Thrilling Thruxton

For the third time in five seasons the Mini 7 Racing Club earned an invite onto the BTCC-TOCA package, and over the first weekend in June once again proved to be the star performers supporting the headline act, with Mike and Andrew Jordan both recording double victories.

The Se7ens and S-Class runners were first up on Saturday afternoon and from pole position Mike Jordan soon had his nose in front, thereafter battling mightily to stave off a concerted effort from Connor O’Brien to usurp the position. T

here were early yellow flags after Tom Mills’ almighty head-on into the Club tyrewall on lap 2, then points leader Joe Thompson dropped out of the lead chase leaving Ross Billison to consolidate 3rd ahead of Spencer Wanstall, Damien Harrington and Darren Thomas.

The S-Class result was even closer, Jonathan Page initially claiming the spoils ahead of Frazer Hack and brother Matthew in a last-gasp, last-corner bid, but a route across the chicane grass after a sideways moment later incurred a 0.2s penalty to reverse the top two places.

Arguably the Miglia race a couple of hours later drew even greater plaudits, with a seven-car swarm exchanging places freely throughout.

When it mattered though, Andrew Jordan sneaked ahead into the chicane, pipping Aaron Smith to the chequer by just 0.239s with Kane Astin grabbing the final podium spot ahead of Jeff Smith, Colin Peacock, Phil Bullen-Brown and Rupert Deeth.

In the Libre class, Josh Evans got the better of Richard Colburn when passing the midfield Miglias, Julian Proctor leading home the rest of a strong entry.

Sunday drew not only more of the same weather for cold drinks and ice cream, but also a massive BTCC crowd to perform in front of, and neither Mini race failed to wow them. This time around, Jordan senior had to work his way to the front from row 4 but once there again had O’Brien glued to his tail, unfortunately for the latter a nose-to-tail tap in the chicane holing his rad which cooked the engine.

Billison took up the chase but fell short by just under half-a-second, with Wanstall 3rd. Jonathan Page got his revenge in the S-Class rematch, this time Fraser Hack losing several places ‘at the death’ as Chris Prior, Matt Ayres, Ben Butler and Lee Poolman all joined in the last corner bomb burst. Hack junior had the consolation of a new S-Class lap record, as did the overall Se7en winner.

If that wasn’t excitement enough, the second Miglia encounter pretty much mirrored the previous day’s spellbinding show, albeit with Scott Kendall joining in with the elite pack which sadly lost Astin at 2/3rds distance with a sick motor.

Even with late yellow flags the result was in doubt right up until Jordan junior held the line through the chicane to outdrag Jeff Smith to the finish by 0.143s, Aaron Smith edging Deeth and Kendall to claim 3rd. Evans looked all set for a Libre double before a late gremlin saw him pull off, leaving Colburn in front but Huw Turner had other ideas and gamely snuck past on the last lap as Les Stanton shadowed both in 3rd.

After four superb races on such a prestigious bill, and with applause ringing all around, not to mention huge captive ITV4 audiences, it couldn’t have been a better audition for a further invite in the not too distant future? Next up in early July, the long-awaited return visit overseas to Zandvoort in Holland for Rounds 9, 10 and 11 in the Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares

 

 

Thruxton3-4 June

 

Race 1            Se7en/S-Class            13 laps

1            88            M Jordan                        7

2            1            C O’Brien                        7

3            49            R Billison                        7

9            725            F Hack                        S

10            706            J Page                                    S

11            703            M Page                        S

 

Race 1            Miglia/Libre                        14 laps

1            77            A Jordan                        M

2            21            A Smith                        M

3            11            K Astin                        M

12            474            J Evans                        L

13            219            R Colburn                        L

17            595            J Proctor                        L

 

Race 2            Se7en/S-Class            13 laps

1            88            M Jordan                        7

2            49            R Billison                        7

3            73            S Wanstall                        7

10            706            J Page                                    S

11            714            C Prior                        S

12            758            M Ayres                        S

 

Race 2            Miglia/Libre                        14 laps

1            77            A Jordan                        M

2            46            J Smith                        M

3            21            A Smith                        M

14            123            H Turner                        L

15            219            R Colburn                        L

16            133            L Stanton                        L

 

Words: Rich Williamson

Sensational Snetterton

Four thrilling Mini races were the highlight of the BARC-run Snetterton weekend in mid-May, with winning margins amazingly as small as 15 thousands of a second!

Saturday’s action kicked off with the first of the Mini Se7en and S-Class encounters, and out in front it boiled down to a straight fight between pole man Mike Jordan and series leader Joe Thompson, the tin-top old stager getting the nod by little more than a car’s length from the youthful charger, with Spencer Wanstall not quite able to stay with them but holding off Ross Billison for 3rd.

