The Mini Festival returns to Brands Hatch this weekend with a programme bursting to the brim with races for Minis old and new.
From legions of classics inspired by the original Issigonis design, to modern variants from the BMW stable, both the venue and the Indy circuit itself will be abuzz with pocked-sized motoring activity.
The on-track show will be headlined by the MINI Challenge, which is now firmly established as one of the nation’s leading one-make saloon car championships. Indeed, such has been the demand for entries this season, that the grid has been divided in half to provide a whopping six races across the weekend.
The deluxe MINI Challenge programme will include three outings for the JCW F56 class, which is open to solely to the latest racing MINI – this is the most advanced tin top racer you’ll find outside the British Touring Car Championship. There will be opportunities for the fans to see these marvellous machines up close with a free grid walk on the Sunday lunch time.
There will be plenty for fans of the classic Mini too including outings from the Mini Se7ens and Mini Miglias. This will be a special weekend for these to championships, as they are both operated by the Mini 7 Racing Club which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year at the circuit where it all began!
Plus, there will be a mammoth grid from the Super Mighty and Mighy Minis, a Mini Endurance Race, and the Mini Euro Challenge. The latter two will both star examples of the original pre’66 masterpiece. The racing line-up is to be completed by a Fastest Mini in the World Race which is open to any Mini with no regulation on bespoke modification – the result is a grid full of Minis which will travel around the circuit much faster than expected!
The festival feeling will extend to the off-track areas where there will be plenty of car club displays and stands, live music, and a trade village where you can pick up all sorts of Mini memorabilia. A new addition for this year is Terry Grant’s Stunt Show which will entertain the fans with car control that has to be seen to be believed!
There will be opportunities for the young ones to get behind the wheel too with YoungDrive! taster sessions which will allow them to learn the basics of car control in a MINI One. These experiences will be available for £30 on the day.