S
Dave & Penny Dilley, 2014 MINI Cooper
 
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ABFM Giant Slalom
All Br itish Field M eet Giant Slalom OMS Members brave the elements to challenge the clock in their beloved street machines
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ABFM Giant Slalom
 
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ABFM Giant Slalom
More than 30 cars participated in the Giant Slalom in inclement conditions. Among them were several OMS Members. In Group 1 Max Nguy finished fourth in his JC Works, Alexander Brock was eighth in his Cooper S, and Katarina Zakrewski finished 14th in her Cooper S.
Rain Soaked front stretch at PIR
Keeping the motor dry
Max Nguy, JC Works
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Katarina Zakrewski, Cooper S
 
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T he 60th Anniversar y Mini Race
YOU C AN GO HOME AG A THE 60TH R ACE Text by Randy Unsbee
ABOVE Race #2 Pace Lap. Photo by Mari Miller.
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The 60th A legendary proved on
T he 60th Anniversar y Mini Race
AIN -
Anniversary Mini Race brought together 25 y cars, veteran drivers and enthusiasts who nce and for all that Thomas Wolfe may have gotten it wrong.
“You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood ... back home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame ... back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting but which are changing all the time - back home to the escapes of Time and Memory.” - Thomas Wolfe One of the more influential novels of the 20th Century was published in 1940 after the death of its mercurial American author, Thomas Wolfe. “You Can’t Go Home Again” described the author’s disappointment in discovering that nostalgia for places and times past was disappointing. Critics said that attempting to relive youthful memories is doomed to failure. My youthful memories of beginning a life in sports car racing reaches back to the 1970s, when family and friends
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T he 60th Anniversar y Mini Race
formed Peterman-Unsbee racing enterprises in Race. It had been 10 years since I had raced at suburban Chicago, IL. As detailed in the follow- Portland International Raceway. For some of the ing article, reprinted from the December “Victory drivers competing in the historic September race Lane” magazine, I had the chance to go back to weekend, it was their first time at the circuit. For my youth and others, PIR was a time dating an old friend. back some 43 Some of the years. For those who raced Minis in the last century, drivers were we found that you can go home again - “back That was the relatively new home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of last time I had to Mini racing, raced my titlewhile others fame.” winning #62 had been Mini Cooper S. racing Minis for decades. In each of our personal situations, When Don Racine of Mini Mania offered me we were both creating new memories while revisthe chance to reunite one more time with my iting another time and place. legendary car, I didn’t hesitate. For those who raced Minis in the last century we But going back in time didn’t just relate to my Mini, found that you can go home again - “back home but also the track hosting the 60th Anniversary to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame.”
Photo by Cindi Racine.
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Fr om the Driver’s Seat
From the Dr iver ’s S e at The 60th Anniversary Mini Race in North America Text by Randy Unsbee Revised from the December issue of Victory Lane magazine. Photos by Cindi Racine, Mari Miller & Pacific Northwest Motor Racing
This was a race weekend to remember, and a fitting tribute to the Mini legacy. The 1.96-mile, 12-corner circuit at Oregon’s Portland International Raceway was the site chosen for the 60th Anniversary Mini Race. A total of 25 teams gathered to compete in four classes based upon engine, chassis and suspension modifications, with classes M4 and M3 typically fastest and most modified, followed by M2 and M1 which more closely aligned with the former C and D Sedan classes of the Sports Car Club of America. Team Mini Mania brought five cars from Nevada City, CA for family members Don, Dennis, Julie Racine, and John Burmann. 2 0
I was honored to be a guest driver in my former #62 (see Victory Lane magazine May 2019). A Mini Mania customer car of Colorado’s James Stiehr brought the team total to six. The event was organized and planned by the All British Field Meet which was hosting its 43rd annual gathering that weekend, along with Seven Mini Parts, Mini Mania, Jet Motors,
ABOVE LEFT
Richard Paterson #1, Don Racine #61 & Greg Wold #88 at turn one ABOVE RIGHT Robert Beauchemin in his Mini Sprint leads Mini Mania’s Dennis Racine #177
 
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Fr om the Driver’s Seat
Team from MINI of Portland & Paddy Hopkirk