Meanwhile, the scholarship class produced a Club first, with a Hack father-and-son 1-2, but in the order of senior in front of junior, Andy having clawed his way up from the back row to slip past the erstwhile leaders as they held themselves up battling, Frazer taking the runner-up spot from Michael Winkworth.

Last race of the day saw the Miglia race burst into life from about mid-point, Aaron Smith’s bid for the lead at the hairpin delaying himself and, up to that point, in-control leader Kane Astin. Jeff Smith, Rupert Deeth and Ben Colburn looked set to take the advantage but further contact allowed a recovered Aaron Smith to come through and take the chequered flag ahead of Astin.

Subsequently Astin was promoted to the race win as both Smiths were handed time penalties for ‘gaining an unfair advantage’, Aaron Smith dropping a place but keeping his new fastest lap, and Deeth being elevated to 3rd. Further back, a good battle among the varied Libre runners produced a long overdue debut win for Steve Baker ahead of Josh Evans and Richard Colburn.

Sunday remained dry and in the early start with a reversed grid it took Jordan a few laps to make his way back to the front where he and Thompson then took turns in front, but with Wanstall a lot closer this time. At the chequer it was Jordan who took a double victory, including new fastest lap, although Thompson retained the overall points lead.

The closest finish came in the S-Class, with Frazer Hack pulling off a dramatic last corner move on Winkworth and drag to the line just 0.015s ahead, with Jonathan and Matthew Page right on their bootlids, the latter also breaking the lap record. Matt Ayres retained the class lead despite finishing down the order in both runs.

Rounding out the Mini action was another multi-leader Miglia cracker, Jeff Smith making a classic last-lap, slipstreaming pass into the Esses stick, and holding on through the Bombhole, around Coram and out of Russell to the flag from Aaron Smith and Astin ahead of Phil Bullen-Brown. The Libres again put on some excellent dicing, Evans going one place better than the day before, with Peter Hills taking a fine 2nd from Baker and Julian Proctor.

All eyes will now be on the next rounds of the Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares, which take place at Thruxton in Wiltshire on 3-4 June, and sees a return to the TOCA/BTCC support bill in front of huge crowds and a prime TV audience. It promises to be another brilliant weekend!

 

 

Snetterton 30013-14 May

 

Race 1            Se7en/S-Class            9 laps

1            88            M Jordan                        7

2            80            J Thompson                        7

3            73            S Wanstall                        7

9            723            A Hack                        S

10            725            F Hack                        S

11            728            M Winkworth            S

 

Race 2            Se7en/S-Class            9 laps

1            88            M Jordan                        7

2            80            J Thompson                        7

3            73            S Wanstall                        7

7            725            F Hack                        S

8            728            M Winkworth            S

9            706            J Page                                    S

 

Race 1            Miglia/Libre                        9 laps

1            11            K Astin                        M

2            21            A Smith                        M

3            23            R Deeth                        M

12            115            S Baker                        L

13            474            J Evans                        L

14            219            R Colburn                        L

 

Race 2            Miglia/Libre                        9 laps

1            46            J Smith                        M

2            21            A Smith                        M

3            11            K Astin                        M

13            474            J Evans                        L

14            126            P Hills                                    L

15            115            S Baker                        L

COASTAL COMMAND

In early September the Mini 7 Racing Club paid a long-overdue inaugural visit to the wonderfully scenic Trac Môn circuit, nestled on Anglesey off of North Wales, and once there produced some epic performances during the penultimate National rounds

Series leader in the 1.3-litre Miglias going into the Welsh weekend, Rupert Deeth maintained his points advantage despite Andrew Jordan twice heading him past the chequered flag, light rain beginning to fall towards the end of Saturday’s opener making track conditions very tricky, while Sunday morning’s rerun played out under near Mediterranean skies and stunning backdrop of Irish Sea and Snowdonia mountains. Behind the leading pair, Kane Astin and Ben Colburn took a 3rd place apiece in the respective Saturday/Sunday encounters.

It was ‘honours even’ in the 1.0-litre Mini Se7ens, Jordan’s father Mike sharing the spoils with title rival Connor O’Brien, the latter benefitting from leader Joe Thompson’s hairpin over-shoot to inherit Saturday’s wet encounter, with Jordan in the final podium spot ahead of Lee ‘rainmaster’ Roberts. Jordan finished two places higher on Sunday, clawing back O’Connor’s early advantage to take the series lead, followed by Ross Billison who held off Glen Woodbridge and Thompson for the final podium trophy (special commemorative awards, crafted from Welsh slate incidentally!)

In the 1275cc S-Class, Chris Prior triumphed on ‘home’ soil in the first race, dukeing it out with fellow novice Frazer Hack to win by a narrow margin after a terrific dice. Hack reversed the score the following day but only after Prior had to pit with a misfire, and Saturday’s 3rd-place class finisher Arnold Duncan had lost ground with a brief ‘off’, recovering to 4th behind Dave Rees, with overall class points leader Damien Harrington in the runner-up slot.

