Determining the correct answer to this question could be worth hundreds of pounds to many vehicle owners who may be missing out on savings on their car insurance.
The specialist classic car and motorcycle insurance broker Footman James says motorists should check whether their vehicle is classed as a classic as they could receive a number of benefits, not least a reduced insurance premium.
Now offering specialist insurance policies on some marques at just five years old, Footman James believes a number of motorists could be missing a trick.
For example, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar car club members who are lucky enough to own a cherished Jaguar or Mercedes that is their second car and only covers limited miles per year could benefit from special policy rates when that vehicle reaches its fifth birthday.
Owners of American cars which are five years old or more also qualify for a specialist insurance policy.
Customers looking to insure a classic car under 15 years or a classic American car under 20 years old must be a member of a related car club... Join the British Mini Club Today
Andy Fairchild, Footman James’ managing director, said: “The industry recognises that, on the whole, owners who cherish their vehicles usually drive fewer miles and generally avoid taking their car out in adverse weather conditions, therefore reducing the likelihood of a claim.
“Therefore, in many instances, classic car policies, whilst not totally immune, generally suffer lower premium rises than modern car policies.
“So, it is definitely worth shopping around and checking whether your vehicle is classed as a classic.”
He added: “In addition, there are a number of ways in which classics owners can keep their premiums down.
“For example, if a customer owns a number of cars, there is the option of a multi-vehicle policy or if they don't cover many miles in their classic, a limited mileage policy could be ideal. Customers can also benefit from additional savings by being a member of a car club.”
Spring has sprung and the Classic calendar is well underway but are you fully prepared
As classic car owners prepare for the forthcoming season, it might be far from the most enjoyable thing about owning a classic, but choosing the correct insurance policy is crucial in making sure your pride and joy is fully protected.
If you planning on taking part in ‘Drive it Day’ or any of the other events that take place early on in the classic calendar you are hopefully fully prepared already. Yet with the rising costs of living and indeed motoring, combined with a huge range of different insurance policy choices in the current marketplace, making sure you get the right one is not so easy, so taking the time to talk to a specialist is time well spent.
Fortunately, Andy Fairchild, of specialist insurance broker Footman James is on hand, to make the choice that bit easier and provide some tips to help keep classic enthusiasts on the road.
T:Find a policy that includes your chosen extras as standard.
All Footman James motor policies include European and UK breakdown cover, legal expenses cover, road rage personal accident cover and emergency travel cover.
Some companies may not include these as standard, so if you are shopping round for insurance, you must remember that any price comparison has to take any differences into account.
Different brokers include different services as standard, so it is essential that you find out exactly what you are getting for your money. That is the only way to truly compare policies.
T: Ensure you obtain the true value for your classic in the event of a write-off or it is stolen, this way you will not be out of pocket.
Heaven forbid your pride and joy should come to grief, but if that fateful situation should arise, Footman James’ policies offer an ‘agreed value’ option. This means the vehicle’s true value is confirmed when you first take out the policy taking any extra stress away in the event of a claim.
For example, a 1966 Jaguar Mk 2 3.8L could carry a market price of around £10,500, yet if it was in good to excellent condition, the car could be worth far in excess of this, hence the importance of the agreed value.
T: If you have more than one car to insure, save money with a multi vehicle policy.
If you are the proud owner of more than one classic vehicle, we offer customers multi-vehicle cover, which allows drivers to insure several classics on one policy.
This may result in a lower premium, and means motorists can spend their time enjoying their classics, and only have to remember the one renewal date instead of several.
Multi-vehicle cover makes life a whole lot easier for classics collectors and provides better value for money.
Footman James is also aware that most classics owners might not want to risk taking their much-loved vehicle on everyday errands such as the terrifying weekly supermarket run, and instead have a modern vehicle as their ‘daily run-around’.
In most instances we allow for modern vehicles to be included on our multi-vehicle policies, providing the majority of the vehicles on the policy are classified as ‘classic’.
T: If you don’t notch up many miles in your classic, you can benefit from a cheaper premium by limiting the mileage.
If your classic only hits the road on the few occasions when the British sun shines, there’s an ideal option for you.
