Masters Historic Raceday @ Oulton (March 23) - Cancelled

17:39
Any enthusiasts looking forward to the first racing action of season tomorrow will be disappointed to hear that Oulton Park has postponed the Masters Historic meet.

In a statement, the track said:

"Given the prevailing weather conditions, the nature of the cars at the event and the distances people involved will have to travel to attend, regretfully the decision has been made to postpone the Masters Raceday tomorrow. We're so sorry to anyone that's affected but wanted to make the decision as early as practically possible. All ticket holders for tomorrow's event will be contacted over the next few days with further details."



The next Masters event is in Barcelona in April 12-14. 

www.themastersseries.com

Mini rallying on TV (Fri 22 March)

17:21


Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship organisers are reminding everyone that all the action from the season’s opening round at the Rally Marketing Mid Wales Stages will be screened on Motors TV tomorrow night, Friday March 22 at 10 p.m. 

The one-hour programme, part of the highly respected Special Stage Rally Review series, has captured every moment of the exciting 55-mile high speed battle through Hafren, Myherin and Sweet Lamb, as the fight to be crowned 2013 MSA British Historic Rally Champion begins.

Camera crews from MC-Video braved vicious cold conditions, made worse by a biting wind to get unparalleled footage of all the main contenders. With ‘podiums and points’ honours in the three championship-counting categories decided by on-the-limit driving throughout the day’s five stages, viewers certainly have lots to look forward to.

“This is top-drawer TV coverage which does justice to the new-look Mintex MSA British Historic series,” says BHRC Chairman, David Lucas. “The Special Stage Rally Review team worked extremely hard in very difficult weather conditions to bring viewers the best action from an exciting, closely fought first championship round. The competitors’ speed when viewed from stage-side, coupled with some fantastic ‘white knuckle’ in-car coverage adds up to a tremendous TV show. It gives the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship a superb platform to build the rest of the season on.”

WHEN?
Motors TV - Friday March 22, 2013, 10pm.

Virgin Channel 545
Sky Channel 413

Brooklands Mini Show this weekend

10:30

This weekend sees the start of the Mini show season proper. As always the Brooklands Mini Day opens a jam-packed calendar of Mini events which will only get busier as the summer months sneak up upon us.

This traditional opener is hosted at the world famous Brooklands Motor Museum and its dilapidated racetrack. First opened in 1907 it was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue as well as one of Britain's first airfields.

Today it is home to Brooklands Motor and Aviation Museum where you'll find the first ever British-made Concorde on display, as well as a number of other fascinating sights such as bombers from the World Wars and a replica V2 bomb, bouncing bombs and Hawker Hurricane planes plus a cycle and motorsport museum.

This truly is a great day not to be missed, with the highlight for many being when Mini owners try their luck to ascend 'Test Hill' - so called because of its steep 1:4 gradient. Built in 1909, the hill was used by manufacturers to test their vehicles' ability to ascend the hill as well as testing their brakes on descent. The record time for ascending the 352ft long hill is 7.45secs, held by Frazer Nash who, in 'The Terror', crested the hill at around 50mph taking off and landing about 40ft later.

£10 entry. Opens 9am. Test Hill runs need advanced booking. Free 'Mini Day 2013' stickers to the first 1000 Minis.

http://www.brooklandsmuseum.com/index.php?/events/details/mini-day1/

Day 7: Oxford Centenary MINI Tour of Europe

05:00
The MINI convoy at the former production plant in Marsa, Malta.

MINI's tour of Europe to celebrate 100 years of car production at Plant Oxford continues in earnest today as the quintet of MINIs are set to arrive at the former Mini production town of Vendas Novas in Portugal.

Having already covered a vast distance from MINI HQ in Munich, to Novo Mesto in Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia), through Italy to the former production plant in Malta, back through Italy, across France and Spain to Portugal, the team now prepare for their next stop on the tour of Mini's production towns.