Credit is due to the Libre category too, with all five starters battling – and finishing – closely together throughout both races, with Richard Colburn securing the class title thanks to another double victory, although Les Stanton came the closest yet to a debut win in the slippery opener, following that up with a near-dead-heat with Phil Harvey for 2nd on Sunday – excellent entertainment fully appreciated by spectators and marshals alike.

Next up, a return to Silverstone International which plays host to the championship finals on 15-16 October for, ironically, Rounds 15 & 16 in the Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares, as well as the continuation of the 0-Plate Winter Challenge. With three ‘National’ titles to be decided, it is a weekend not to be missed!

RESULTS:            Trac Môn/Ty Croes, Anglesey                         3-4 September 2022

 

Round 13            Miglia / Libre            16 laps

1st            1            A Jordan

2nd            23            R Deeth

3rd            11            K Astin

9th            219            R Colburn – L

 

Round 13            Se7en / S-Class            13 laps

1st            87            C O’Brien

2nd            80            J Thompson

3rd            88            M Jordan

7th            714            C Prior – S

 

Round 14            Miglia / Libre            16 laps

1st            1            A Jordan

2nd            23            R Deeth

3rd            55            B Colburn

11th            219            R Colburn – L

 

Round 14            Se7en / S-Class            15 laps

1st            88            M Jordan

2nd            87            C O’Brien

3rd            49            R Billison

9th            725            F Hack – S

 

Fastest laps established for 1.5500-mile ‘Coastal’ circuit:

Miglia                        R Deeth                        1:17.787 – 71.73 mph

Libre                        R Colburn                        1:20.840 – 69.02 mph

Se7en                        M Jordan                        1:24.685 – 65.89 mph

S-Class            F Hack                        1:26.712 – 64.35 mph

 

 

 

 

Words: Rich Williamson

 

FESTIVAL OF FUN

The annual Mini Festival at Brands Hatch in Kent celebrated its 10th Anniversary in early August and a landmark feature were the inaugural stand-alone races for Mini-7 S-Class which were arguably the star performers of the meeting.

With qualifying done-and-dusted on the Saturday, the 1275cc S-Class feeder series kicked off the race action on Sunday morning, and from ‘lights out’ it was anybody’s prize as up to half-a-dozen cars vied for the lead. After multiple changes in the running order and with yellow flags bunching the cars towards the end it was series leader Matt Ayres who sneaked ahead when it mattered from Damien Harrington, Michael Winkworth, Frazer Hack and Jonathan Page.

It was pretty much a repeat performance for the afternoon sequel, Harrington reversing the positions with Ayres at the chequered flag once the other three challengers had all succumbed to knocks in the heat of battle, allowing reverse grid polesitter Ben Seyfried to edge out Dave Rees for the remaining podium place.

The 1000cc Mini Se7en heritage formula proved to be a ‘double-or-quits’ scenario for the leading title duo Mike Jordan and Connor O’Brien, with the former stroking home in the first race after the latter dropped out early with mechanical gremlins, the same outcome in the later event although on this occasion Joe Thompson ran the leader close all the way.

Ross Billison and Glen Woodbridge battled frenetically for the runner-up spot in the first, the latter then doubling his podium tally in the second.

A packed grid of Miglias and Libres produced their usual ground-shaking performance, the opening encounter seeing a huge train of 1.3-litre machines dicing around the Indy bowl before Jeff Smith nosed in front when it mattered, ahead of Aaron Smith, Andrew Jordan, series returnee Nick Padmore and points leader Rupert Deeth, with Endaf Owens the unlucky one to ‘fall off’ when lapping a backmarker.

The last race of the day was sadly truncated by several incidents, firstly a red flag for a multi-car shunt into the first corner, and then in the restart for a safety car while ‘beached’ cars were moved out of harm’s way. Through it all however came Jordan to claim his fourth win of the season, ahead of a tightly-bunched train of cars headed across the line by Ashley Davies.

In the up-to-1400cc Libre category, Richard Colburn further extended his points lead with a steady run to victory in the opener, following that up with a 2nd behind Craig Cox in the later runout, with other podium positions falling to Les Stanton, Andy Dickinson and, arguably the happiest chappy of the day, Peter Harries who when asked by the commentator if it was his first podium of the season, replied almost in shock: “It’s my first podium ever…”!

