GOODYEAR MINI CHALLENGES supported by MINI SPARES
This weekend’s treble-header heralds the mid-season point in the 2025 M7RC calendar, with all four Mini classes lining up to do battle around the classic coastal Dutch GP venue.
Provisionally heading the top-tier Miglia category coming to Holland is Ian Curley, twice champion back in the late-90s, and in his second season since returning showing the ‘newcomers’ he still has the knack to get the job done. Right in his wheeltracks, however, will be fellow ex-champions Rupert Deeth, Kane Astin and Aaron Smith, with the likes of Phil Bullen-Brown and Colin Peacock looking to share in the glory too.
Running just behind the Miglias will be the Libre contenders, a ‘free formula’ with Julian Proctor, Phil Harvey and Huw Turner all vying for Dutch glory.
The ‘heritage’ formula Mini Se7ens line up next with Ross Billison the man on form after four victories from six starts so far, but he will likely have seasoned rivals Spencer Wanstall, Damien Harrington, Darren Thomas and Glen Woodbridge all doing their best to halt that run. Look out Billison’s teammate, newcomer Daniel Munro who has impressed in his debut Mini season.
Completing a hugely competitive grid is the S-Class for limited-tuning cars, headed by Joel Wren in his first full season. A double win last time out on the Silverstone Historic circuit has propelled him ahead of reigning champion Matt Ayres, with Ollie Birkett and Jack Vanner leading the chase.
With practice on Friday, followed by qualifying and the opening race on Saturday, then two further contests on Sunday, it’s guaranteed to be an action-packed Mini marvel for three days solid. Don’t miss it!
LAP RECORDS (2.646-mile GP circuit)
Miglia: Aaron Smith 1:57.899 80.81 mph 16 July 2023
Libre: Richard Colburn 2:01.706 78.27 mph 16 July 2023
Se7en: Mike Jordan 2:07.537 74.70 mph 16 July 2023
S-Class: Frazer Hack 2:10.624 72.94 mph 16 July 2023
PREVIOUS WINNERS
(Zandvoort 15-16 July 2023)
Miglia r1 – Kane Astin r2 – Aaron Smith r3 – Aaron Smith
Libre r1 – Julian Proctor r2 – Huw Turner r3 – Richard Colburn
Se7en r1 -Mike Jordan r2 – Spencer Wanstall r3 – Connor O’Brien
S-Class r1 – Frazer Hack r2 – Jonathon Page r3 – Frazer Hack
CHALLENGE SPONSORS
Goodyear
Title sponsor of the Mini Challenges –
all cars run on regulation Goodyear (or Dunlop equivalent) racing tyres.
Mini Spares
Title co-sponsor of the Mini Challenges – a leading Mini aftermarket specialist.
Spax
Sponsor of the Improver awards –
for most places made up by a driver in the race from their starting grid position.
Piper Cams
Sponsor of the Fastest Lap awards.
2025 CALENDAR
GOODYEAR MINI CHALLENGES supported by Mini Spares
Round Date Circuit
1 + 2 5-6 April Snetterton 300
3 + 4 3-4 May Brands Hatch GP
5 + 6 7-8 June Silverstone GP
7 + 8 + 9 11-13 July Zandvoort GP, NL
10 + 11 + 12 2-3 August Brands Hatch Indy
13 + 14 6-7 September Croft
15 + 16 20-21 September Castle Combe
17 + 18 11-12 October Silverstone Int.
Words by: Richard Williamson