MINI of Portland, and SOVREN Vintage Racing. Special guest for the weekend was Paddy Hopkirk, world-famous Mini rally champion and race driver. The Mini event ran as a separate race group within the 17th Annual Columbia River Classic so track time was somewhat limited to fit in with the other vintage race groups. Saturday consisted of just one 15 minute practice/qualifying session and one 20 minute race. Sunday’s schedule was another 20 minute race in the morning, with a 30 minute feature in the afternoon. However, due to the fuel capacity of some of the cars the feature was shortened to 25 minutes. Practice/Qualifying Not sur pr isingly, Br itish Columbia’s Geoff Tupholme in his beautifully prepared 1973 Austin Mini with crossflow head was fastest overall and first in M4 with a 1:33.327, but was closely followed by the M3 cars of Ontario’s Richard Paterson in Ward Barbour’s entry and Don 2 2
Racine just a few tenths back. Greg Wold from Minnesota was also in the 1:33 range to lead M2 with his 1964 Morris Cooper S, while Roger Soucy from Texas led M1 in his 1967 Austin Cooper S with a 1:40.708. My first stint in the #62 Mini after 43 years was also my first race in ten. However, I had spent the previous 10 years off and on racing at PIR so while I didn’t really know the restored car, I knew the track. Going out in practice we opted for used tires on the front to save the fresh ones for the three races that weekend. I knew I was in trouble as soon
warming tire temperatures would help the matter, and only got in eight slow laps, qualifying 20th overall out of 24 cars. Race #1 The field of classic Minis lining up for the first race was a sight to see, even from the back of the field where I was sitting! The green flag fell and Tupholme, Paterson, Don Racine, and Wold were quickly joined by Dennis Racine in his M3 class 1966 Mini Cooper S and Robert Beauchemin from British Columbia in his M4 1962 Austin Mini Sprint.
Tupholme would drop out with mechanical problems after six laps and Don Racine after nine. Paterson would win overall and in class M3, followed by Wold first in M2, and Beauchemin first in M4. Dennis Racine was fourth overall and second in M3. James Stiehr won the M1 class in seventh Dennis Racine of Team Mini Mania overall. John Burmann as I pulled out on the long front was seventh in M2 and wife Julie straight. The car was veering to Racine sixth in M1. the left and jumped around over every bump. I could barely keep As for me, we determined the it in a straight line and with the used tires in practice must have track surface being damp I fought had stagger or different circumto keep it off the wall. After two ferences due to wear, causing the laps I nearly pulled back into the violent bump steer. With fresh paddock but hoped that maybe tires fitted I could tell on the pace
 
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Fr om the Driver’s Seat
Dennis Racine #177 & Geoff Tupholme #441 pace the field for the Feature Race, while Hard Charger Randy Unsbee #62 starts dead last.
lap all was well. The problem was, I had only eight laps in the car before starting the first race, under completely different conditions – no reason to worry . . .
Race #2
while Dennis Racine got the jump on Wold for second Starting 10th overall in the second overall heading into the Shelton race was encouraging, and I was Chicane. feeling optimistic that I could discover what the car and I were Paterson and Dennis Racine The green flag fell and I passed really capable of accomplishing. had a mighty duel for several rows of cars going into the first overall until the tight right, left, right corners now former dropped out with christened the Shelton Chicane, mechanical problems. named in honor of racing legend Geoff Tupholme started Monte Shelton. By the end of lap last due to his first race one I had passed five cars and DNF, and picked his way was in 15th, by lap five I was through the field to first 13th overall and on lap 10 had overall and first in M4, foladvanced to 10th before the lowed by Dennis Racine race was flagged at 11 laps. So, second overall and first in Team Mini Mania’s James Stiehr we ended up 10th overall from M3, and Wold third overall 20th, sixth in class, and named The sun came out as Greg Wold and first in M2. Don Racine was the Harder Charger for passing and Richard Paterson brought fourth overall and only second the most cars in the race – ten the field down for the green flag. to son Dennis in M3. Stiehr was Paterson took the early lead in all. eighth overall and first again in
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Fr om the Driver’s Seat
Julie Racine, Team Mini Mania
M1. John Burmann finished sixth in M2 and Julie Racine sixth in M1. #62 got a great start, and I again passed several rows before the first turn. Things were looking up, as I was starting to feel comfortable in the car after only 19 total laps. With the front of the field clearly in my reach, my optimism was shattered the same time the shift linkage inside the transmission case broke, leaving me without drive and on the side of the course after just three laps.
