Alex Munday’s 1996 John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S, recently restored by Mini Sport, on full display at the front of our pop-up Mini store at IMM2017!
Last week saw one of the Mini Calendar’s most anticipated annual events – The International Mini Meet!
IMM Ireland 2017 didn’t disappoint, set in the picturesque grounds of Westport House, one of Ireland’s best loved heritage attractions in the Georgian town of Westport, on Ireland’s west coast, this was the perfect backdrop for all the IMM festivities.
Once again, Mini Sport were supporting the Mini Clubs and community by sponsoring the event, we headed over to Ireland with our pop-up Mini Parts Store, packed with just about everything you could want for your Mini.
Reigning ‘rocker cover racing’ champ! Mini Sport USA’s Mike Guido!
The traders village was full of Mini parts and memorabilia, with plenty of experts on hand to give help and advice on everything Mini. The courtyard had many stunning examples of everyones favourite little car on show, also hosting games and competitions, with plenty of food and even an area to get those pesky engine problems sorted.
The nightlife was also taken care of, with a giant bar, ‘the big red barn’ situated in the centre of the grounds, where the entertainment included Irish dancing for the opening ceremony, traditional Irish bands, live music, and a ‘Pirates and Princess’ party’, not to mention that the Guinness was flowing!
Events throughout the weekend included the much anticipated Rocker Cover Racing, which once again was won by Mini Sport USA’s Mike Guido… Mike not only retained his crown, but took second place as well, having entered TWO rocker covers – last year’s champion, the Paddy Hopkirk inspired cover, and this year’s bright hippie cover. The courtyard was also host to the loudest exhaust competition and the ‘Clubs Olympic Games’, which involved ‘sports’ with Mini parts!
Mini legend Paddy Hopkirk signing Alex Munday’s Cooper S at the Mini Sport pop-up store!
Of course you couldn’t be at a Mini event in Ireland, and not mention the legend that is Paddy Hopkirk. The 1964 Monte Carlo Rally winner was once again doing an exclusive meet and greet on our stand in aid of his chosen charity IAM Roadsmart – the UK’s largest independent road safety charity. Paddy took time out to talk to fans, sign pictures, car parts and have many photo’s taken. Mini Sport also arranged for Paddy fan, and loyal Mini Sport customer Alex Munday and his family to have an exclusive meet and greet with the man himself. With Paddy even signing Alex’s 1996 John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S, which was recently lovingly restored by Mini Sport – you can read about the full restoration here.
After an absolutely brilliant weekend, we’d like to thank everyone at IMM 2017 Ireland for putting on a great event, well done!
We’d also like to thank everyone who came out to see us, and all the people of Westport… What a super IMM!
A fantastic event which Mini Sport are very proud to be associated with – not only as a trader but as proud official sponsors too.
For all of us here at Mini Sport… It’s now on to Beaulieu for the Mini Cooper Register’s National Mini Cooper Day!
Don’t forget to place your orders with us now for free delivery to our pop-up Mini store at Beaulieu – full Ts&Cs can be found here.
We hope to see you there!
Blog by: Mini Sport’s Paul Hart.