Heading into September and the M7RC pays its first ever visit to the Ty Croes circuit on Anglesey in North Wales, with stunning backdrops of Snowdonia and the Irish Sea to complement what should be yet more fantastic Mini action ●

 

RESULTS:            Brands Hatch            6-7 August 2022

 

Round 11            S-Class                        19 laps

1st            758            M Ayres

2nd            711            D Harrington

3rd            728            M Winkworth

 

Round 11            Se7ens                        21 laps

1st            88            M Jordan

2nd            49            R Billison

3rd            39            G Woodbridge

 

Round 11            Miglia / Libre            22 laps

1st            46            J Smith – M

2nd            21            A Smith – M

3rd            1            A Jordan – M

14th            219            R Colburn – L

 

Round 12            S-Class                        20 laps

1st            711            D Harrington

2nd            758            M Ayres

3rd            744            B Seyfried

 

Round 12            Se7ens                        20 laps

1st            88            M Jordan

2nd            80            J Thompson

3rd            39            G Woodbridge

 

Round 12            Miglia / Libre            16 laps

1st            1            A Jordan – M

2nd            87            A Davies – M

3rd            23            R Deeth – M

11th            232            C Cox – L

 

Full results can be viewed at www.tst-timing-com

For the latest provisional points standings go to www.mini7.co.uk

 

Words: Rich Williamson

 

Castle Combe Summer Spectacular!

A return to Castle Combe in Wiltshire after a year’s hiatus certainly lived up to the host club’s ‘Summer Spectacular’ billing, with four excellent Mini races and a Mini grid walk served up to further treat the ice cream-toting fans

The Miglia & Libre ‘big hitters’ were first up on a gloriously sunny and hot Saturday afternoon, with reigning champion Andrew Jordan straight on the title pace despite having missed the previous two meetings. However, a red flag interlude called for a reset, but just as Jordan may have thought he had the result in the bag ahead of a train of pursuers, a clash with Rupert Deeth allowed Endaf Owens and Jeff Smith to sneak through into the top placings, with the former BTCC titleist recovering to 3rd, and Deeth in 4th with a new lap record.

Sunday dawned bright but breezier, although the 8-car lead slipstreamig battle produced plenty of action to warm the crowd up for the day, this time Jordan easing himself into prime spot when it mattered to edge out Aaron Smith, with Deeth similarly abreast of Ben Colburn.

In the Libre section Dan Lewis stroked home in front on both occasions, his 8-porter having the ‘legs’ over Richard Colburn’s 5-port example, the latter not only retaining his points lead but – along with son Ben – also having a hectic schedule by competing at Thruxton in Historics the same day!

In Saturday’s opening Mini Se7en encounter, a last-corner lunge proved the major talking point, Connor O’Brien nudging race leader Mike Jordan into a slide onto the grassy run-off at Camp which in turn gave Joe Thompson the opportunity he’d been hoping for as he nipped though on the inside to take a popular victory, with Jordan recovering to 3rd behind O’Brien.

The latter was handed a grid penalty on Sunday’s reverse grid, but within a lap or so it was the same top trio lining each other up, until the last lap when O’Brien came off worse in a bump with Jordan, coasting to a halt with a wonky front-end as the latter survived to take the chequered flag ahead of Thompson, with Jo Polley picking up the final podium placing.

With series leader Michael Winkworth absent having become a dad mid-week, there at least promised two new S-Class winners. Matt Ayres duly delivered in the first race, albeit regaining the lead during a hectic last lap as Damien Harrington’s challenge fell short after bouncing over the grass on the final corner.

Ryan Taylor was well in the mix before a broken tie-road sidelined him, leaving 3rd to Frazer Hack.

The following day it was apparent that judging the rolling restart after a safety car was key, as several cars were notably clear of the rest within a lap, Jonathan Page holding on to the lead from Neil Slark once Taylor had again departed the fray on the final tour. Even with a new lap record, Harrington was unable to close the gap despite securing 3rd in class ahead of Ayres.

Donington Park in the East Midlands beckons over the 9-10 July weekend for Rounds 9 & 10 in the Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares. Should be equally spectacular! ●

 

 

RESULTS:            Castle Combe            11-12 June 2022

 

Round 7            Miglia / Libre            7 laps (red-flag & restart)

1st            0            E Owens – M

2nd            46            J Smith – M

3rd            1            A Jordan – M

13th            171            D Lewis – L

 

Round 7            Se7en / S-Class            14 laps

1st            80            J Thompson – 7

2nd            87            C O’Brien – 7

3rd            88            M Jordan – 7

7th            758            M Ayres – S

 

Round 8            Miglia / Libre            16 laps

1st            1            A Jordan – M

2nd            21            A Smith – M

3rd            23            R Deeth – M

10th            171            D Lewis – L

 

Round 8            Se7en / S-Class            13 laps (incl. safety car)

1st            88            M Jordan – 7

2nd            80            J Thompson – 7

3rd            76            J Polley – 7

6th            706            J Page – S

Superb Snetterton

The Mini 7 Racing Club’s visit to East Anglia in mid-April produced another sizzling weekend of action, with four superb races in glorious conditions on Snetterton’s longer 300 circuit

The form book was well and truly set in the opening Se7en/S-Class race on Saturday afternoon, with polesitter Mike Jordan making it three-from-three ahead of Connor O’Brien and Joe Thompson. Having rolled out of the lead in the previous Silverstone round, Spencer Wanstall was back in the hunt in a replacement car, but a mid-race spin dropped him back behind the equally competitive Glen Woodbridge in 4th. Sunday’s encounter saw the same trio out front from their reverse-grid starts, but on this occasion O’Brien made an early break to win with ease, leaving Thompson and Jordan to dispute the podium spots. Wanstall was again in the hunt before a penalty demoted him to 5th, again behind Woodbridge.

