TOP GUNS
ONCE AGAIN THE BIG-HITTERS OF MINI MOTORSPORT BRING THEIR GROUND-SHAKING PERFORMANCE TO THE MINI FESTIVAL AND EVERY YEAR THEY NEVER FAIL TO DISAPPOINT, WITH MORE MINI ‘MAVERICKS’ THAN YOU CAN SHAKE A STICK AT! HOLD ON TO YOUR HORSES…
MINI MIGLIA
There is quite possibly no other category that offers the sheer depth of Mini ‘racing royalty’ than in the mega-tuned 1.3-litre formula. A pack of these slick-shod icons roaring into Paddock Hill Bend is one of the most memorable experiences from the other side of the tyrewall, a truly immersive assault on the senses with no time to catch your breath before they’re back round again!
Title 2015 title winner, Kane Astin, holds a 10-point advantage coming to Brands thanks in part to a pair of wins, at Snetterton and Silverstone, plus steady scores elsewhere, whilst four-time champion Aaron Smith will be looking to use all of his ‘local’ track knowledge to close the gap, also a double-winner this year with book-end results so far, in round 1 at Donington and round 8 at Thruxton. Phil Bullen-Brown has climbed to 3rd in the standings, and although he still awaits a debut class win has triumphed in other Mini disciplines. A point separates 4th and 5th, Ian Curley’s two victories, at Snetterton and Thruxton, proving he’s still got what it takes almost three decades after he claimed back-to-back titles in 1998/99, with Jeff Smith looking to add to his 2024 crown after recovering from a hefty rib-breaking shunt on the GP loop here last season. Sam Summerhayes took a win at Donington in April and is a serious contender for honours here too, as would be three-time champion Rupert Deeth but is up against it to make this weekend after a huge roll at Thruxton last time out. Meanwhile, the competitive edge goes right down the grid with the likes of Matt Ayres, Joe Ferguson, Colin Peacock, Martin Wager and Elliot Stafford who have all run on leading pace.
MINI LIBRE
They say variety is the spice of life and the Libre ranks certainly bring something a little bit different, with alternative A-Series options to bolster the Miglia grid.
Huw Turner has found good reliability from his 16-valve set-up, a trio of victories and three more podiums giving him a 9-point advantage over multi class-champion Phil Harvey. The latter has yet to win this season but has a knack of being around at the chequered flag in his 5-port, whilst Peter Hills will be hoping to continue an upswing in fortune, well on the pace in his 16-valve example last time out. In another 16-valver, Steve Baker has won three of his four starts so far so cannot be discounted. However, look out too for young Jac Owens, the Welsh teenager having won on his debut in dad Endaf’s car at Silverstone in June, Owens senior likely to be on the Miglia grid himself, the 2011 Miglia champion and fabrication expert also instrumental in straightening Julian Proctor’s mount in time for Brands after a hefty off at Thruxton.
