Zandvoort (Holland)
Mini Miglia Race Report
Friday
The Mini 7 Racing Club were invited to Holland to take part in the British Race Festival at Zandvoort race circuit on October 3-4th situated close to Amsterdam. An overnight Ferry crossing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland was boarded and a very calm and pleasant crossing was completed. The circuit is about 1.5hrs from the ferry terminal so soon we arrived at the fantastic venue in glorious sunshine and right beside the beach where we just had to have a few beers to celebrate Kane Astin’s Miglia Title.
Saturday Free Testing
On taking to the circuit for the first time ever, it only took a couple of laps to get into a rhythm on what can only be described as challenging as Spa Belgium with its demanding and challenging corners. The times posted we’re very reasonable so we knew that come qualifying we were in a good place to record a sensible grid position.
Saturday Qualifying
We took to the circuit immediately behind the new Champion Kane Astin and was joined by Colin Peacock, Aaron Smith and Peter Baldwin in what can only be described as a full on race instead of qualifying, however the times between us four were within two tenths of each other disputing for Pole Position which eventually was secured by Aaron Smith.
Sunday Race 1
A joint grid for both the Se7ens and Miglias made a huge impressive field and all got away safely behind Damon Astin in his invitation 1430cc Miglia, a fierce but respectful battle resumed disputing the top 4 positions closely by 5th place running Peacock and all remaining Mini’s. Times were getting faster and I could see that fatigue was setting in on the legend Peter Baldwin with the demanding circuit and going into the final lap I put increasing pressure on Peter and almost beat him to 2nd place but the old boy hung on what was to be the Legends Final Podium in his lustrous Mini Miglia Career so it was a complete honour to be 3rd and on the podium with Peter.
The podium celebrations were very special with the national anthem and a fantastic Trophy awarded.
Sunday Race 2
Tyres were the issue pretty much all season and my tyres were absolutely shot away so we knew that we would struggle in the second race. The start was good and we were running 3rd for the first half of the race, but Colin Peacock was closing fast and I knew that keeping him behind me was a tall ask, and I was right, I tried for a couple of laps but I was losing basically a second a lap to the leading pair and Colin effortlessly got past on my understeering Miglia, but we hung on to finish 4th overall and very nearly 3rd as Kane Astin’s Miglia limped across the line with fuel starvation and beat me by half a second.
To summarise the weekend, we had a fantastic time and entertained the Dutch public with yet again good hard close racing at its very best. Many Minisport posters were given out and autographed over the entire weekend and it was a pleasure to fly the flag for Minisport in Holland.