Interestingly, the Mini, and in particular the Mini Moke, had two production homes in Portugal, with Setubal being the primary home of production for Portuguese Mokes from July 1983. But by December 1984 the plant was declared bankrupt and closed down. With 333 unbuilt vehicles still in the production line somewhere, Jim Lambert who had been hired as MD of Austin Rover Portugal to sort out the production mess, suggested building the Mokes at another bodyshell manufacturer's plant called Batista Russo at Vendas Novas. In April 1985, production resumed in Portugal to finish off the unassembled Mokes and the last vehicle left the plant in December 1985.

It was during this time that Jim realised that working from the newer, more efficient plant at Vendas Novas that Moke production could infact be cost-effective if more standard, and less Moke-unique, parts were used. After approval from the Austin Rover board, the first of the new 'standardised' Mokes rolled off the production line in February 1986 and production finally ceased in July 1989, with a total of 8171 Portuguese Mokes produced.

The MINI convoy took some time out at the former assembly factory in Marsa, Malta, to meet members from the Malta Mini Owners' Club, who have a strong fanbase. Car production in Malta started quite late on, when in 1960 the Mizzi Organisation built The Car Assembly Ltd, which initially produced Triumph Herald's. But over time demand for a greater selection of vehicles saw other models produced there, including the Mini. The plant closed down in 1981, but there is still a large number of Minis roaming the island - and they look great in the gleaming sunshine!

www.since1913.co.uk


X-raid Team makes a good start

23:30
For Krzysztof Holowczyc, the Baja Italy was the first rally following his accident in the 2013 Dakar. By finishing – together with his German co-driver Andreas Schulz – second, the MINI ALL4 Racing driver demonstrated that he still has got what it takes to make it to the very top. In the end, the pairing crossed the finish line just 12 seconds behind the Brazilians Reinaldo Varela und Gustavo Gugelmin in a Toyota. Third place was secured by Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser in a buggy.

Holowczyc made a successful start into the event by winning the ‘Superspeziale’ on Friday. On the following days, he also succeeded in winning several special stages and the MINI ALL4 Racing survived another event without encountering any technical problems whatsoever. The final special stages turned out to be a tough and extremely close battle for the win between Holowczyc and Varela, with the Brazilian getting the upper hand, in the end.
“The Baja went very well for us and we are happy with our achievements,” said Monster Energy X-raid Team Manager Sven Quandt. “We congratulate Toyota on their win – they were really fast, in Italy. And the battle between Krzysztof and Reinaldo was a true thriller until the rally was over.”
 


Result Baja Italy:
1st R. Varela (BRA) / G. Gugelmin (BRA) Toyota – 3h 42m 11s

2nd K. Holowczyc (POL) / A. Schulz (GER) MINI ALL4 Racing – 3h 42m 23s
3rd J.-L. Schlesser (FRA) / K. Zhiltsov (RUS) Buggy – 3h 49m 45s


www.x-raid.de

HRCR ‘Old Stager’ Clubman’s Challenge Rd 1: King rules in the Welsh forests

11:36



©Kevin Baldwin Photography
Clive King and Bob Ward made a little bit of history at last weekend’s Rally Marketing Mid Wales Stages, as the first-ever winners of a round of the new-for 2013 HRCR ‘old Stager’ Clubman’s Challenge. The experienced pairing drove the doors off their diminutive Mini, setting fastest time on each of the day’s four stages to take both the Clubman’s Challenge and win class B1. Despite their rivals’ best efforts throughout the 45 stage-mile route, they finished one minute 12.3 seconds ahead of fellow Mini competitors Andrew O’Hanlon / James Crook and took the lead in the season long Mini Cup, which has been successfully incorporated into this year’s ‘old Stager’ series.

Right from the opening pair of stages, King showed he had sorted the mechanical gremlins that blighted his 2012 season. Taking advantage of a smooth stage surface due to running ahead of the modern cars, King confidently stormed through Pikes Peak and Myherin. He arrived at the Sweet Lamb service with a 32-second lead over O’Hanlon, with Nigel Dutson / Finlay Mackintosh making it an all-Mini top three. “The stages are in fantastic condition; I’ve got a small leak from a brake cylinder but otherwise the day’s going perfectly,” reported King.

