The Mini Sport Mini Cup returned for 2016 with the addition of a new class, open for Classic Mini models from any age category to compete in the fastest growing Mini championship. This year we were excited to see the championship season kick off at Weston Park, Shropshire with the notable AGBO Stages, organised by Owen Motoring Club.
The AGBO Stages has become an increasingly popular rally event, now running in its 20th consecutive season, providing the scenic 1000-acre estate of Weston Park with over 40 sealed-surface competition miles to challenge all contenders. For our opening round of the season, the Mini Sport championship welcomed more than 20 Mini’s of various specifications to compete – with the inclusion of Mini Cooper S’, Mini 1275GT’s and Mini Mayfair’s amongst other Classic Mini models.
Mini Sport representatives Rob Eastwood and Michael Anderson, travelled down to Shropshire on Sunday the 20th to support the crews and provide on-stage assistance where needed. The turnout of both Mini’s and other historic vehicles ensured that the opening of the series was to be both demanding and thrilling for drivers and spectators alike – with the HRCR providing exceptional support, as always.
The series adheres to MSA regulations and separate awards are available in each category of the championship, as well offering a wide range of class awards for competitors to aim for. After a long day, graced by dry weather and a little sunshine, Mini Sport sponsored drivers, Clive King and his 1964 Mini Cooper S took 1st position – backed by co-driver Anton bird. In response to his win Clive claimed that ‘The car ran perfect all day, I was feeling rather unwell having been up all night sick. The Yokahoma tyres were fantastic.’ It appeared that the dedication to rallying paid of in this instance for Clive & Anton.
Adrian Kermode and co-driver Maurice Beckett claimed 2nd place in their Mini Cooper S with Paul Price taking 3rd place also in a Mini Cooper S. Newcomer Jonathan Bennett and Nigel Bennett claimed 1st place in the open class car category – a noted performance, which we look forward to seeing again at future stages.
Alongside the championship, our sponsors ‘Yokohama UK’ were offering a prize drawer for a set of competition use 10” A032R Yokohama Tyres, which are provided via Mini Sport at special prices for all competitors. Martin Melling and Carmel Venables won the prize drawer on the day – giving their contending Mini Mayfair a little hand for the following rounds (for further information on our special priced Yokohama Tyres please contact rob@minisport.com).
Michael Anderson described the day as having ‘a great venue with good weather and an all round excellent day of rallying!’
The Mini Sport Mini Cup Championship will be taking us to South Wales for the Dixies Historic Challenge – Epynt, on Sunday 1st May. Dixies Historic Challenge has always been an instant hit with competitors, providing 45 miles of stages within a compact route on the famous military ranges.
Please follow our official Facebook Page ‘The Mini Sport Mini Cup’ for regular updates on the Mini Sport Championship and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information about our Motorsport Preparation Services or how to get involved in the events – e-mail rob@minisport.com or call us on + 44 (0) 1282 778731
