Mighty Minis Racing - Benskin Racing Minis News

Mighty Minis Racing - Benskin Racing Minis News http://www.brminis.co.uk en-gb CuteNews <![CDATA[A Year as Superman]]> http://www.brminis.co.uk?subaction=showfull&id=1164235916&archive=
This year BRMinis moved up from the Standard Mighty Minis class to the Super Mighty Minis. At the end of 2004 a new rule was introduced into Might Minis that limited competitors to a maximum of four years or parts of a year before having to move up to the Supers, or on to another form of racing. The idea is that it encourages more drivers to join the Supers class and gives more opportunities to other drivers in the Standards to win races or just get to the front at some time.

At the end of 2005 BRMinis had done four years in the Standards starting in 2000 and with a year off in 2004. In fact for the team 2005 had been the best year. A change of engine solved the old problem of poor performance and the driver had had the unusual experience of passing other cars that were still running on the track rather than the usual situation, stopped in the gravel traps or against the tyre wall.

The winter of 2005/2006 was all change. The team were looking around for a Super, but there were not many available. There was still the option of converting the Standard Mighty Mini, but time was limited and everyone was busy. The plan for 2006 was to compete in all races so the car would have to be ready by March at the latest. With work commitments and much travelling this meant buying a Super was the logical option.

After posting a request on “The Pitlane” the Internet forum for Mighty Mini drivers and enthusiasts, I was contacted by Phil Hetherington (car 14). He had bought a Super the previous year which he used a couple of times in 2005 whilst he was building his own car. The car was just right for BRMinis being bright yellow with black roof and bonnet stripes in the 60’s Britax livery. More importantly it was a well sorted car that was ready to go. In other articles on this site I have detailed the work done getting it ready for the track.

First race of the year was to be at Snetterton in April, but before this it was important to become familiar with the car. A session at Mallory Park circuit was a must. The move to a car with a more sophisticated suspension set up and from Yokohama A539 tyres to the semi-race A048 tyres meant the car would feel and handle in a different way to the old one. In the end the result was a car that was easier to drive and tyres that were more progressive in their breakaway. An engine with more power, bigger valves see to that, and a final drive ratio made for a higher top speed and better mid range acceleration. Off the line though with the higher diff. ratio meant a Standard Mighty Mini would be quicker. Mallory Park is available most Wednesday mornings for testing. An MSA licence is required, and usually sessions are split between saloons and single seaters. In practice you get three sessions for each in the morning. Fortunately it was dry so it was possible to get to grips with the car and for the driver to remember which way to turn the steering wheel.

As I mentioned earlier first race of the season was Snetterton. The Norfolk circuit is always an experience in April. Being close to the North Sea and low lying there is little between you and weather heading across from Siberia. The joys of horizontal sleet in a previous year are still etched in the mind. This year would not be a lot better. An advantage is, if you can call it that, you can see what weather is coming long before it gets to you. The arrival on Saturday in blustery, but dry conditions. Sunday was wet. The Standards raced in steady rain and the Supers had dry/wet conditions to contend with. This was an experience for me arriving at the Essess at the end of Revett Straight it was a question of would the brakes slow the car enough to get round or would they lock up and go straight on. There were a few clammy moments like this especially when the rain came back. All in all it was a good start and 7th place was a satisfactory if distant result.

Due to personal commitments BRMinis missed the next two races at Croix en Ternois in Northern France. The subsequent race was also a non-show. This was due to the change of venue and date from Croft to Silverstone, and a week earlier. This clashed with the F1 Grand Prix in Spain. This did not mean BRMinis were a late entry in this class of racing. A lack of aerodynamic aids and a shortfall on power would have rendered the team uncompetitive if other issues had not excluded us. It was a trip as spectator with my brother-in-law, Peter. It was a real experience with excellent crowds, so so racing but good food, wine and beer in Barcelona. Not sure I would go again. A two hour coach trip round Memlo after the race was a low spot.

Back in Blighty once again the next event was Donington Park. A double header and the Mini Festival meeting this was probably the low point of the BRMinis season. The car was fine, but the driver was crap. Two very uncompetitive efforts on a circuit that I had previously enjoyed. It did not seem I had confidence in the handling of the car, a very tentative drive in both races. The next effort could only be better.

Next up Mallory Park. Well this was the BRMinis “test” track and if the driver could not find his way round then there was no hope. If nothing else the weather was dry � and hot! A much more competitive drive in the race. I felt more confident in the car and could throw it into Gerards with confidence that I would emerge still on the track, and still in control. Though the final result was nothing spectacular I was well pleased with my efforts. The next race would be better? Well we would see.

