[minisoopercooper]

As you may know the John Cooper Challenge has a new name and new organisers for 2006 - it is now called the MINI Challenge and is part of the Dunlop Great & British Motorsport Festival.

This is what the official MINI Challenge web site says about the circuit:

Quote:

Castle Combe
Date: 24 -25 June

The addition of two chicanes has tamed Castle Combe's ultra-fast reputation, but it's still a unique circuit and one that is becoming ever more important in terms of its stature in the UK racing scene. A full grid of Formula Three cars cresting Avon Rise and braking hard into Quarry should be something to see.

The chicanes have turned Combe into a braking and power circuit rather than a place to carry speed and bravery. It's still plenty quick enough though and there's still the aforementioned Avon Rise and Quarry Corner, a sequence that is just too difficult to be described as a magic moment. Having said that the blind approach to Quarry is nothing if not exciting. However it's all too easy to come barrelling in way too fast and end up in the tyres - usually backwards!

Castle combe web site here: http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/home.asp

So are there any intrepid MINI2'ers who wish to attend the event? At present I don't have details on which day the main race will be on or the costs of spectating at the event, but fear not - I am on the case and those details will be added asap.

As usual we will be meeting at the car park at the Compass Inn, Tormarton and arrive en masse to take up our usual position on Avon rise. Meeting at 10 AM to be on track for 10.30.

Please sign up here:

Thanks

Paul

1 minisoopercooper - Paul
1A - Jaffa
2 Ade 1986
3 Bishjnr and the Cornish gang
4 Hyper Cooper
5 i++
6 Ady
7 Jessica
8 minionefun
9 Milky_Car_Kid
10 DWBrown
11 Griffer
12 Squire
13 Fru_T_Bun
14 Emu_P

[Ade1986]

Ill probbably be going to this....

[bishjnr]

hate to say it us lot down in cornwall was thinking about doing this as well so maybe we will join forces for this again if any thing ill go and i think jeff is also intrested

[minisoopercooper]

that would be cool - let me know and we can arrange to meet up - will be one early start for you though unless your all camping the night before?

[bishjnr]

normally do early starts when we meet you lot we're only three hours away

[minisoopercooper]

yeah but we always get to the track by 8.30 AM so that means a5am start?

[bishjnr]

nowt unsual for me i'm normally leaving at about 4 in the morning to go to london for work and not only that some of the people who are thinking of attending can't stay over night so we might have to go for the early rise option

[JimmyCooperS]

Hey, I'm a combe regular, but i've not been since i got my Mini in December. I'll be there for sure. Already got tickets reserved for it.

Which car park u meet on?

El.

[minisoopercooper]

we usually meet at the Compass in at Tormarton which is where the A46 meets the M4 at J18. We then arrive in convoy and park oin Avon Rise

Paul

[-=cHiLli=-]

Put me down .... its a good show!

i++()

[gbrog]

Hi guys, will be great to see you there - don't forget about the Brands event too...

Brands Hatch will host a Round of the Great and British Dunlop Motorsport Festivals on Sunday April 30th and with four Mini races on the bill this event will become a Festival of Mini celebration. There will be two races for the MINI Challenge for the new cars (previously known as the John Cooper MINI Challenge) and a race for both the Mini Miglias and Se7ens.

In the past there has been little promotion of Mini racing, but now that’s all about to change. Mini owners attending will receive special treatment on the day with display parking on the famous South Bank, parade lapping at lunch time, Dunlop freebies, competitions and plenty of off track entertainment to go alongside the dramatic track action, including a fun fair and a live band. All the Mini owners’ clubs and websites have received invites and the race meeting will also be extensively covered on Sky Sports in the weeks following the event.

[Ady]

Black on grey is more or less unreadable for those who use MINI2 black as their style choice

might actually come down to this, been for a few track days to CC and the drive down is great

Ady

[minisoopercooper]

Finally got round to adding everyone

[Jessica]

Went to castle combe last year, was a really good day and would definatly go again
what day are you thinking of going?

[minisoopercooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jessica

Went to castle combe last year, was a really good day and would definatly go again
what day are you thinking of going?

The Sunday is usually the main race day and when most of us will be there

hope you can make it and welcome to MINI2

Paul

[simeds]

might try and go this year, but i'll probably arrive too late to park with everyone. Might have new set of wheels by then if not i'll be trying to sell my old motor to any passers by !

[minisoopercooper]

Quote: Originally Posted by simeds

might try and go this year, but i'll probably arrive too late to park with everyone. Might have new set of wheels by then if not i'll be trying to sell my old motor to any passers by !

make sure you come and say hi - and aren't you selling your car?

[simeds]

yup, when I say wheels I mean it in a sort of 'Arthur Daley'' way. , like a whole car !

[Jessica]

Quote: Originally Posted by minisoopercooper

The Sunday is usually the main race day and when most of us will be there

hope you can make it and welcome to MINI2

Paul

Thank you, we joined you last year, was a really good day!
Can you add me and minionefun to the list please
Going to book tickets in a min

[Jessica]

We now have our tickets, looking forward to it