The limited mileage option is the choice of many of our classic vehicle customers as they genuinely only use their vehicles periodically through the year and therefore benefit from a cheaper premium. Mileage options usually come in various bands, such as 1500, 3000 and 4500 miles per year.
It works on the principle that the fewer miles you drive, the less your risk of an accident.
Many makes and models that are more than 30 years old automatically qualify for unlimited mileage, which is usually charged at the same premium as the 3000-mile option.
T: If you have made a few changes to your classic, let your insurer know as you may not be covered in the event of a claim.
We know how tempting it is to give your pride and joy that extra oomph under the bonnet, but before you set about it, make sure your insurance provider is told about any modifications to your vehicle. To put it bluntly, if you don’t declare any changes made, your insurance could be invalid.
Very small alterations are unlikely to affect your current premium however all changes must be declared.
For example, while the worst of the weather is hopefully now behind us, some classic owners may have decided to play it safe during the last few months and change their tyres to winter ones. Some insurers may class the change as a modification and increase the premiums accordingly, but not at Footman James! We would like to know about it though, so please pick up the phone and advise us of the change and we will make a note on your file.
Footman James can offer British Mini Club members discount through its club scheme: More Details
Breathtaking motocross stunts, sensational locations and top-class events lie in wait as the world’s elite freestyle motocross riders limber up for a new season of Red Bull X-Fighters. And this year the international motocross stars will be supported by a partner whose global brand experience is likewise all about making pulses race among its enthusiastic and demanding fans. The involvement in the Tour of John Cooper Works, the sporting sub-brand of MINI, adds another chapter to a MINI/Red Bull partnership that can already look back on years of success.
For Ralf Schepull, Head of MINI Brand Communication, the appetite of John Cooper Works for imposing horsepower and ultra-sporty kit makes it an ideal partner for a series like the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour. “Red Bull and the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 are a perfect fit for the John Cooper Works brand,” says Schepull. “After all, both partners pride themselves on being unconventional and uproarious, power-packed and action-packed. Together they make an impressive team.”
The John Cooper Works experience – also found on the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012
The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 will see the world’s leading freestyle motocross riders compete for prized championship points in front of enthusiastic crowds at six events spread over four continents. And the John Cooper Works sub-brand will add its own flavour to the Tour with some very special attractions of its own. For example, MINI customers can win a trip to one of the events and experience the inimitable world of John Cooper Works live when they get there.
A tour for the best of the best
Only the world’s premiere freestyle motocross riders qualify for a place on the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour. Invitations are handed out based on a rider’s results from preceding seasons and performances in other top-tier events. The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2012 will kick off in Dubai on 13 April, before visiting Glen Helen in the USA (12 May), Istanbul (16 June), Madrid (20 July), Munich (11 August) and Sydney (6 October).
The classic Mini won the Monte Carlo Rally and thrilled millions of enthusiasts in everyday driving. Even today it is one of those cars that attract affectionate glances on the road and, time and again, it sets itself new challenges. Now it is making its debut in the Allgäu-Orient Rally. Five classic Minis are joining 44 venerable BMWs to take part for the first time in the alternative competition for classic and near-classic cars, which will be flagged off on 28 April 2012 in the tourist village of Oberstaufen in southwestern Bavaria. Together with 207 other cars, they will be making for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, more than 5,000 kilometres away. There, on 12 May 2012, two weeks before the European Song Contest, the city will celebrate the arrival of the four-wheeled “Stars for Baku”. All the vehicles that reached their destination will subsequently be auctioned for a charitable cause.
A unique blend of sporting contest and fundraising event, the Allgäu-Orient Rally is being held for the seventh time this year. For the past three years, BMW Group Classic has been a supporter of this event. Quite separately from this, numerous staff members of the BMW Group are represented in the teams, each comprising three cars and six drivers. They are placing their free time and technical expertise, their passion for historic vehicles and lust for adventure in the service of this good cause. Teams with memorable names like “ChittyChittyBangBang”, “Bavaria2Baku” and “Dust Busters” are setting off, each with three BMW 5 Series Touring models, while the team named “Convoy” is relying on three second-generation BMW 3 Series Touring cars. In earlier years, cars from both series have already demonstrated their rally-worthiness with high long-distance performance. Now is the moment for the five classic Minis, lining up for the start in the late autumn of their long motoring life, to put to the test that reliability which used to be so crucial to their rallying success. The “Minibaijan” team brings to the starting line no fewer than three works-prepared classic Minis, and Austria’s Classic Cars Sports Club has two more of the original diminutive British cars in its fleet.
