2 minute read
RACING LINES
R A C I N G L I N E S R U P E R T D E E T H
I n t e r v i e w
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Words Nigel Death
For this month’s Racing Lines, who better to catch up with than the hotoff-the-press winner of the Mini Miglia 2022 Championship - Rupert Deeth. It all came down to the final championship weekend at the Silverstone International Circuit; it was really tight heading into the final round with just one point separating Aaron Smith and Rupert for the 2022 crown! After some extremely close and thoroughly exciting racing, Rupert managed to grasp enough points to increase his tally to three Miglia Championship career wins. So let’s find out a bit more about this modest three-time Mini Miglia champion…
What was the first Mini you raced, and what was its specification and standout features? I was late driving a Mini having come from MG Metro Turbo and Rover 216GTI Championships, and acquired my first Mini from the Jackson brothers in 2011. The car had sat in their garage for a number of years but had previously been driven by Mike Jackson to win the Mini 7 Championship in 1995. Unfortunately, halfway through my first season in the car and in the Miglia series, I was involved in a serious accident when I hit the barrier just after the start/finish at Thruxton. The car was a mess but, luckily, the car I have now was up for sale and the rest is history.
against the Mustangs and Corvettes - while slower round the corners they thunder past you on the straight…
Who has been your biggest rival? Andrew Jordan – Mini Miglia Championship.
What was your most memorable win? Winning my first Mini Miglia race at Cadwell Park in 2014. I had secured many podium places and been so close on many occasions – it wasn’t until this meeting that I finally won a race.
What was your biggest and scariest racing incident? Hitting the barrier at Thruxton at 100mph.
What is your favourite circuit to race at, and why? Snetterton – it’s my home circuit and has many memories. Historically I have always had good results there, and I enjoy the technical layout as well as the fast-flowing bends.
What car was the biggest challenge to your Mini? I primarily race against Minis, and this is always very close racing with three or four of us going into some corners! However, racing at Goodwood is fun especially
What is your favourite feature about a racing Mini? The fact that they have the aerodynamics of a brick, which enables you to draft and gain 1, 2, 3 or even 4 places in one lap.
What is your funniest racing memory? [Smirking] I take my racing very seriously, it’s not about having fun…
If you could jump in any race car and drive it, what would it be? Porsche Carrera Cup Car.
What was the best Mini you drove and why? The Mini I have now. I have worked really hard on the setup and spent many days testing at different circuits to try different things. This year it all came together, and I couldn’t have wished for a better car.
