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Thursday, 18 May 2017

Snetterton Mini Festival

Clubstands and Show 'n' Shine cars on display
There were many firsts to celebrate at the Mini Festival at Snetterton last weekend. It was the first time the Mini Festival had visited the Norfolk race circuit, making the number of amazing Mini Festivals on offer throughout the year to three. This one was the first of the year though, and the temperamental early summer weather had tried to spoil the weekend with a couple of brief showers in the mornings but it eventually succumb to the warm rays of the sun to ensure visitors left with a spot of sunburn. With the weather sorted there was an action-packed schedule of racing over both days and access to the paddock to chat with racing teams and drivers who were happy to have a natter about their setups and efforts over the weekend. 


love:mini Classic Mini Show 'n' Shine winners
Elsewhere there had been a large turnout for our first ever show 'n' shine event, particularly the MINIs. With the rain showing up briefly in the morning, it might have made Mini owners think twice of bringing the rust-baiter out. Splitting the categories between Minis and MINIs there were some stunning looking cars as well as well-used ones, but all dearly loved by their owners. Each category winner was awarded a smart sparkplug trophy and rosette, with the Best in Show for the best Mini and MINI taking home the gold cup! Admittedly things didn't run perfectly smoothly and we had some teething problems, but these have been addressed and corrected for the next event at Brands Hatch Mini Festival on July 8-9. 

MINI Challenge action!
After some exciting track action visitors were able to relax and mingle with competitors in the on-site restaurant whilst enjoying a band for the evening. Over on Palmer's Bank an outdoor cinema had been setup with a screening of the original The Italian Job film. With the sun setting and the warm breeze blowing over the site, it was the perfect way to chill out with friends and family. Those in the know had made preparations, bringing camp chairs, duvets and blow-up sofas for the occassion!


Camping!
Some local clubs joined others, who had travelled further, in making a weekend of it by camping over. The campsite was quiet and secure with staff on hand and floodlights keeping it lit until late. a block of toilets was nearby and there was fresh water and even showers available! 

Leon Wightman had a bad bump on Saturday
After some early Sunday morning rain, the sun made its way out and set the day up for a blinder. We made our way to the pits and paddock to say hello and found Leon Wightman's Mini 7 had taken a big hit on Saturday seriously bending his front subframe and trashing his radiator... so no more racing for him. Around the corner Lewis Selby and his team had spent most the night and morning changing a gearbox gasket. In the MINI Challenge it was Jessica Hawkins who was grabbing all the attention with a double win on her first outing!


The trade area was a little quiet, but with it being a new show, and sandwiched between the British Mini Club's Himley Hall and the London 2 Brighton events, it was always going to be a big ask to attract them until it becomes a bit more established.


Judging underway
All in all, we felt the weekend was a surprising success, albeit with areas for improvement. Having not been to Snetterton before, we wern't sure how it would all pan out. But the weather turned up, and so did the Minis for the Show 'n' Shine. We'll be at Brands Hatch next, on July 8-9, so come and join us there where there will be even more on offer!

http://www.mini-festival.co.uk/


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