©Kevin Baldwin Photography
His good run contrasted starkly with Eric Davis who, with co-driver Russell Joseph, retired their Mini after stage one with an overheating problem. Davis wore a puzzled expression as he finally arrived at Sweet Lamb. “The engine was fine on the road section, but overheated about 200 yards into the stage, “ he said. “It’s cooled down and now it’s running perfectly again. We can’t figure it out: there’s a lot of pondering going on.”

Knowing O’Hanlon would not give up the chase, King pushed his car to the limit through the next two stages. Making full use of his Mini’s good handling through the twists and turns of Sweet Lamb, he later made sure to carry as much speed as possible through the fast, sweeping corners of Hafren forest. Arriving at the finish in Newtown, King had an ear-to-ear grin. “Today’s stages are some of the best I have ever driven,” he enthused. “It makes all the hassle of winter rebuilds worth it.” Runner-up O’Hanlon agreed with King’s sentiments. Bleeding his brakes at service had given him the confidence to push as hard as possible through the latter pair of stages and he felt he had got his Mini Cup title defence off to a good start.
©Kevin Baldwin Photography

Dutson finished third, surviving what he described as “a bit of a moment” on stage two, Myherin. “We were right near the Flying Finish: I just went a little too fast into the corner and we got into a big slide,” he said.

Behind Dutson, Wynne Jones and Ray Evans brought their Ford Cortina Mk1 home to win class B3. The Welsh crew struggled early on when their intercom’s battery went flat, but thereafter they had an untroubled run. Unfortunately, the Cortina Mk1 crewed by Gwilym Roberts / Debby Myers blew its diff on stage one and retired on the spot.  

Rally newcomer Ken Davies, co-driven by the experienced Alan Jones, had a beaming smile as he drove through the finish, having brought his Volvo Amazon into fifth in only his second-ever rally. Displaying an impressive-looking blood blister on one of his fingers, he joked: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my day, in friendly company and on wonderful stages. But it’s taken a real toll on me: I’ve even blistered a digit with the effort!” Davies competed on the five-stage, 55-mile route taken by Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship crews, to get an upgrading signature on his competition licence, which he successfully gained.

©Kevin Baldwin Photography
Throughout the day, the cars contesting the ‘old Stager’ Clubman’s series proved to be spectator favourites, drawing loud cheers and encouragement from the hundreds of people lining the stages. “At times, all we could see was ‘speccies’ waving us on: there was a fantastic atmosphere out there,” said King. “Overall, it’s a great start to a new championship; everybody is so friendly. We have a couple of new crews joining us for the Rally North Wales in April and we would love to see even more competitors coming to enjoy the series.”


 

Results:

1. Clive King / Bob Ward (Mini) 55m 35.0s; 2 Andrew O’Hanlon / James Crook (Mini) 56m 47.3s; 3 Nigel Dutson / Finlay Mackintosh (Austin Min Clubman 1275 GT) 58m 58.7s; 4 Wynne Jones / Ray Evans (Ford Cortina GT) 59m 14.2s; 5 Ken Davies/ Alan Jones (Volvo Amazon) 59m 54.8s (for four stages).

VOTE Mini as the greatest British innovation in 100 years

16:39

The British Science Association has just opened a major poll inviting internet users to vote online for the most important and influential innovation of the last century in the field of science and technology. 

Among the nominees are the classic Mini, the revolutionary small car which was created by Alec Issigonis in 1959 and would have an enduring impact on car design.

Front-wheel drive, a transverse-mounted front engine and a gearbox below it gave the classic Mini the maximum possible interior space on the smallest possible footprint, setting an example for small and compact cars for generations to come. The classic Mini is regarded as a model of British engineering prowess to this day. It is the only car to make it onto the distinguished shortlist of significant innovations hatched in the UK, where it is competing with such inventions as radar and ultrasound technology, the antibiotic penicillin, the artificial hip, the hovercraft, the jet engine, the atomic clock, Dolly the cloned sheep and the World Wide Web. 