In S-Class, reigning champion and Silverstone double-winner Michael Winkworth almost saw his weekend over after a faltering getaway from pole position, somehow continuing as other cars collided in avoidance. Despite this delay, Winkworth eventually found a way back to head the class from Frazer Hack and Damien Harrington for his 3rd win of the season. Starting from the 4th row for Sunday’s second run, Winkworth banged-in a mega opening lap to secure the lead once more, thereafter working his way efficiently through ‘traffic’ to keep Hack in 2nd once more, with Matt Ayres edging Harrington and Matthew Page for the final class podium position after a terrific scrap.

Arguably the Miglias were the slipstreaming stars on both days, with the leading battles featuring no less than half-a-dozen contenders throughout. Rupert Deeth got the nod in the first race, edging out Aaron Smith by just 0.208s at the chequered flag, followed in a blink by Jeff Smith, Kane Astin, Ben Colburn and Ashley Davies. On Sunday, Aaron Smith went one better despite a ‘bump’ at The Esses with Astin, Jeff Smith taking the runner-up spot from Astin as Deeth dropped to 4th ahead of Davies and Lewis Selby once Colburn had lost ground when edged out at The Bombhole.

Unfortunately in the Libre category, post-qualifying woes for his rivals meant only Richard Colburn came to the grid but the veteran brought his 5-porter home on both occasions to assume the class points lead heading to Cadwell Park on 21-22 May, and what promises to be a cracker around the scenic Lincolnshire venue ●

 

 

RESULTS:            Snetterton 300            16-17 April 2022

 

Round 3            Se7en / S-Class            9 laps

1st            88            M Jordan – 7

2nd            87            C O’Brien – 7

3rd            80            J Thompson – 7             (new lap record)

10th            728            M Winkworth – S             (new lap record)

 

Round 3            Miglia / Libre            9laps

1st            23            R Deeth – M

2nd            21            A Smith – M

3rd            46            J Smith – M

15th            219            R Colburn – L

 

Round 4            Se7en / S-Class            9 laps

1st            87            C O’Brien – 7

2nd            80            J Thompson – 7

3rd            88            M Jordan – 7

9th            728            M Winkworth – S

 

Round 4            Miglia / Libre            9 laps

1st            21            A Smith – M

2nd            46            J Smith – M

3rd            11            K Astin – M                         (new lap record)

16th            219            R Colburn – L

 

 

Full results can be viewed at www.tst-timing-com

Provisional points go to www.mini7.co.uk

 

 

Words: Rich Williamson

STARTLING SILVERSTONE

A brand new season of Mini racing kicked off at Silverstone in late March, with four terrific races streamed live to huge online audiences.

Packed grids and non-stop action were highlights of the opening Mini racing weekend at Silverstone on 26-27 March, rounds 1 & 2 in both the main Dunlop ‘National’ and also ‘0-Plate’ Winter Challenges.

Following Saturday qualifying in near-summertime conditions, Sunday morning was rather grey and cooler for the first Miglia/Libre race, but that didn’t prevent a fantastic battle among up to half-a-dozen challengers, Rupert Deeth converting his pole position into victory by a scant 0.171s margin ahead of Aaron Smith.

This pair broke clear after a yellow flag interlude, leaving Chris Morgan to lead home the rest by several seconds. In the Libre category, Dan Lewis won the duel of the 8-ports from Craig Cox.

A problem in qualifying and a delayed getaway meant reigning Champion Andrew Jordan could only recover to 4th in the opener, but he atoned for this in the afternoon run, forcing through into the lead pack to take victory by flagfall, Aaron Smith again runner-up with Deeth salvaging 3rd following a clash with Kane Astin which saw the latter in the barrier.

Triple Mini Se7en Champion Jeff Smith’s switch to the bigger class saw him bag a 4th and 5th respectively. Meanwhile, Lewis looked odds-on for a Libre double before a gearbox issue sent him pitwards, leaving Craig Cox clear of Huw Turner’s well driven 16-valver.

With a timetable delay due to early morning fog, the first Se7en/S-Class encounter actually got under way well past midday, but here the action was frenetic too.

