Magnificent Mega Minis
THRUXTON
BARC / TOCA-BTCC meeting
Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 July 2026
GOODYEAR MINI CHALLENGES supported by MINI SPARES
They’re back, and by popular demand! After a year’s break in 2025 where they wowed overseas crowds at Zandvoort in Holland, the magnificent machines of the Mini 7 Racing Club return to Thruxton as support to the BTCC here this weekend…
MINI MIGLIA
Invariably high up on motorsport fun-factor polls, the mega-tuned 1.3-litre Miglias are regarded as the pinnacle of classic Mini racing, torching tarmac on their low-to-the-ground 10-inch slicks, and with barely any daylight between them, sometimes up to a dozen or more in each bunch. Regular Thruxton visitors know only too well the adrenaline rush as these compact campaigners hare off towards the Complex, arriving under a minute and a half later into the final chicane, wagging a wheel or two in the air or yomping the kerbs, often skittering on the limit of adhesion, much to the delight and sheer amazement on the faces of onlookers.
The entry is very much a ‘who’s who’ of Mini champions too, with 2015 top dog Kane Astin leading the way thanks to a pair of victories, at Silverstone last time out and at Snetterton in May. Four-time title holder Aaron Smith lies 3rd behind Phil Bullen-Brown having won the opening Donington encounter in April, with twice-champion Ian Curley in 4th from 2024 leading light Jeff Smith, a former BTCC frontrunner himself. Add in current title holder Rupert Deeth, plus historic F1 ace Nick Padmore and Sam Summerhayes, both having also scored a win apiece this season, not to mention any number of other experienced dark horses, including lady racer Jo Polley, then the podium options are endless.
MINI LIBRE
Lining up behind is the up-to-1400cc ‘Free Formula’ which offers an interesting mix of A-Series tuning, with 16-valve heads, plus 7- and 8-port variants alongside the more recognised 8-valve, 5-port set-ups.
Welshman Huw Turner holds the advantage here with consistent podium scoring, including a Donington class win, whilst three-time class champion Phil Harvey continues to rack-up the high finishes to lie just 5 points adrift after 6 rounds, with last season’s runner-up Julian Proctor hoping to improve on a run of bad luck. Other class wins have gone to Steve Baker, Richard Colburn and novice Jac Owens, but are likely absentees on this occasion.
Lap Records for Truxton - 2.356-mile circuit
| Class | Driver | Time | Average Speed | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miglia | Rupert Deeth | 1:27.914 | 96.47 mph | 09 June 2024 |
| Libre | Josh Evans | 1:29.497 | 94.76 mph | 09 June 2024 |
Previous winners (09 June 2024)
| Class | Race 1 | Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Miglia | Andrew Jordan | Andrew Jordan |
| Libre | Josh Evans | Josh Evans |
MIGLIA INFO:
The Se7ens’ younger but more powerful Mini Miglia siblings first graced UK circuits in 1969/70, and have consistently been providing bang-for-buck tin-top action for decades, all trying to win The Peter Collins Trophy. Widely regarded by racing aficionados as ‘mini’ Touring Cars, these originally 998cc machines now run with larger capacity 1.3-litre engines, and pack a mean punch.
LIBRE INFO:
On the back of the Miglia grids, the M7RC runs its Mini Libre semi-invitational category for other Mini race saloons, with varying interpretations of A-Series tuning up to 1400cc.
MIGLIA TECH SPEC:
Engines: 1293cc modified A-Series
0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
Top speed: 125 mph
Transmission: 4-speed manual, 3.9:1 final drive
Tyres: Goodyear 160/490 x 10” slicks (dries) or treaded (wets)
Wheels: Any 10” diameter x maximum 7” width rims
Fuel: Unleaded or Super Unleaded
LIBRE TECH SPEC:
Engines: up-to-1400cc modified, A-Series block
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Tyres: Goodyear 160/490 x 10” slicks (dries) or treaded (wets)
Wheels: Any 10” diameter x maximum 7” width rims
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