my wife Julia to drop off my equipment. My weekend was done and it was time to sit in the stands, enjoy the races, and have a beer. Or, so I thought. That’s when I heard a voice behind me call out, “Randy, you aren’t going home, are you? We’re trying to decide if we have time to change engines.” Don Racine was huddled with Dennis Racine and discussing their options. They had brought a spare motor but there was only a little more than two hours until
as they expertly completed the swap. Minutes before the call to grid we were done, got refueled, checked the tire pressures, torqued the wheels, and got the driver gear back on. Race #3 In racing, you always hear that “track position” is everything. They’re right. Cars I was easily ahead of in Race #2 were well ahead of me when starting dead last in the feature event. At the start I passed several rows again before turn one and picked my way through the field on a very damp course.
That wasn’t my biggest concern, just getting home was primary. The engine swap was lightening fast, so in the back of my mind I wondered Richard Paterson in Ward Barbour’s entry After being towed back to the if everything was conpaddock I gathered up my race the feature race, and they esti- nected tight, how hard could I gear and headed to our car with mated two hours for the swap. safely push #62 from the back of the grid, and could I bring They decided to give it a the car back in one piece. go and I pitched in where I could, not really remem- I had jokingly made the pre-race bering much of any- comment that I only wanted to thing from when I used not finish last and bring the car to rebuild my engine home in one piece. But, here I after nearly every race was starting dead last in a prefour decades ago! Don viously wounded car. and Dennis were a blur Mini Mania’s Don Racine #6 and Greg Wolld #88
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Fr om the Driver’s Seat
It nearly all came to an end on lap seven when a car I had previously passed, then was repassed by, then passed again made a dive bomb attempt in turn one. Fortunately, I saw him coming at me just as I was braking and turning in. I waited a beat and sure enough, he flew by me on the inside and straight off the track at top speed. If I had turned in at my usual point it would have been a t-bone disaster.
#37 Steve Phillips
After 14 laps Tupholme was first overall again, followed by Dennis Racine and Wold. Steve Phillips from California was fourth overall and second in M4 in his 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S, followed across the line by Stiehr winning M1 again. Don Racine had a half shaft problem but still managed second in M3.
Team Mini Mania’s Randy Unsbee & Dennis Racine
We were named the Hard Charger for a second time for passing nine cars, taking the checkered flag in eighth overall from dead last, claiming third in the M2 class, and finishing on the podium.
Steve Schmidt in the #7 Marcos Mini and Bruce Houlden #427 John Breslow #347 and Greg Wold #88
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Mike Kimball #176
Altogether an historic and exciting weekend with a bunch of Mini enthusiasts, including six Mini Mania teammates, putting on a show that won’t soon be forgotten and lives on thanks to You Tube videos!
Fr om the Driver’s Seat
M2 Class Podium (fr. left) Greg Wold, Scott Crawford, Randy Unsbee
Team Mini Mania #00 John Burmann
Overall Winners Podium (fr. left) Paddy Hopkirk, Geoff Tupholme, Dennis Racine, Greg Wold, Roger Botton
Seven Mini Parts #12 Paul Quakenbush
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I May Belong in a Museum . . .
I M ay B el o n g in M u s eu m But My Race Car Doesn’t Text by Randy Unsbee Revised from the September issue of the All British Field Meet Event Program, September 2019.
Some believe art, antiques, and unique creations belong in a museum, away from dust, dirt and the touch of the unwashed and unworthy. Others believe they should be preserved in private collections where only the entitled can appreciate their value, worth, and beauty.
store and they thought they were from a boat trailer. A boat trailer! I can still hear the laughter.