All the cars taking part in the Allgäu-Orient Rally have one thing in common: they are going to be auctioned at the finishing point, and the proceeds will go to humanitarian aid projects. In this way, last year about €250,000 was raised for the aid organisation Turkish Crescent, which used the money to help earthquake victims and Syrian refugees. In addition, a number of teams use the campaign to raise donations for other charitable institutions. For example, the “Minibaijan” team has made a commitment to SOS Children’s Villages, the “Convoy” team supports the organisation Every Child in Georgia, and the “ChittyChittyBangBang” sextet is collecting money for a children’s home in Albania. In addition to all this, the rally organisation committee coordinates a variety of fundraising activities by sponsors on behalf of aid projects in the countries through which the rally passes.
The Allgäu-Orient Rally not only has unusual objectives, but is run according to special rules. The organisers conceived it as a “low-budget” rally. None of the cars entered is allowed to be less than 20 years old or to have a value of more than €1,111.11. The teams spend each night either in their cars, in tents brought with them or in hotels that charge a maximum of €11.11 per person per night. The journey of more than 5,000 kilometres runs from the starting point in the Bavarian Allgäu, through Austria, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia to Azerbaijan, though the precise route taken is a matter for the team themselves to decide. Thus it is even possible to take routes through Italy, Croatia and Macedonia. The cars are expected to cover some 375 miles per day; motorways are off limits and satnavs are a no-no. All local traffic regulations must be observed without fail. Special trials and various team tasks have to be completed en route, the results of which form part of the overall evaluation. For more information on the Allgäu-Orient Rally visit:http://www.allgaeu-orient.de/ or alternatively:
Team 27 - Dust-Busters www.dust-busters.de
Team 51 - Bavaria2Baku www.bavaria2baku.de
Team 59 – minibaijan www.minibaijan.com
Team 65 – Convoy www.convoytobaku.com
Team 106 - ChittyChittyBangBang www.ccbb-on-tour.de
Team Scalextric, the real life racing team for the slot car brand have this weekend raced their first Mini Challenge with superb results!
2012’s first Mini Challenge consisted of two races (20 drivers in total) held on Saturday at Silverstone. Teammate, Patrick Mortimer competed in the JCW Class alongside 13 other drivers. Novice Adrian Norman, a member of staff at Hornby’s Scalextric raced in Club Class alongside 7 other drivers. Both classes competed in the same race.

Image 1: Left to Right – Patrick Mortimer and his white JCW Class Mini, Adrian Norman pictured with his blue Team Scalextric Mini Cooper.
Both Patrick and Adrian held their positions throughout both races. Silverstone saw Patrick the more experienced driver in the JCW Class finish with his fastest lap time of 2.31.544. A heated race, Patrick’s racing lines were tight showing confident driving. Adrian held his position fighting off Mike Phillips, driving for Excelr8 Motoring overtaking him twice to finish in 5th place with a best lap time of 2.52.378.
Overall championship results show Patrick finishing Silverstone’s race in 17th position with 14 points and coming in 10th place in the JCW Class.
Novice Adrian finished with 21 points coming 10th overall and 5th in Club Class. A fantastic result for a novice driver!
Scalextric’s Adrian Norman said; “Thanks to great advice from the team and Chris Knox, I was able to record a pleasing result for both races and bring the car home in one piece! Last year’s champion, Chris Knox together with teammate Patrick Mortimer’s advice helped me immensely and I was able to learn quickly. It was great to see people cheering for Team Scalextric and we can’t wait for Castle Combe!”
Both Team Scalextric cars generated interest from spectators with fans of Scalextric excited to see the brand coming to life.

Image 2: Left to right – Adrian Norman, Patrick Mortimer, Chris Knox (2011 Mini Challenge winner)
Both teammates were supported by friends and family on the day. Advent Motorsport’s Andrew Crighton provided mechanical support and fellow competitors who are fans of the Scalextric brand helped Team Scalextric.