The following venue was Cadwell Park based in deepest Lincolnshire. I must admit to being somewhat nervous when going out to qualify. This was my first visit to the circuit and I was being told this was a “drivers” circuit. Translation if you did not have the skill of Ayrton Senna or the nerve of Gilles Villeneuve then you were on a one way trip to disaster. At the end of qualifying I was excited. The circuit is narrow, but with a good mix of straights and challenging corners, changes in level and the Mountain it was a delight to drive. I was still too tentative into Charlies Corner, but driving the race I was flat out through Coppice. It was great. I even beat Tim Harber at the finis, but only because his car lost power at a critical time at the hairpin, and if there were a few more laps he would have passed me again, well maybe,.

The season was now drawing to its close with three meetings left. The first of these was at the Ty Croes circuit in Anglesey. With our passports ready, visas in order and all necessary immunisations we set out for the uncharted territory that is North Wales. Banking on local knowledge to help us through we were relying on Craig Rodgers in car 33. He denied any local influence claiming he came from the South, so that did not count and Dave Rees denied being Welsh despite the obvious evidence of his name. BRMinis were on their own in a strange land.

Things did not start well. The M6 was blocked by a lorry containing cooking oil falling over. A detour through Cheshire and other counties was a necessity. Then it started to rain. Arrived at the circuit on Friday evening in the gathering gloom to find a building site, and mud. Lots of mud. Left car and trailer at the circuit to find our B&B for the night. The circuit is interesting. It is based on old Ministry of Defence land and made up from the original access roads. Way back in the 1960’s one John Ravenscroft, a conscription squaddie, was based here for a period of time. Those of you with more adventurous musical tastes will have known him better as John Peel.

When we were there all traces of Peel had clearly been excised along with the British summer. This was to be a double header, and at the time the consensus in the paddock that this was two heads too many. After a farcical 3 lap qualifying behind a marshal’s Mondeo the track dried enough, and the rain stopped for long enough for us to race. Due to limited numbers of Supers the cars were combined with the Standards in one race. Again this was a new circuit for BRMinis, but all went well until we were assaulted by car 33 trying an unlikely passing manoeuvre. The result was an off course excursion into the mud and a backward assault on the tyres surrounding the marshals post. Damage was confined to a dented near offside panel courtesy of car 33 and a concave boot lid. The latter was easily fixed by removal and application of the driver’s foot to the inside.

After this bit of grass tracking we were back down among the Standard Mighty Minis. A comeback was launched and working back through the field was difficult with few good straights and groups of cars having their own battles.

Race 2 was on the Sunday and the weather made a distinct effort. The sun came out and started to dry everyone out. General feelings were more upbeat and we looked forward to the race. Generally went well and had a good race with Tim Harber, but the driver did not really get the hang of this circuit, and was especially slow through School Corner. Well never mind there is always next year, but with all the construction the circuit will be different so it will be “start again”.

Returning to civilisation the next outing was at Brands Hatch. This was a circuit I had raced at and felt I should do well at. Dream on BRMinis. Started well in the race, but a sideways moment at Paddock Hill bend lost me time, and contact with the rest of the field. I did make up some time and closed on Mike Tarr, but pretty poor effort on the whole.

Just before the final race of the season BRMinis went along with a large number of Mighty Minis teams to Castle Combe. This was for the Mini World Action Day. An annual track day event run by the magazine for Mini owners. The Mighty Minis, organised by Tim Harber attend to raise money for charity by giving members of the public rides in the cars on a proper race circuit. The money collected going to a designated charity. This year being “Pete’s Fund”. A collection for Peter Nash who needs an operation tht the NHS will not provide.

It was a very wet/dry day, but was great fun. Driving car 57 was shared between the regular driver and Sam, the BRMinis mechanic, helper and webmeister. How he got into the seat, given that he is over nine feet tall, and the “normal” driver is standard gnome size, is anyone’s guess, but he enjoyed the day. It was also an opportunity to give friends and family an outing to say thank for their loyalty during the season. Tim has promised we will return next year and it will be bigger and better.

Final race of the season was Silverstone: home circuit for BRMinis. Well the closest to home, anyway. It was good to make a civilised start in the morning. This race was very much a high point for the team and in particular the driver. The whole crew were there and a warm, sunny day made it an enjoyable experience. The car was running well, but the oil leak was getting worse. With luck the car survived the race intact so an “engine out” job was to be scheduled for the winter.