Then, there’s the rest of us. Stand on the gas, peg the rev limiter, squeal the tires, throw it into a slide entering the corner and pray you come out on the other side pointing in the right direction. Don’t get passed. Ever. That’s vintage racing, and that’s what’s in play this weekend at the 60th Anniversary Mini Race at Portland International Raceway. Okay, we can argue if these shoeboxes qualify as art. They’ve even been called clown cars and worse. Back in the 1970s, I took my #62 Mini race wheels to a tire 2 8
But for those who appreciate automotive innovation, engineering, and performance, the Mini is one of the greats. Yes, you can find them in museums around the world, but many believe these mechanical marvels deserve to be wrung out on the race track where their heritage and legend were established against the likes of Jaguar, Porsche, Ford, Chevrolet, and many more. Plus, they’re just too darn cute. And, they’re giant killers.
Mini collector car reunions and races have gone on for decades around the world. Anniversaries are a big deal. You don’t think so? Try forgetting your wedding anniversary, just once. So, it’s no surprise when the legendary British Motor Corporation (BMC) Mini turned 60 this year and the ten millionth Mini was manufactured that there were dozens of celebrations and commemorations planned across the globe. If you are here in Portland, you’re are attending one of the definitive gatherings in North America for Minis, as well as all types of British automobiles. The All British Field Meet (ABFM) is remarkable for its longevity and dedication to providing a forum for the best in British automobiles. Coupled with the Columbia River Classic (CRC), you have the best of street and track prepared vintage cars. This year we are blessed to have a separate race group within the CRC for the 60th Anniversary Mini Race, and you are in for a treat.
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Legendary race Minis and drivers from the USA, Canada, and New Zealand are competing to showcase their driving skills and thoroughbred race Minis with a history that began when Dwight D. Eisenhower was U.S. President and Harold Macmillan was Prime Minister of England.
May Belong in a Museum . . .
Rod Davis #130 - The 79-year-old began racing in 1958 and has won multiple championships and set numerous track records, and built this Mini in 2003. He plans to retire after the Portland race.
Steve Phillips #37 - This is Steve’s fourth all-Mini race and he bought his current car in 2005 and has been racing it ever since. Bruce Houlden #427 - Bruce began ice racing Minis in Canada before hitting the track with an MGB and then a Mini. He competed in the Mid-Ohio and Sonoma Mini Can-Am Challenge races.
The Sandham’s - the father/ son team of Larry and Trevor Okay, I am feeling old now. I are dedicated Mini racers. Larry has been racing one since 1969 remember them both. Geesh. while Trevor is in his third season. Here are some of the drivers and Larry drives a Fortech Mini with Geoff Tupholme #441 - The British Columbia driver started racing teams you’ll see this weekend: a Vauxhall 2 liter engine. Minis in 2006 and has competed Paul Quakenbush #12 - Seven Richard Patterson #1 - Beginning in several Mini Challenge races. Mini Parts Mike Kearney invited in New Zealand with an 850 he He also races at his home track in this veteran driver to team up ran in Hill Climbs and drag racing, Mission B.C., the Knox Mountain once again in the former Ed he eventually bought in 2008 the Hill climb, Seattle PNR, and Spreen SCCA Championship former SCCA Mini he is racing Portland. Mini. today. Scott Crawford #30 - He has Bob Beauchemin #331 - Bob Brian Waters #39 - Brian began been driving a Britax Cooper began racing in 1962 and is a racing in 2002 and owns BWR tribute car for 18 years at long-time, successful winning Motorsport in Beaverton. He is tracks like Laguna Seca, Sears, Mini racer who now specializes debuting a new race Mini this Buttonwillow, Thunderhill, in an ultra-light Mini Sprint. weekend with the help of crew California Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Las Vegas chief and wife, Michelle. Team Mini Mania - The First Family Road Course, Chuckwalla, and of Mini racing consists of patriarch A.J. Johnston #17 - He’s been Pacific Raceways in Seattle. Don Racine, son Dennis, daugh- racing go-karts and vintage cars ter Julie, and her husband John. since 2000 and purchased his Also entered as of this writing are They are joined this weekend by current Mini in 2002. A.J. won Greg Wold #88, Greg Birch #35, Randy Unsbee and James Stiehr. his class in the recent Portland Bruce Houlden #427, and Dale Don is in #61, Randy #62, Dennis Historics here at PIR. Shore #20. #177, Julie #969, John #00, and James #933.
