Prescott Mini Festival 22nd May 2021

[colonel mustard]

[Pete]

The format works great though I think, imagine this idea with spectators, some entertainment laid on, a commentary that knows a classic Mini from a BMW, a Ritz from a Savoy, a less officious scrutineering team, better class structure, and all the trimmings? So I’m already working on some ideas.

[Pete]

Results...

[Richspec]

I'm looking forward to watching this for the comedy elements!!

(Was too busy getting cars running for YMF to watch live)

[hanlminiman]

Hi Pete
Had camera means that I need to download the images; and I had a video on my screen for my tourist runs. Despite the rain I managed 457 images which I have downloaded and will sort. As I went back to my car after the 2nd comp runs the commentator had arrived and I heard Mark's name so went to find him. I found Graham Hill (78) but not MF (79). Now I learn that he was not there. Derek in the GTM was not allowed to start and I think the other guy red D reg one just took part in the tourist runs. Despite the delays when it started it was very good. From where I was, it appeared that nearly every one had trouble at Pardon hairpin.
Thanks. All in all a great day.
Maybe I could set up an album on The Sporting Minis page with proof images to reduce size but If anyone wants an image I am happy to forward better resolution files FOC.
Bit tired now.
Cliff

[Pete]

Great idea Cliff thanks, maybe on Flickr or something similar. Glad you enjoyed it! The scrutineers obviously had a total meltdown about Mini derivatives, Derek’s competed that car loads of times. How very odd.

[GeorgeA]

Re scrutineering. I have just heard that a GTM was not allowed to run because he had a diagonal in his roll cage & someone else was knocked back for having no cushions on their back seat.

All scrutineering has certainly been done to the ABSLOUTE letter of any & all possible rules & regs.

For 1 diagonal That sounds like they are not following the regulations. Or just making their own up.

Roll cages fitted to the road going category if fitted have to comply with K1 & K2 (No diagonal)

BUT regulations gives you the option to fit 1 diagonal

""The different possibilities of installing the optional reinforcing

members to the rollcage are shown in drawings K7 to K12"

K5 & 6 allows Both types of single diagnosed to be fitted.

That to one side. Why did they not just move cars like the GTM into classes they are eligible for. Like other events do When something is spotted on the day and allow them to run...

[mk1]

I watched it on TV & really enjoyed the ridiculous commentary. TBH, I wasn't that bothered about them phoning me up to tell me I wasn't welcome. Won't be bothering to travel down to Prescott again though.

I'll enjoy seeing how long they spin out giving me my refund. A mate of mine had to wait 6 months before he got his for a previous event.

[mk1coopers]

They were doing some sort of filming with someone from Stricly Come Whatever during the day (apparently) people were being chased off of the steps to the clubhouse as it was 'a private set' , I enjoyed driving the car there and catching up with people face to (socially distanced) face so thanks must go to Pete for all his hard work.

It's a really nice venue but somehow they manage to make it feel like you could be thrown off the property at any time

[hanlminiman]

There was another GTM competing with the "diagonals" fitted but they ran from the inner roll cage to the engine bay, similar to the 1970 Escort Mexico front arrangement. I think it will be resolved after discussion with another Scrutineer!

[billycooper]

Presume your Mini Festival 2022 won’t be running at Prescott then !

I enjoyed watching the feed and chuffed to see how many club Mini Hillclimbers there are out there , surprised I didn’t know many

Bodes well for the future of an event

[Pete]

They were doing some sort of filming with someone from Stricly Come Whatever during the day (apparently) people were being chased off of the steps to the clubhouse as it was 'a private set' , I enjoyed driving the car there and catching up with people face to (socially distanced) face so thanks must go to Pete for all his hard work.

It's a really nice venue but somehow they manage to make it feel like you could be thrown off the property at any time

I did hear that proceedings were delayed whilst they did some corporate filming. It’s been an interesting / baffling experience for sure bearing in mind I’ve worked with Chumly, Chimpney and Shelsley before with absolutely no problems, in fact a total pleasure to do but yes everyone loves the track at Prescott! I couldn’t quote what Ivan Dutton said to a mate yesterday though, but it was spot on and very funny.

[woodypup59]

Interesting, I love to know what was said.
Ivan certainly tells it like it is. I wouldn't want to cross him.

[GeorgeA]

There was another GTM competing with the "diagonals" fitted but they ran from the inner roll cage to the engine bay, similar to the 1970 Escort Mexico front arrangement. I think it will be resolved after discussion with another Scrutineer!

That makes sense Because I did see on YouTube there was another mini with cross diagonals.
But you are not allowed to tie the roll cage into the front subframe ,/ suspension like on their escort. You can only do what is in the roll cage diagrams in the blue book. I imagine there is another class which covers that something like space frame sports Libras.

[Pete]

I don’t think my 110 wouldn’t have passed scrutineering either. I was even getting requests for factory production numbers for the derivatives prior to the event . Derek’s car was fine for Chimpney and all the other events he’s competed at. Can’t speak for Tim Harber’s car. I took my Unipower GT to compete at Shelsley three years ago and the single hoop put in at the factory didn’t bother them at all.

[GeorgeA]

Derek’s car was fine for Chimpney and all the other events he’s competed at

it's worth pointing out Pete so someone else does not get court out. It all comes down to the class he wants to compete in. He could compete in sport Libra or race cars. But road going, modified and classic classes it's not allowed in.

So at chimney they did not notice or they had a class. If it was a HRCR event he'd be kicked out the door. Just as pad about when he asked about even forward braces that are not even tied in.

12.3. MotorsportUk "Specific Regs for Sprints, Hill Climbs and Drag Racing"

[GeorgeA]

Presume your Mini Festival 2022 won’t be running at Prescott then !

You'll have to get another mini for it I'm sure you could find space in your garage

[Lakeland997]

Well, weather aside, we had a great day at Prescott.
I'm not a seasoned hill climber but I can feel the addiction. You always want another go because you know you could do better!
Ironically, I think everyone posted their best time in the final bonus run as the track dried out. I guess they didn't have to provide that extra run so credit is due there to the club.

I have to say, my personal experience of the Bugatti Owner's Club members was also entirely favourable and welcoming.
I met the Club Chairman and another committee member and, although they had almost no Mini knowledge, they showed genuine interest.
They live in a very different world to most of us (one club member has 13 Bugattis apparently) but I found them to be real gentlemen.

With regard to the commentary, the club chairman had to stand in at the last minute so he did his entertaining best!
I fed him with as many Mini facts as I could in about 20 minutes (some of which may even have been true) but he was never going to be an expert.
For future, it would definately be best to have a Mini pundit alongside.

Thanks again to Pete for coming up with the day.

Andy W

[AndyPen]

Would have loved to have been there Andy, it looked very well run.

I did smile when we heard abut Paddy Hopkins being a famous driver I admit

['S'-type]

Had a great day. A good array of cars, fantastic course and location and some good conversation. I thought that in the circumstances it was well run and the hosts were both welcoming and accommodating to us common as muck Mini owners.
Although there was an issue about the value for money for competitors and scrutineering, the fact that they increased the number of runs was good.
Speaking as a mere tourer, the opportunity to do the hill in your road car was a real plus and hope any future events could also incorporate this feature although it may tee off the competitors!
The commentary was amusing but he did his best on the mini knowledge. The 'Crawford' convertible Minis made me chuckle.
Thanks to Pete for all the behind the scenes setting up of the event, much appreciated. Sorry you couldn't make it.