The race was a competitive one for car 57 and had a good dice with Tim Harber and Maria Brown, making a welcome return to Super Mighty Minis, until a sideways moment at Copse Corner dropped the car to last place. Recovered to pass Mike Tarr before the end but was not able to close on Tim or Maria. The racing was close but fair with changes in position happening nearly every lap, but no contact despite some demon manoeuvres. A very enjoyable race.

So that was my first season in Super Mighty Minis. What are my initial thoughts? A good first season for me with the new car. I am becoming more confident in the way it handles and gaining in track experience. Some new circuits and some old friends. What was my favourite track? It is hard question because they have their own characters I had to choose one it would be Cadwell Park. A real challenge for the driver with a good mix of corners and reasonable straights for overtaking. I hope we go back there again.

In general it was a good season for the Mighty Minis. The Standard Class was well supported with most races having at least 20 cars entered. The racing was close and competitive and the final championship winner was not decided until Brands Hatch. The Supers however suffered with smaller fields and in some cases only nine cars entered. This did not detract from the racing which was as close and competitive as ever. For some meetings the Supers were combined with the Standard Class which was not ideal, but gave some practice in lapping slower cars.

An overall seventh place in the Championship for BRMinis was a good result. Steady scoring of points rather than spectacular successes was the key to this result. A most unexpected accolade was the presentation of the Drew McLintock Commitment Shield at the Annual Dinner for Mighty Minis in October.

So where is the team going to now? The plan is for a second season in Super Mighty Minis for 2007. Before then a lot of work needs to be done on the car to be ready for March next year. Watch out for further bulletins on this website.

Special thanks to BRMinis team for their help and support throughout the year.

Further thank you’s to Roger Tello for his organisation for the Mighty Minis competition, his enthusiasm and helpful advice, and those around who provided the support for the organisation

Hope you have enjoyed the reports over the last year. If you have any comments and suggestions for additions or changes please email BRMinis through the web link.

Have a good Christmas and New Year.

We at BRMinis hope to see you all soon in the new season.
]]> 1164235916 Wed, 22 Nov 2006 22:51:56 +0000 <![CDATA[A Grand Day Out]]> http://www.brminis.co.uk?subaction=showfull&id=1160986857&archive=
Up early to hitch up the trailer and get on the road to Swindon, Castle Combe, is located in Gloucestershire, close to Chippenham. It is a real drivers circuit with challenging corners and an open layout which allows for some quick lap times.

With the expectation of a large number of laps being run, BR Minis car 57 was fitted with some old Yokohama A520 tyres to save the normal A048s for the upcoming race at Silverstone in October. These tyres had not been used since the first year’s racing in the Standard Mighty Minis, but had a good lot of tread left. How the car would handle on them remained to be seen.

On the road the weather forecast was bright, but showery. The initial run down as the day dawned looked encouraging. Having turned off the M4 at Junction 17 the number of Minis travelling in our direction increased exponentially. It looked like a good turn-out was in prospect. We arrived at the circuit in convoy with Caz and Dave with Standard Mighty Minis nos.66 and 68.

The stewards at the circuit directed us to the Paddock and to a reserved area behind the Club House. Some other Mighties had already arrived and were unloading. Tim was masterminding operations. What was the plan of action?

Our passengers, (victims) would pay to experience a Mighty Mini on track at near to racing speeds. We would go out for one lap, perform three fast laps and then return to the Paddock. Seemed a good plan, but one problem. All sorts of other Minis would be out on the circuit at the same time. They could book a paid 15 minute session to try out their own cars. This allowed for a wide range of performance from both drivers and cars. You could have a basic 850cc car or a 1430cc turbocharged car and everything between.

The organisers also had some ‘rules for the road’. This meant no overtaking into or through corners, overtaking on the straights and only on the right side. Hmmm; this would be a challenge.

I took out Car 57 when the circuit opened to check all was working and see what the handling was like on the old tyres. Car ok, handling well…..ok’ish. Returning to the Paddock there appeared to be a healthy flow of customers for rides. Tim was signing them up and his lovely assistants strapping them into passenger seats of the Mighties. First outing with a passenger went well. Returned to Paddock in one piece, passenger still breathing.