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T h e M i n i L e g a c y 6 0 Ye a r s O n
The M in i Lega c y 60 Years On Text by Randy Unsbee Iconic. Legendary. Historic. This kind of automotive reverence is often reserved for the first of its kind, or influential and mass-produced cars that live on throughout history. Think of the Ford Model T, Volkswagen Beetle, Ford Mustang, and Datsun 240Z. These models revolutionized the automotive industry and sold in the millions.
There’s another marque that has earned its way onto the roll call of automotive greatness, the Mini. 30
To quote from the article 20 Cars that Changed the Automotive Industry Forever, “From an Italian car to The Italian Job, the BMC Mini was truly revolutionary. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis as an economical response to the 1956 Suez gas crisis, it completely changed the small car market. The Mini is the reason that most economy cars today are transverse frontengine, front wheel drive. Quite simply, it allows for a maximized passenger compartment in a very small footprint. “Not only was the layout innovative, but the suspension used rubber cones for dampening, rather than traditional springs, due to the space savings they afforded. And as if this wasn’t enough, its lightweight and FWD layout, which gave it excellent traction over slippery surfaces, helped it win the Monte Carlo rally three times. It also won the British Saloon Car Championship five times as well as a few events in Australia. And best of all, you could walk down the street and buy one.” Besides its relative roominess, safety, and economy, it is simply
a fun car to drive. Every trip was an adventure. Contributing to the cabin roominess was not only the transverse-mounted engine, but the transmission was located in the oil pan under the engine block. Regular oil changes were a must to keep metal gear bits from circulating through the engine and ruining the bearings. Racers installed a magnetic pickup in the floor of the pan to trap the metal bits before they could circulate. Designer Issigonis built and raced single-seat formula cars before World War II, and they used rubber suspension units. This basic idea was transferred to the Mini which he and his team at British Motor Corporation (BMC) began creating in 1957. The rubber suspension was lighter, took up less room, allowed for a larger passenger compartment, and featured a progressive rate for improved cornering. The first models to debut in 1959 were the Austin 7 and the Morris Mini-Minor. They became so popular that other marques were developed to reach additional markets. Among these were the Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf which were slightly more luxurious with some minor body treatments. Soon came the Traveller and Clubman estate cars similar
T h e M i n i L e g a c y 6 0 Ye a r s O n
to our station wagons, a panel van, the military jeep-like Mini Moke, a Pickup, and the Mini K for Australia. Minis were ultimately manufactured in ten countries. According to MiniMania.com, “During its long life, the Mini won many awards. In 1959, Issigonis won the Dewar Cup of the Royal Automobile Society for the car, an award usually given to highend manufacturers like RollsRoyce, Daimler, Mercedes, Jaguar, and Cadillac. It was selected as ‘European Car of the Century’ and ‘Car of the Century’ as well as ‘Number One Classic Car of All Time’. It placed second, after the Model T Ford, as ‘Global Car of the Century’ in 1999.”
famous names in motorsports, John Cooper. A motor racing legend in his own right, Cooper designs revolutionized automobiles and the sport of racing from Formula One to the Indy 500. John Cooper was a friend of Alec Issigonis and between the two of them convinced BMC to market the Mini Cooper beginning in 1961. The 848cc engine size was increased to 997cc and then 998, dual carburetors were added along with a close ratio gearbox, front disc brakes, and a special cylinder head and camshaft. By the following year, the Mini Cooper won its first British Saloon Car Championship. The Mini Cooper S debuted in 1964 with 1071cc and 1275cc engines and even better brakes, and its place in the history books was forever guaranteed. They not only won racing championships in Europe, the Americas, and Australia but established their credentials against more powerful, larger factory entries in the world of international rallying.
It is not surprising that an affordable, economical car that cornered like a go-cart would find its way quickly onto race tracks in Britain and around the world, and in international rally events. What was surprising was how well it could hold its own against much larger, high-horsepower cars like Jaguars, Mustangs, Camaros, and Corvettes. The Mini quickly earned the reputation as Ireland’s Paddy Hopkirk proved the capability of the little Mini a giant killer. Cooper S with wins in the 1964 This is partly due to the creative Monte Carlo Rally, 1965 & 1967 modifications made by count- Circuit of Ireland Rally, 1967 less tuner shops in Great Britain, Acropolis Rally, and 1967 Alpine and largely to one of the most Rally among others.