The vote is taking place to coincide with National Science und Engineering Week, which aims to generate enthusiasm for science and technology among the young in particular. The poll is being run under the patronage of the world-famous astrophysicist Professor Stephen Hawking of Cambridge University.

The complete shortlist of “Great British Innovations” can be found on the website specially created for the poll – www.topbritishinnovations.org – where online votes can be cast until 24 March 2013.

Silverstone Classic - cheap tickets only 'til end of March

16:00

The 2013 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA, the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival, is all set to be another record breaker with more than 1000 race entries spanning the full spectrum of motor racing history plus a host of special parades to mark significant motoring milestones.

Last year’s 83,500 crowd was the largest yet and ticket sales for this July’s huge automotive extravaganza are running at unprecedented levels with show-goers taking full advantage of special ‘Early Bird’ discounts. As entrance to the 2013 Silverstone Classic is by advanced ticket only with no admittance on the day, there’s extra incentive to capitalise on the current reductions.

Those booking before the end of March can save more than 15 per cent on three-day weekend tickets, which are priced at £80 rather than £95 plus booking fees. These include access to both National and Wing race pits and paddock complexes, trackside grandstands and live classic rock concerts on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

Early Bird adult single day tickets – again giving access to all areas – are available from just £30, a 14 per cent reduction compared to buying tickets after the special promotion period has concluded.   

“Whether you’re coming for one day or the entire three-day festival, the Silverstone Classic offers fantastic value for money – even more so for those buying these significantly discounted Early Bird tickets,” said Nick Wigley, Event Director. “All our tickets provide fantastic trackside viewing for those wishing to follow what’s an amazing programme of 24 superb races as well as free admission to a vast array of other top class entertainment. This summer’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet – it’s going to be an event no one will want to miss.”

Highlights already confirmed include a record number of races, aerial displays, live music from legendry chart-toppers The Hollies, special parades to mark important milestones in the history of both Aston Martin and the Porsche 911 plus showgrounds featuring more than 7000 classic cars. It all adds up to another three-day festival packed with a host of must-see and must-do activities for all the family.

For further information and full details of all Early Bird ticket offers, visit official www.silverstoneclassic.com website. 

Support Mallory Park Circuit

11:35
pic courtesy of www.stevewhiteley.co.uk
Mallory Park circuit is in tough negotiations with the local council about its licence and noise pollution.

The circuit needs your support to show the council that it is a valued national motorsport venue.

The council needs to understand that thousands of people visit the circuit every year and bring in a huge amount of money in to the local economy.

Show your support for Mallory Park Circuit by signing the petition attached and/or emailing your views to the local council at:


https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46739

steve.atkinson@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk



Use the MiniForce - new club!

11:30

MiniForce is a recently formed club with the motto of: "The club where the classic and BMW Mini stand wing-to-wing in support of our Armed Forces".

Launched in January 2013 by Mark and Liz Elvin, they are getting ready for an active season of events both locally and nationally - not forgetting their Mini-adventure to Limburg miniclub in August.

Over the past year Mark and Liz Elvin's highly visible yellow and orange classic Minivan has been seen darting along the West Norfolk roads never failing to turn heads. During fundraising events at, and around, RAF Marham, they got talking to people who suggested starting a Mini club at the camp as there were a few classic Mini owners who didn't belong to any clubs but would like to get involved in the Mini scene. So they did just that and launched MiniForce.

With such a strong affiliation to the RAF base it was only natural the club would choose a charity to promote and donate to related to the armed forces. SSAFA Forces Help is a national charity with local branches who are there for those who currently serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families too.

