60 Years Young
THRUXTON
BARC / TOCA-BTCC meeting
Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 July 2026
GOODYEAR MINI CHALLENGES supported by MINI SPARES
This season marks a significant milestone in the Mini 7 Racing Club’s history with the 60th Anniversary of the original Mini Se7en Formula, Thruxton having been especially prominent over six decades of frenetic and always exciting pint-sized action…
MINI SE7EN
The ‘Heritage’ formula may have evolved slightly over the decades, from 850cc to the now equally perky 1-litre units, but one thing that hasn’t changed is guaranteed sparkling performance from these stalwarts of the Mini racing scene. The fine art of balancing throttle with a confidence to “chuck it in sideways” is perfectly captured as swarms of cars drift joyfully on narrower 10-inch ‘treaded’ rubber, seemingly ‘dancing’ from one corner to the next, like some motorised ballet set to a soundtrack of high-revving A-Series and whine of straight-cut gears, manna for classic racing petrolheads.
Having secured top honours in 2025, Damien Harrington has again underlined his champion status with four straight victories to head the standings from Glen Woodbridge, the latter having scored his first major Se7en win this season at Donington. Coming up on the rails however are Dan Munro and Spencer Wanstall, the former also nabbing a debut series victory back in April. Others to look out for include Darren Thomas who has been ‘first past the post’ in front of previous BTCC crowds, and Ross Billison, who like Wanstall, has come agonisingly close to title success before.
MINI 7 S-CLASS
Starting from a second grid after the their more senior Se7en cohorts, lighter-tuned 1275cc motors lie beneath the similar exteriors of the Scholarship or ‘stepping stone’ formula, offering a more budget-friendly option for beginners.
So far in 2026, S-Class podiums have seen Patrick McCarthy as an ever-present and which has elevated him into a 15-point lead overall, so an elusive first win this weekend would really heap the pressure on his rivals. George Welch’s second season progress sees him in an excellent 2nd overall after six rounds, but not far behind lies James May whose double-victory at Snetterton in May has brought him right into the mix, whilst former title holder Michael Winkworth also bagged a brace in the Donington opener, Bertie Woollard mirroring that feat last time out at Silverstone. The all-pink car of Holly King is sure to be crowd favourite too.
Lap Records for Truxton - 2.356-mile circuit
| Class | Driver | Time | Average Speed | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Se7en | Joe Thompson | 1:35.471 | 88.83 mph | 09 June 2024 |
| S-Class | Michael Winkworth | 1:36.923 | 87.50 mph | 09 June 2024 |
Previous winners (09 June 2024)
| Class | Race 1 | Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Se7en | Mike Jordan | Mike Jordan |
| S-Class | Frazer Hack | Frazer Hack |
SE7EN INFO:
For over half a century, the Mini Se7en Challenge for The Bob Fox Trophy has been providing great motor racing at an affordable price. Much may have changed since the first ever 850cc Formula Mini-7 race at Brands in April 1966, but the now 1-litre Mini Se7ens still provide superb entertainment for driver and spectator alike, drifting through corners with balletic poise!
S-CLASS INFO:
Starting behind the Se7ens, the milder-tuned 1275cc S-Class offers a more standard, budget introduction, where hopefuls looking to get on the motor racing ladder can also aim for the Graham Hill Memorial Trophy for the leading Under-17 driver.
SE7EN TECH SPEC:
Engines: 998cc modified A-Series
0-60mph: 6.6 seconds +
Top speed: 110 mph +
Transmission: 4-speed manual, ratios/final drive free
Tyres: Goodyear 500L x 10” (dries) or treaded (wets)
Wheels: 5J x 10” alloys
Fuel: Unleaded or Super Unleaded
S-CLASS TECH SPEC:
Engines: Standard 1275cc, limited mods
0-60mph: 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 105 mph)
Transmission: 4-speed, standard
Tyres: Goodyear 500L x 10” (dries) or treaded (wets)
Wheels: 5J x 10” alloys
Fuel: Unleaded or Super Unleaded
POINTS SCORING:
All classes:
In each class, 20-19-18-17-etc, down to 3 for 18th, 2 points to all other finishers, 1 point for non-finishers
All rounds run less 3 scores to count in main 2026 Goodyear Challenge (i.e. the best 13 from 16 rounds)
At double-header meetings:
* Grid for 1st race decided by qualifying times
** Grid for 2nd race decided by fastest lap times from 1st race
At treble-header meetings:
* Grid for 1st race decided by qualifying times
** Grid for 2nd race decided by fastest lap times from 1st race
*** Grid for 3rd race decided by fastest lap times from 2nd race
Words: Rich Williamson