The Cooper name so influenced subsequent BMC Minis that his name was officially licensed for high performance versions, and his son Mike Cooper served in an advisory role to BMW and Rover’s New MINI design team that debuted the current model line in 2001. In the spirit of its reputation for technological advancement, an all electric MINI Cooper SE debuts in early 2020. The new BMW MINI has established a racing pedigree of its own. As recently as July the John Cooper Works MINI driven by Matt Pombo scored its first victory at Portland International Raceway during the TC America Series on Rose Cup race weekend. In 2018 the team secured the Manufacturer’s Championship in the Continental Sports Car Challenge over BMW, Porsche, and Mazda A total of 5,387,862 Classic Minis were sold between 1959 and 2000. Sales of the new BMW MINI, which began in September of 2000, have so far totaled nearly five million. The Mini legend lives on some 60 years later. In the next six decades it may earn new accolades like exemplary, consequential, or perhaps mythic.
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OMS Club News
OMS Club News OM S M e m b e rs h i p Mania Text by Karen McCune The word is getting out about the fun loving Mini/MINI members at OMS! This year we welcomed 30 new members to the club bringing with them their love of classic and neo Minis. We always see membership increase when large events such as ABFM and Mini Meet West occur close to Portland. However, this year was unique in that we saw several new members as the result of the fun events that were organized by our excellent event coordinator and Vice President, Eric Newland. This is also the time of year when membership renewal emails will be arriving in your in box. Renewal dues are $30 and are due January 1, 2020 unless you joined after September 1, 2019. After that join date renewals are due the following January
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1, 2021. When you receive the email, just click on Renew Your Membership in the green box and follow the instructions. A big thanks from the OMS board for your support and enthusiasm. Go OMS!
OMS Holiday Party &Membership Meeting Sat., December 7, 6 pm - 9 pm. Hull Home at 10508 SE Kimberly Court Happy Valley OR 97086. Join us in celebrating friendship and holiday cheer at the private
residence of Mark and Rhonda Hull. Food and food preparation will be provided by a magical combination of OMS, Hulls, LeWarnes, and McCunes. What to expect during this festive gathering: - Enjoying great food and company as we reminisce past events and activities. - Voting for Spirit of Sue Award and Spark Plug Recipient(s). - Announcement of 2020-2021 OMS Officers. - Annual OMS GIFT Exchange. If you would like to participate in the OMS Gift Ex-change, please bring a holiday wrapped gift (around $35 value). You will receive a ticket to be used for the drawing and distribution of gifts. Loads of fun and holiday spirit. Also, there will be additional gifts donated by the club. Please RSVP so we know how many maniacs will be attending.
Mini Photo Fr om the Pass
M in i Pho to From the Past Text by Joe Munsch Have you ever had a photograph in you hand, and wanted to spread your fingers on it to zoom in? It’d be even better if that finger magic could enhance your memory too. This is one of those photos.
Hugo. Following Anna’s perspective, Thomas was about 10 - now he is 34. Next to him was Delman Munsey, a past OMS member (passed away in 2010), and Ward Barbour. Anyone have a guess about the other folks in the photo? And was plaid always Anna Munsey was showing it a thing in Oregon? Help us out around at the recent Concours here folks. de Maryhill event. She’d found it rummaging through some old Back at the time, Hugo was the photos. The year was ‘96 or ‘97. original Munsey Mini, providThe event and venue are lost in ing miles of smiles for Anna, Dave, Thomas, and Clariece. It’s the mists of time. now owned by Debbie Munsey Depending on your perspective, (Dave’s sister-in-law), another the main subject is either Thomas OMS member. My question, is it Munsey, by the right door of the in road worthy condition? other main subject, the powder blue 1961Mark One Mini, named What a cool little car, with the
Cyclopes instrument cluster, the really big steering wheel, the cool year-of-manufacture plate, and the huge boot with all the picnic fixins. Unfortunately its is currently “broken” with a differential issue and awaiting attention by Jeff Munsey. It’s thought the Mini Estate to the right in the photo belonged to Jeff and Julia Doon. Does anyone know the identity of what looks like a Mini Pickup, painted in BRG? If anyone has answers to any of these questions, send them to the editor of this esteemed publication. Maybe the magic is that the old photo itself stirs memories.
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