With a class win under his belt in 2021, Mike Jordan was keen to show son Andrew the ‘old man’ has still got what it takes, and duly converted pole position into a race win, despite early yellow flags to retrieve a beached car.

Not that Connor O’Brien made it easy for him, the former S-Class titelist a mere 0.405s adrift, with Jo Polley recording her best result yet to complete the podium after Spencer Wanstall spun and Joe Thompson pulled off when both in the mix.

Carrying on from where he left off last season, S-Class title holder Michael Winkworth started from pole and led most of the way to finish 5th overall, with Damien Harrington best of the rest from Ben Seyfried once Ben Butler’s 10s jump start penalty dropped him to 5th in class.

By the final 20 min thrash, the organisers had clawed back enough time to actually be well ahead of schedule!

This didn’t seem to affect Jordan senior however, motoring through from Row 4 to ultimately a double-victory, again edging out O’Connor by a similar margin to the morning. Although the major talking point was Wanstall’s unfortunate multiple roll into the Vale chicane gravel when in a commanding lead, the driver thankfully climbing out unscathed bar dented panels and pride.

Third went to Thompson by a scant 0.604s from Polley. In S-Class, Winkworth mirrored Jordan’s feat, working his way up from the category’s 4th row to take his second win of the day – 6th overall – with Harrington edging Butler for 2nd.

Underlining the frantic pace of the opening race weekend, three new lap records were set, Jordan in Miglias, Lewis in Libres and Winkworth in S-Class.

Next stop is Snetterton in Norfolk over the 15-17 April weekend for Rounds 3 & 4 in the Dunlop Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares. Don’t miss it! ●

 

 

RESULTS:            Silverstone Int.                        26-27 March 2022

 

Round 1            Miglia / Libre                        16 laps

1st            23            R Deeth- M

2nd            21            A Smith – M

3rd            45            C Morgan – M

16th            171            D Lewis – L

 

Round 1            Se7en / S-Class                        14 laps

1st            88            M Jordan – 7

2nd            87            C O’Brien – 7

3rd            76            J Polley – 7

5th            728            M Winkworth – S

 

Round 2            Miglia / Libre                        16 laps

1st            1            A Jordan – M

2nd            21            A Smith – M

3rd            23            R Deeth – M

12th            232            C Cox – L

 

Round 2            Se7en / S-Class                        14 laps

1st            88            M Jordan – 7

2nd            87            C O’Brien – 7

3rd            80            J Thompson – 7

6th            728            M Winkworth – S

 

 

Words: Rich Williamson

HOTTER THAN JULY ! – Cadwell Park race review

HOTTER THAN JULY !

With the holiday season imminent, the racing in the Mini Challenge certainly ignited the summer senses at Cadwell Park on 10-11 July

Near capacity grids and lights-to-flag action again put the Mini 7 Racing Club in the spotlight, with four scorching races that drew praise from all quarters at MSVR’s ‘summer festival’ meeting last weekend.

Miglia points leader Andrew Jordan started as he meant to carry on, setting pole position in Saturday afternoon qualifying before converting that advantage into a narrow victory the following morning, chased all the way by a fiercely dicing trio of Kane Astin, Aaron Smith and Rupert Deeth before red flags ended the contest early, a legacy of Richard Colburn’s Libre going off heavily at the Gooseneck and handing the class win to Phil Harvey.

Jordan repeated his Miglia win in the afternoon encounter, but not before a determined charge saw him rise from 8th on the grid to hit the front a lap from home, also lowering the lap record further after Deeth had done so in the earlier race.  Astin had led for the majority before losing out to Jordan around Coppice at the second time of asking, with Smith right on their tails in 3rd from Ben Colburn, Deeth having dropped to 5th in a last-lap re-shuffle. Harvey again won in Libre from top of the standings, Les Stanton.

The Se7ens and S-Class Sunday lunchtime opener also saw a win for the poleman, Jonathan Lewis calling on all his experience to recover from a slow start and work his way back to the front ahead of Jeff Smith, Spencer Wanstall, Nick Croydon-Fowler and early leader Joe Thompson, who lost out most in the last corner scramble onto the home straight. S-Class honours once again went the way of Michael Winkworth, leading from pole and able to maintain a few seconds gap back to his closest rivals led by Damien Harrington from Dave Rees.

Last race of the day was well worth the wait, as Croydon-Fowler finally laid claim to the Se7en’s top spot after a fabulous contest with Smith and Thompson, each leading before it came down to a tactical gamble into the last few corners, canny use of a backmarker enabling the eventual winner to drag to the line by a mere 0.191 secs, Smith’s consolation a new lap record – what a terrific finale! Winkworth underlined his S-Class dominance, this time moving up from the 4th row to lead within a few laps, setting a new class lap record and taking the chequer even further ahead of a fabulous scrap for 2nd in class, eventually led by Darren Cox from Matt Ayres, Greg Daw and Ryan Taylor after Harrington pulled off when at the front of the queue.