The club welcomes new members who agree to adorn a rather trendy windscreen sunstrip which reads: MiniForce - 'Salute Our Troops'. Whether you drive a classic or BMW Mini, you're welcome. Infact, all classic cars and future Mini owners are also welcome - and it's free to join.

Starting their event season with a drive down to Brooklands Mini Day, they quickly follow it up with Wheels Day, Lincoln Big Day, Suffolk Run and H2H.


A new forum has recently been launched and this can be found at www.miniforce.boards.net with a website to follow very soon at: www.roads-uk.com 

Contact Mark and Liz via email: miniforce@live.com



Classic cars: The best investment bar gold

08:30
The passion of collecting knows no bounds in the classic car sector, according to a new index compiled by international real estate specialists, Knight Frank.

The Knight Frank Luxury Investment Index - part of The Wealth Report, launched at Claridge’s today - highlights an astonishing 395% value growth* in classic cars over the last decade amongst high net worth individuals (HNWI). 

This supercharged boost in classic car values outstrips all but gold as an investment.  It also marks an interesting change in the collector psyche, according to classic car auction specialist, Historics at Brooklands, whose major sales of fine classic and collector motorcars is attracting increasing international interest.

“I believe we are seeing a marked shift in attitudes to investment,” says Historics’ Auction Director, Edward Bridger-Stille. “But for its rising value as a precious commodity, it’s perhaps difficult to get passionate about the possession of gold, whereas ownership of a classic motor car is a truly engaging, ‘head and heart’ experience, aside from being a fast-appreciating asset.

“We are conscious of increased international interest in collector car acquisition amongst those who previously may have prioritised an alternative, more rational  investment portfolio,” he continued. “And reports such as that of Knight Frank will continue to drive confidence in ownership in the collector car category.”

Andrew Shirley, editor of The Wealth Report, added: “Our research shows that HNWIs, particularly those from the burgeoning economies of Asia, Latin America and Africa, are becomingly increasingly interested in ‘investments of passion’ such as classic cars. This is helping to drive values ever higher.”

www.knightfrankblog.com/wealthreport

The MINI folding bike 2.0

08:00


The bicycle is no longer merely a means of transportation, it is also a lifestyle and fashion accessory. With its newest folding bike, MINI is bringing a splash of colour to the streets and showcasing a fascinating and versatile new way to get around. The eye-catching lime punch-coloured folding bike guarantees confidently stylish visibility on the roads. It is perfectly suited for commuters, as during rush hour they can fold it up and carry it on trains and buses free of charge. With this new bike, for the first time MINI is also offering an array of compatible practical accessories such as lights, a bike bag and an iPhone case.

Urban style from MINI.
The MINI Folding Bike Lime truly rocks the streets, asserting its presence with a progressive mix of style, design and innovation.
Its outfit: A neon yellow frame that catches everyone’s eye as the bike cruises around the city. Its strengths: Only 11 kg in weight, an eight-speed shift system, 20-inch wheels and a clever folding mechanism.
In a matter of seconds, users can fold the bike’s crossbar and handlebar stem. They can also fold down the pedals and lower the seat, allowing this two-wheeled MINI to be effortlessly stowed away.
A further impressive feature is the air pump integrated into the saddle – always ready to use and yet well-hidden to avoid theft. Along with this comes a compact saddlebag for carrying tools, and the Teflon®-coated, dirt-repellent chain is especially easy-care.
The bike also comes equipped with a comfortable gel saddle, a bell, and a pre-installed Klickfix adapter on the front wheel – all as standard. This allows easy attachment of accessories such as the bike bag. 
Essential accessories for the road.
The new MINI Folding Bike Bag provides a safe place for everything riders need while travelling through the city. The smart bag is easily secured to the Klickfix adapter, and thanks to a handy carrying strap, riders can also take the bag with them when they reach their destination.

The environmentally friendly MINI Bike Lights ensure good night-time vision. Integrated solar cells not only help protect our climate, but also provide battery power for up to seven hours. 