By this time Sam of the BR Minis team and webmeister for this site had arrived. Having previously been a Mighty Mini driver before University, he was helping with driving duties. Took him out for a few laps so he could see which way the circuit went, then he went out. It started to rain. Tyres not so good in the wet, but avoided major incidents. So it was to be for the rest of the day. Wet then dry, then wet again. I think you get the picture.

Despite all the rain and the number of cars on track there were very few incidents. One Mini became intimate with the barriers at Quarry, another car developed an oil leak on circuit, which stopped proceedings for a while and made things very slippery for a time after. Not a good mix with rain. One Honda engined Mini on circuit was seen to catch fire. The driver bailed out whilst the car was still in motion on circuit. The car then continuing on it’s own eventually finding the barrier to halt it’s progress.

Off the track it was a Festival of Minis with cars as far as the eye could see. Clubs had their own enclosures and support was high. The event was well run by Mini World, and talking to other attendees they were saying it gets bigger and better very year. There was significant support by the retiling sector with a large number of stalls for both new and second-hand (pre-owned?) parts.

Castle Combe excelled itself with great support from the Stewards and Officials. As usual the Marshals were there to manage the cars both off and on the track. This they did in their cheerful and efficient way. Well done guys and gals!

What was the outcome? The whole idea of the day was to raise money for Pete. That we did. The Mighties gave 95 rides to the paying public and raised £1,415.00 for the fund for the operation. Everyone worked hard in the wet and the dry, went home tired but happy.

This was BR Minis first visit to the event, and what did we think? Wonderful, marvellous, a fantastic day out. Thank you Mini World, thank you Tim Harber, and thank you all the Mighty Mini competitors and their support crews.

Ben & Sam
]]> 1160986857 Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:20:57 +0100 <![CDATA[Britax Mini Replica Colour]]> http://www.brminis.co.uk?subaction=showfull&id=1145570637&archive=
The design was based on the classic Britax colour scheme as raced (I believe) in the 60s and 70s. I am sure someone will get on to me with the correct details.

The history of the BRMinis car number 57 is quite short. It was built originally by a Mighty Minis competitor from the eary years of the series, Peter Crewes. I met up with Peter at Snetterton this April. He was at the circuit to test his Xtreme Mighty Mini which carries the same Britax livery. Unfortunatly he could not remember the colour used to paint the car.

As the BRMinis car needed some attention to the paintwork before the start of the 2006 season a new source of colour was required. Near to where I work in Leamington Spa there is an automotive paint supplier called the Paintstore Ltd.

They said that they would tryand match it as closely as possible so I took the bootlid in as this was easy to detatch, and in the Super Mighty Minis is a GRP moulding. They matched the colour to P2-7944 Amarillo Yellow. This was in a cellulose mix as I do not have the equipment to use a two pack paint.

I sprayed the offending parts of the bodywork with this new colour and the match seems good. The finish is not as effective as the original which I think this may have had a clear lacquer top coat to give a better finish. However given the occasional panel beating that can occur during races I am well satisfied with the final results.

I hope that this information is of some help to anyone wishing to create a similar replica effect. In my opinion the yellow and black is a striking combination, but then I have always been a fan of yellow. See pictures of my Leon tow car!

Ben - The Coachwork Craftsman!]]> 1145570637 Thu, 20 Apr 2006 23:03:57 +0100 <![CDATA[Tips and Tricks, Mighty Minis Racing ]]> http://www.brminis.co.uk?subaction=showfull&id=1141419781&archive=
Tip of the Day: Friday 3rd March.

For those using pull cables for remote extinguisher activation or engine cut-outs always grease the internal cables well. If you do not do the the great god of corrosion will weld the inner cable to the outer sheath creating one immoveable object. You will never discover this until a scrutineer wrenches the handle off the cable when checking the car before practice. I use the copper based grease as this combines both a soft and a hard lubricant and resists the ingress of water well.

Tool Tip No. 1

I have just bought a 24volt rechargeable ½” drive impact wrench. This cost me £50 plus VAT and delivery for a kit with charger, three impact sockets (sadly not AF) and spare battery, in a case. This came from Northern Tools Ltd. Normally these cost around £200 for a DeWalt or similar. I don’t know how robust or reliable it will be but I thought it was worth a try. A great little tool for wheel nuts. When it rains and you have 15 minutes to change all four wheels, get strapped into the car and arrive on the starting grid it comes into its own. This will save the skin on your knuckles and the hair on your head.

BRMinis Chief Mechanic]]> 1141419781 Fri, 03 Mar 2006 21:03:01 +0000