Rounds 9 & 10 in the Dunlop National Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares are set for arguably the biggest meeting of the season, the Mini Festival at Brands Hatch on 21-22 August. Don’t miss it!

 

RESULTS:      Cadwell Park               10-11 July

Round 7        Miglia + Libre                       8 laps

1st      77       A Jordan – M

2nd     11       K Astin – M

3rd     21       A Smith – M

16th   113     P Harvey – L

 

Round 7        Se7en + S-Class                   11 laps

1st      41       J Lewis – 7

2nd     01       J Smith – 7

3rd     2          S Wanstall – 7

11th   728     M Winkworth – S

14th   711     D Harrington – S

15th   777     D Rees – S

 

Round 8        Miglia + Libre                       12 laps

1st      77       A Jordan – M

2nd     11       K Astin – M

3rd     21       A Smith – M

9th      113     P Harvey – L

 

Round 8        Se7en + S-Class                   11 laps

1st      99       N Croydon-Fowler – 7

2nd     01       J Smith -7

3rd     80       J Thompson – 7

13th   728     M Winkworth – S

15th   732     D Cox – S

16th   758     M Ayres – S

 

Full results can be viewed at www.tst-timing-com

Provisional points will be posted on www.mini7.co.uk

 

Words: Rich Williamson

Image: Jamie Payne

‘SUMMER SIZZLER !’ – Silverstone race review

SUMMER SIZZLER !

INTENSE MINI ACTION ENSURED THE MG CAR CLUB’S SILVERSTONE GP CIRCUIT MEETING WAS A BLISTERING SUCCESS 

The Mini 7 Racing Club joined its MG cousins for a sweltering weekend of classic race action on 12-13 June, with four fabulous Mini races to keep everyone fully entertained between sunbathing and cold drinks!

Saturday lunchtime saw the Se7ens and S-Class out first, and a hectic battle up front resulted in Joe Thompson taking the 1.0-litre honours out of the last corner having been deflected across the grass but without losing first place, Spencer Wanstall and Nick Croydon-Fowler bagging the other podium positions as Jonathan Lewis lost out on the run to the flag. Michael Winkworth again cleaned up in the mildly tuned 1275 category, more than a dozen seconds ahead of the chasing pack, led by Ryan Taylor at the finish after Matt Ayres lost power.

Some four hours later, the full-bore 1293 Miglias produced an even closer performance at the head of the field, Endaf Owens and Andrew Jordan swapping the lead throughout before the former edged it across the line by just 0.044s, with Rupert Deeth and Aaron Smith right in their slipstream. In Libres, 2020 class Champion Dan Lewis made a winning return in his 8-port, although ‘polesitter’ David Franks wasn’t far behind in his newly built 16v example.

Sunday’s massive early afternoon line-up contained Miglias, Se7en and S-Class all together, and again the dicing was breathtaking to watch. Having risen to the front from the fourth row of the reverse grid format, a missed gear was enough to demote Andrew Jordan back behind Aaron Smith and Kane Astin who finished 1-2 by a mere 0.101s, with Endaf Owens right on Jordan’s tail after Rupert Deeth dropped out at halfway. Chris Morgan and Sam Summerhayes almost joined the leading quartet across the line too.

The leading Se7ens and S-Class remained unlapped around the 3.66-mile track, and after Joe Thompson and Spencer Wanstall had been eliminated on the opening lap, it was eventually Jonathan Lewis who triumphed ahead of an almost-dead-heat between Connor O’Brien and Jeff Smith, the latter clawing back points after pitting briefly in the previous day’s race. Driving car #41, Lewis admitted to a teary moment afterwards as he fondly recalled his 1980 title triumph!  In S-Class, Winkworth’s margin of victory was a lot smaller this time, although he still managed to rise from 8th on the grid to lead within a couple of laps, Darren Cox following up his 3rd from the day before with a strong 2nd from Damien Harrington, although Matt Ayres remained 2nd overall in the points.

Finally, to allow everyone a second race on Sunday, the MGCC kindly offered space on the back of their MG Cup grid for the whole Mini Libre invitation class, and despite a delay clearing up stranded cars from the previous race, the Libres put on an impressive performance chasing the ‘libre’ MG selection from a 10s delay, Dan Lewis storming up to 4th overall before ominous puffs of smoke signalled falling oil pressure, David Franks sweeping past on the last lap to claim full points ahead of Phil Harvey in 2nd.

Further positive news was the continued live streaming during these restricted times for spectator attendance, and the excellent coverage from Silverstone via MySupercar Productions. Next stop on the whirlwind Mini racing tour is at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire on 10-11 July, for Rounds 7 & 8 in the Dunlop National Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares.

