 Welcome
to the Competition pages
The first Mini
Cooper and Cooper S models were introduced in 1961 and 1963
respectively very much with competition in mind and had a gloriously
successful impact upon motorsport around the world. Subsequent
models such as the Rover Coopers and BMW MINI Coopers have also been
successfully used in competition. It is appropriate therefore that
the Mini Cooper Register has as one of its basic precepts that the
register will encourage participation in the sport by its members
using their Mini Coopers.
There are
opportunities for sporting enjoyment of Mini Coopers for all models
manufactured from 1961 onwards, taking into account the advancing
age, rarity and value of some of the earlier models.
Road Runs
Although not
strictly competitive in nature, organized road runs (or touring
assemblies) are popular with MCR members as they represent a way to
have fun in their cars without the risk of damage or undue expense.
The Minis to Monte series of runs covered in detail elsewhere
in this website is currently the best known but other runs in the UK
have been organized in Wales, the Midlands and elsewhere. Currently
under development the Tour de Cotswolds run is the latest
development of this theme. No special paperwork, licences or
preparation are needed for entry to road runs but organisers should
be aware that they will need to obtain a waiver of permit for
any event which traverses the UK. Contact the Competition Secretary
for details.
Twelve Car Rallies
MCR members have
organized some excellent 12 Car Rallies over the past fifteen years
including the Northumberland Borders Rally, the Downs
Rally and the Fosse Rally. These events require some
minor car preparation by competitors, special insurance cover
and the issue of a permit to the organizing club. The
Competition Secretary should be kept informed of any plans to
organize such an event as he or she is the main point of contact
with the MSA (Motor Sport Agency) who have statutory control over
most motorsport events run in the UK. Competitors generally get an
evening of competitive driving and navigating on public roads at a
maximum average speed of 30mph. Twelve Car Rallies are excellent
events on which the novice navigator or driver can gain experience.
Link for the Northumberland Borders Rally
Track Days
Almost since the
inception of the register a Coopers at Combe day has been
organized at Castle Combe racing circuit in conjunction with other
motor clubs. Again requiring little car preparation, track days are
a popular way of allowing MCR members to try out their road cars in
a relatively safe environment free of public road speed limits and
traffic density. As with all motorsport events an entry fee is
required to cover administrative and other costs. In the past
Curborough Sprint Circuit was also used for track day sessions
and more events of this type may be organized in the future of there
is demand.
Sprints and
Hillclimbs
Although in the past
very much an individual pastime, sprints and hillclimbs are good
ways of developing competitive driving skills in a regulated
environment. With only one car on the track at a time full
concentration can be given to driving lines, braking points and car
control. Venues such as Gurston Down offer one off hillclimb
events and the Midland Speed Championship has been
successfully competed in my MCR members. Cars can be in any state
from road going to specials depending upon event or championship
regulations.
Racing
The ever vibrant
Mini Racing scene has had successful involvement by MCR members over
the years. Both Mighty Mini series and Historic Racing
have been enjoyed by the membership and their many spectators.
Racing requires a totally prepared car and specialist equipment
which involves at least a degree of expense and may require a great
deal of expense to become competitive. Experience of racing is also
helpful. However there is only one way to start in the sport, and
that is to start going to races. Spectating, marshalling and then
competing is the traditional path into the sport. There is
considerable experience of racing within the MCR which a novice
member may be able to access with help. Members should contact the
Competition Secretary for more information.
Rallying
Broadly falling into
two categories stage rallying and road rallying, the
sport of rallying has been the natural home of Mini Coopers since
1961. In the past members have competed in both disciplines both in
the UK and abroad. Rallying needs a degree of specialist car
preparation, depending upon the type of event being entered, and
experienced advice is helpful before any money is spent. MCR members
have competed in the MSA Historic Rally Championship the
Rally GB and other international rallies including the Rallye
Monte Carlo Historique. Members should contact the Competition
Secretary for more information if contemplating starting in the
sport.
Demonstration runs
and Displays
Past masters in the
art of competition car display the Ex-Works and Competition Car
Register of the MCR has put on some superb static displays in
the past including at the Race Retro shows, at Silverstone
Circuit events and at Beaulieu. Dynamic runs of ex-works
and competition cars are less common but have been staged by
individual MCR members at Chatsworth, Rally GB, Goodwood Festival
of Speed and other venues. Not competitive in nature these
dynamic runs are nevertheless highly entertaining and allow the
public to see these valuable historic cars in action.
Peter Barker –
Competition Secretary |