Chris Knox who was also racing on Saturday in the JCW Class (Chris finished in 3rd place in his Class, 6th place overall) mentored Team Scalextric. Martin Depper also supported the team with his technical knowledge about Silverstone’s track. Martin has a great relationship with the Scalextric brand after his own BMW 318si touring car was produced by Scalextric in 2011 – something of an honour for racers. Martin finished in 4th place in his JCW Class coming 7th overall.
Image 3: Race two, showing fierce competition with JCW Class racing through Club Class at Brooklands Corner, Silverstone.
Scalextric and Mini fans can follow the action over the summer on Facebook facebook/Scalextric, Twitter @Scalextric and #TeamScalextric, YouTube and Flickr with minute-by-minute live updates and video clips bringing the Scalextric toy to life! The Mini Challenge will also be televised on Mini TV online and MotorsTV with full Team Scalextric coverage online at Scalextric.com.
Next race is Monday 7th May 2012 – Castle Combe, Wiltshire.
Race days - 2012
Silverstone GP 14th April
Castle Combe 7th May
Brands Hatch Indy 16/17th June
Snetterton 300 30th June / 1st July
Oulton Park 28th July
Brands Hatch GP 15th/16th September
Donington Park 6 / 7th October
The Worlds oldest surviving unrestored Classic Mini has been found in a barn in Chichester, Said by British Motor Heritage to be number 8 of the production line and the 4th oldest surviving Mini. SOLD AT AUCTION FOR £40,250 ON APRIL 30th 2012, if you know whio the lucky bidder was please let us know
Bought by David Gallimore in 1986 and stored in a barn for at least 20 years has covered only 30,000 miles from new on its original 848cc engine. The Austin Mini Se7en Super Deluxe which was first owned by a Gladys Hobro of Bognor Regis in Sussex is expected to fetch £15,000 at auction on the 30th April at Hendon RAF Museum.
The Mini in Farina Grey was built in July 1959 at Longbridge 3 months before full production started and only has a speedometer in the dashboard. The car has not worked for many years and is in desperate need of restoration. Still retains the original number plate XLL 27, which has to be quite a valuable item as well.
Auctionners Bonhams are selling this amazing find and John Polson from Bonhams said 'This is a wonderfull opporthunity to byu the car and restore it. It is the oldest unrestored Mini. Collectors love the fact it has had very little done to it since it was built. It was the eight to be produced and is the fourth oldest to survive.'
John continuew ' The Mini is one of the most important cars of the 20th century, They have always been collectable, Some collectors would want to return her to new, but others would just like to get her going again and keep her in the original condition'
It could actually spark quite a debate as to wether this incredible find should be restored or not. If it is restored does it loose its originality or should it be restored back to its original condition so it can be driven and enjoyed again?
The 3 earlier MInis including 621 AOK which resides in the Heritage Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire and the other 2 are said to be in collections in Japan.

The following text appears on the Bonhams website and describes the car:
This Austin Se7en De Luxe is believed to be the oldest surviving un-restored Mini. Accompanying correspondence from the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust states that it is the 8th of its type to come of the production line at Longbridge in May 1959, some three months before the launch of this legendary model on 26th August. The BMIHT correspondence confirms that the car was despatched on 31st July 1959 to Car Mart Limited in Colchester, whose service plate is riveted inside the engine compartment.
It is believed that only three Minis earlier than 'XLL 27' still exist; one is '621 AOK', which forms part of the BMIHT's collection at Gaydon while the other two (one of which has been converted into a cabriolet) are in Japan. From 1986 until last year the car was owned by David Gallimore of Chichester, the previous owner listed on the copy Swansea V5 on file being Mrs Gladys Hobro of Aldwick, Bognor Regis. The car is complete and has all the features that distinguish these very early Minis, including the famous glass washer bottle. Some parts have been removed for security and ease of transport but all will be provided at the sale together with a Swansea V5 registration document.
The driver's door has been replaced but other than that only a few small items appear to have been renewed. 'XLL 27' retains its factory Farina Grey paintwork, all its original panels, engine, transmission and the original registration number. The interior is likewise original, intact and complete except for the carpets. Even the original Bluemels numberplates survive and there is evidence to support the belief that the recorded mileage of 30,041 miles is correct. A paper brake service label remains fixed to the near-side door jamb, recording work carried out at 17,942 miles.