 

RESULTS:      Silverstone GP                   12-13 June

Round 5        Se7en + S-Class                  8 laps

1st      80       Joe Thompson -7

2nd     2          Spencer Wanstall – 7

3rd     99       N Croydon-Fowler – 7

10th   728     Michael Winkworth – S

12th   784     Ryan Taylor – S

13th   732     Darren Cox – S

 

Round 5        Miglia + Libre                     8 laps

1st      32       Endaf Owens – M

2nd     77       Andrew Jordan – M

3rd     23       Rupert Deeth – M

9th      171     Dan Lewis – L

12th   186     David Franks – L

17th   123     Huw Turner – L

 

Round 6        Miglia + Se7en + S-Class 8 laps

1st      21       Aaron Smith – M

2nd     11       Kane Astin – M

3rd     77       Andrew Jordan – M

16th   41       Jonathan Lewis – 7

17th   87       Connor O’Brien – 7

18th   01       Jeff Smith – 7

26th   728     Michael Winkworth – S

27th   732     Darren Cox – S

28th   711     Damien Harrington – S

 

Round 6        Libre (run with MG Cup)       8 laps

4th      186     David Franks – L

5th      113     Phil Harvey – L

7th      283     Harvey Death – L

 

Full results can be viewed at www.tst-timing-com

Provisional  on www.mini7.co.uk

 

Words: Rich Williamson

TWO’S COMPANY

Double victories for Touring Car stars at Snetterton  

Former BTCC winners Andrew Jordan and Jeff Smith triumphed twice apiece in their respective Mini Miglia and Se7en double-headers over the 8-9 May weekend in Norfolk, with newcomer Michael Winkworth also bagging a brace in the S-Class category.

The 1.3-litre Miglias raced first on the Saturday afternoon, on a still greasy track following rain in morning qualifying. Jordan led from pole and never looked in danger as behind Rupert Deeth headed the chasing pack from Ben Colburn, although the race ended behind the Safety Car for a stranded car. On the Sunday, not even a shower before the start could deter Jordan who stormed up from the 4th row of the reverse grid to again make a break, reigning Champion Aaron Smith followed by Deeth not quite able to reel him in before the chequer flag.

In the concurrent Libre class, Richard Colburn failed to take up his Pole slot in Race 1 due to a broken wire, but made up for that by winning Race 2 the next day after closest challenger Peter Crewes dropped out in his 7-port, having won the previous day’s encounter.

With qualifying on the Saturday, the 1.0-litre Se7ens had both their races on Sunday, and Jeff Smith pretty much mirrored Jordan’s progress by leading from pole in the morning run ahead of Joe Thompson and Spencer Wanstall, and then followed that up with victory from 8th on the grid in the afternoon, the latter very much a case of being on the right tyre choice of slicks, despite another rainshower before the start. Smith’s title rivals Thompson and Wanstall opted for wets and rued that choice as they gradually dropped back, allowing Connor O’Brien and Jonathan Lewis through to battle over the podium positions.

Similarly, Winkworth cleaned up in the limited tuning 1275cc S-Class although his wins weren’t so clear cut, as Damien Harrington hounded him throughout with Matt Ayres shadowing the pair for 3rd in both races, and teenager Ryan Taylor again turning heads especially when he nearly rolled at the Esses!

As at Silverstone in April, race organiser BARC had set-up live screening of all the action and, as with Owens Motorsport sponsorship at Silverstone, thanks to backing from MED Engineering on this occasion footage was again available to view on the M7RC Facebook page, with thousands more Mini race fans tuned in over both days.

With 4 rounds completed, there is now a 5-week gap before the National Mini Challenges supported by Mini Spares reconvene, and it’s back to Silverstone on 12-13 June but on the full GP layout. Should be another cracking weekend!

 

RESULTS:      Snetterton 300                  8-9 May

 

Round 3        Miglia / Libre                       8 laps

1st      77       A Jordan – M

2nd     23       R Deeth – M

3rd     55       B Colburn – M

12th   177     P Crewes – L

 

Round 3        Se7en / S-Class                    9 laps

1st      01       J Smith – 7

2nd     80       J Thompson – 7

3rd     2          S Wanstall – 7

9th      728     M Winkworth – S

 

Round 4        Miglia / Libre                       8 Laps

1st      77       A Jordan – M

2nd     21       A Smith – M

3rd     23       R Deeth – M

11th   219     R Colburn – L

 

Round 4        Se7en / S-Class                    8 Laps

1st      01       J Smith – 7

2nd     87       C O’Brien – 7

3rd     41       J Lewis – 7

9th      728     M Winkworth – S

 

Full results can be viewed at www.tst-timing-com
Provisional points will be posted on www.mini7.co.uk

 

Words: Rich Williamson
Photo: Jamie Payne