With the MINI Bike iPhone Case, smartphones are always protected from rain and dirt. It fits to the handlebars and its touchscreen surface allows riders to use their phones whenever they need to. The protective cover is ideal for iPhone 4 and 4S models; an adapter is available for 3G and 3GS versions.

The MINI Folding Bike Lime and new bicycle accessories are available through the MINI Online Shop and selected MINI dealerships. The bicycle is delivered fully assembled and ready for use.

The previous MINI Folding Bike model is also available in matt black. Its features are the same as the new version, but do not include the Klickfix adapter and saddle pump. The MINI Bike Klickfix adapter can, however, be easily retrofitted to this model. It is available at the MINI online shop and will continue to be the base for all current and prospective bicycle accessories of the brand.



PRODUCT SPECS:

Assembly  Description
Frame AAA Series, aluminium 7005 patented Fusion Technology , lime green
Fork Dahon Slipstream, aluminium U7 double-butt, lime green
Handling bar Kinetix Comp double-butt. Aluminium, matt black
Stem Aluminium, matt black, height-adjustable, 2 x quick release
Handlebar grip Biologic ARX, screwed, black with grey lines
Brakes Kinetix V-brakes, front and rear
Brake handle Avid FR5 aluminium, matt black
Crank set Kinetix Supra forged aluminium l=170 mm black, aluminium chain guard
Inner bearing BSA chamber sealed tripartite
Chain Taya Chain OCTO, Teflon coated, black
Pedals Suntour foldable pedals
Derailleur NEOS.2 for 8-speed, black
Gear stick Sram Twist 8 gear change;  turning grip shift incl. cable control
Sprocket cassette Sram 8 gear change silver; 11-32 cog
Front hubKinetix Neutron 74mm, Aluminum black with hollow axle and SSP
Rear hubKinetix Comp. 8 gear change cassette black with  hollow axle and SSP
Rims Schürmann YAK 406
Tires Schwalbe KOJAK 35-406 Dahon special edition
Tube/hose Schwalbe Unitube 20” AV6 (with car valve)
Spokes Niro black, diameter = 2mm; brass nipples silver
Seat Selle Royal Gel, black without logo
Seat postSuper-Oversize 580mm, patented head, Aluminum matt black with Scala
Seat bracket Dahon “Turtleneck” with quick release, black
Passive lighting Reflectors for spokes, frontline and backline (as accessory pack), and for reflectors based on DIN and road traffic regulations
Bicycle bellStop bell type Billy, black
AccessoriesTransport bag in cover (installed under seat), folding bike BA Mini specified (different languages), BAs of component producers
Chain caseNot applicable, see also circular chain wheel disc close to Crank set
OthersDelivery installed already (non-inflated tyres in folded state), in special box with MINI Logo

MINI tour of Europe to celebrate 100 years at Oxford

16:30
Day 2 - Italy @ the old Innocenti factory
At MINI Plant Oxford preparations are afoot for a quite extraordinary anniversary: cars have been produced in Oxford for 100 years now and the history of the plant, like its present, is closely intertwined with the one-off British small car. Where today the MINI is produced, the classic Mini – one of the most important models built in Oxford over the years since 1913 – was also born. The classic Mini embellished its British roots with a very European character; Oxford’s assembly figures were bolstered by Mini cars pieced together over the decades in European pastures beyond the brand’s native borders. To kick off the celebrations, five Oxford-built MINIs are embarking on a tour that will take them to eight former classic Mini production locations the length and breadth of Europe.

The first classic Mini rolled off the production line in Oxford on 8 May 1959, and another 602,816 were to follow in the years up to 1968. During this time, the Oxford factory also built CKD (Completely Knocked Down) vehicle sets to be assembled in other locations. The tour undertaken by the five current MINI models will bring back to mind the cross-border nature of Mini production as it takes the cars – plus an accompanying fleet of media representatives and the MINI Community – to eight former production locations from 13 – 27 March. MINI fans can follow the progress of the tour on the specially launched website www.since1913.co.uk


 
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