BIRTHDAY BONANZA
SIXTY YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG; THAT’S THE REMARKABLE RECORD FOR MINI SE7ENS AS THEY RETURN TO WHERE IT ALL STARTED, HERE AT BRANDS HATCH BACK IN 1966. EXPECT NOTHING LESS THAN FUN, FROLICS AND FESTIVITIES, BOTH ON- AND OFF-TRACK…
MINI SE7EN
Proof that good things come in small packages is that year after year the compact ‘Heritage’ class has consistently led the way when it comes to value-for-money motorsport. This season’s campaign is typically competitive too, with a clutch of drivers all in with a shout of title honours.
Leading the way is Daniel Munro, the former Coupe Cup and karting champion in his second full season, having taken a debut victory already at Donington in April, and bar a yellow flag slip-up last month at the big Thruxton BTCC meeting would have secured a second triumph too. Glen Woodbridge lies 2nd in the standings, having also taken his first main class success in the season opener, backed up with consistent finishes on the leaderboard, whilst reigning champion Damien Harrington is an obvious favourite this weekend with no less than five wins so far in 2026, his overall score tempered however by a brace of non-finishes. Veteran Graeme Davis has shadowed the leaders all season to lie 4th, just ahead of Ross Billison who claimed the top points last time out, but who also knows how to win around the Indy bowl here. Spencer Wanstall will be looking for a repeat of his 2025 victory at his ‘local’ circuit but like Harrington a couple of DNFs has left him down the pecking order, likewise Darren Thomas has been edging back to front-running pace despite a few drop scores. As ever there are several newcomers coming through the ranks, Ian Penn hoping to emulate father Graham’s winning habit of four decades ago, whilst the likes of Jamie Payne, Harry Taylor and Jack Robinson represent the wealth of youthful enthusiasm this class has inspired for decades.
MINI 7 S-CLASS
If your fun factor is ignited by the super Se7ens, then following on behind are the equally sensational S-Class runners. Another hotbed of aspiring saloon car talent, the ‘Scholarship’ class is aimed at circuit beginners on a budget, minimally tuned 1275cc machines that offer an ideal first-step onto the racing ladder.
Patrick McCarthy has taken the early initiative to open up a 12-point lead but is still searching for a first win. Behind him, George Welch has also been knocking on the door of a debut victory whilst still racking up the high scores, whereas Bertie Woollard is arguably the driver on form, breaking his duck with not one but four wins in a row from the previous two double-headers, at Silverstone and Thruxton. Michael Winkworth has claimed the title before but is eager for a second having taken top spot twice at Donington, whilst in 5th overall James May repeated that feat at Snetterton in May to signal his title aspirations.