There is evidence of corrosion in the front floors, 'A' panels, sills, doors, rear seat well, boot floor and rear valance but a surprisingly high percentage of the shell is intact. The rear sub-frame appears original, as do all the steel hydraulic pipes. The engine has not been run for many years. The August 2011 issue of Classic & Sports Car magazine devoted six pages to this amazing survivor, which represents a unique opportunity to own an astonishingly correct example of one of the 20th Century's greatest cars in its earliest, purest form. There can be few more important examples of British automotive engineering.
Full Details of the Auction can be found on Bonhams Website
Feel free to continue the debate on our Facebook Page
Many UK newspapers have covered the story and very interesting to read some of the comments tha have been left as well!!
Hot on the heels of announcing the availability of galvanised fuel tanks for a whole range of British classic cars, British Motor Heritage (BMH) is now delighted to be able to offer a replacement galvanised tank for the Mini Van – latterly known as the Mini 95 – over 0.5 million examples of which were made between 1960 and 1982.
The new tanks are made to the original specification on the original press tools, jigs and roller welder, and it is the recent major refurbishment of the latter – the machine that creates the all-important seal for the main body of the tank – that has allowed BMH to make the milestone move from un-plated steel to the infinitely more corrosion-resistant galvanised stock for these replacement items. A lack of corrosion resistance is the Achilles heel of most classic vehicle fuel tanks. The use of galvanised steel eliminates such problems entirely and is therefore a major product improvement.
The tanks (Part No.21A691) carry a suggested retail price of £195 each, inclusive of VAT, and are available now through the BMH’s global dealer network.
Commenting on this important addition to the company’s ever-growing range of replacement parts for British classic vehicles, BMH’s Managing Director John Yea said: “We know the van fraternity has been crying out for this part. Its availability will also please the many special builders who favour it for its squat, easily packaged shape.”
For details of all BMH products and dealers, log on to www.bmh-ltd.com. Information regarding the company’s Motoring Classics retail range of car parts, accessories, personal items and quarterly magazine can be found at www.motoringclassics.co.uk.
2012 Round 1 race report fromm Oulton Park courtesy of Kieren McDonald of BigMacRacing.
We have all been eagerly anticipating the start to the 2012 Mini7 season and it has already been and gone! We all headed up to the infamous Chehire circuit of Oulton Park to find out why many people rave about it - now I will be joining those other racers asking for it to be part of our race calendar every year.
A glorious sunny day, plenty of paddock space and lots of friendly supportes helped to make a rather pleasant trip.
Member of the BigMacRacing and AL Motorsport teams again showing what teamwork is all about - Simon, Ed and Greg putting in some hours to get the car prepped in time and Row keeping us all hydrated and fed :) My wife, Lorraine, our month old son, Lewis and Mum came to support too, which is great considering lack of sleep and long journey to Cheshire!
A very foggy morning soon cleared up for glorious sunshine, ready for our morning qualifying session. My main aim was to learn the track and and try to develop a smoother driving style and it seemed to work. Typically my qualifying is pretty poor surprisingly I landed myself 7th position - the best yet for BigMacRacing!!
We suffered a major oil leak, which made a bit of a mess in the engine bay and could be seen by all with a fair amount of smoke trailing my car as I lapped the technical Chechire circuit, This thought to be due to a mis-aligned head gasket, alllowing the oil to leak out, rectified by a new sealed gasket courtesy of Dave Robinsons spare parts box (thanks Dave)
It was a good feeling to be close to the front pair on the grid lining up. I had the quick Se7ev of Darren Thomas behind me and Adam Smith to my left.. I just needed to concentrate on gettinga good start when those lights went out!
I managed to get a decent start but Thomas was closing in down the inside, I kept my nerve and kept my line through Old Hall Corner. I was a little cautious with a few corners so dropped off a bit from the front 6 by the end of the 1st lap but seeing them close showed I wasn't doing to bad on my 1st visit to the circuit.
My car continued to smoke as it had done during qualifying but then during the 5th lap I could not select gear, allowing Smith and others to paass without challenge. It finally allowed me to select gears again but then would not allow me to rev the car so had to crawl around until I finally pulled off to a safe marshall post to await recovery! Until then I had only lost one position to Davies who had stormed through the field in what appeared to be a rocket propelled Se7en. A very disappointing end to what was looking like the best to the season I could have wished for!
Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site
Despite the bad end to the race weekend, plenty of learning outcomes and positives to take away to the next rounds. The next steps will be to find time to split the engine to inspect the potential damage and try and repair for Donington on 21st April.
I hope you all enjoyed racing and spectating and hope to see you all again next round!!
Congrats to the podium winners for the Se7ens and Miglia's - full results/timings can be found here and the Se7ens Championship points table can be found here.
Keep up to date with BigMacRacing via the Website, Facebook and Twitter
Research shows that classic vehicle owners continued to invest in their passion during the last 12 months.
According to a recent survey by specialist classic car and motorcycle insurance broker Footman James, classic vehicle owners spent £1931* on their pride and joy in the last 12 months. This compares to £1816 in 2010.
The survey also showed that the average annual mileage had also increased by over five per cent from 1962 miles in 2010 to 2072 miles, highlighting that classic enthusiasts are having more fun.
The survey, of over 3,500 classic vehicle owners, was conducted via a database web survey and also at the Footman James Classic Motor Show in November.
Andy Fairchild, Footman James’ managing director, said: “It is encouraging to see that, despite the difficult economic climate, the classic industry is able to gather some momentum again with owners able to find a little more disposable income to spend on their passion and enjoy it a little more.
“What is interesting about the survey results is that classic enthusiasts, while spending more, are clearly spending their money carefully, particularly on essential. Some 43 per cent of respondents state that cost is now the most important factor when choosing their insurance policy, compared to 39 per cent in 2010. This suggests that enthusiasts are looking to keep their essential purchases down, allowing them to increase their discretionary spend instead.”
The British Mini Club is very happy to help sponsor and promote www.BigMacRacing.co.uk, 29 year old racing driver Kieren McDonald, from Aylesbury. Kieren only started competitively racing in 2011 and has already shown the pace for the top 10 out of a consistently strong grid in the Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge.
The Mini7 racing club – www.mini7.co.uk/about_us.html – runs the longest running single-make championship in the UK - 46 years and counting! Even during the recession, the Mini7 racing club is still serving large grids of up to 25 cars; a testament to the lower budget, action packed racing club. The club runs 2 series – the Mini Se7en and Mini Miglia. The races are tightly regulated to avoid costs spiralling and to keep close racing – always an exciting event for marshals and spectators alike. The club has been known for churning out the likes of Nick Tandy (2011 German Carrera Cup Champion).
Kieren competes in the Dunlop Mini Se7en Challenge and in 2011 managed to finish 2nd in the Mini Se7en Novice Championship and 13th overall in the Mini Se7en Championship. 2011 was indeed challenging with being new to racing, lack of circuit knowledge and many reliability issues to overcome; a top 10 race finish and overall 13th position in the championship was therefore a very credible achievement.

Kieren is competing in the 2012 championship, which kicked off for Round 1 at Oulton Park 24th March. Show your support and keep up to date by clicking “Like” for BigMacRacing’s Facebook page and “Follow” on Twitter. All race reports are provided on www.BigMacRacing.co.uk with on-board video footage at www.youtube.com/BigMacRacing.
Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site
Q: What is your racing experience?
A: No competitive racing experience prior to 2011 Mini Se7en season and never driven a classic mini before. I had done some karting for fun at Daytona Milton Keynes and Rogue Racing Aylesbury. I also competed in a Clio Cup scholarship run by Double Six Racing (RaceStar), where I managed to reach the semi-finals. The scholarship was aimed at novices although many of the others had raced in some form of motorsport for many years, e.g. karting, and therefore race craft had been built in some way or another. This is when I decided that I needed to enter some form of championship to gain the experience and learn.
Q: Why choose to race in the Mini7 Racing Club?
A: I considered all sorts including club100 karting, Caterham Academy, Elise Trophy, 750 MC Stock Hatch, Mighty Minis and Mini7 Racing Club. I decided upon the Mini7 club due to budget, close racing, well turned out cars, good standards, competitive, large grids, social scene, and unlimited help from others. Race weekends are fantastic – we’ve gained many good friends, everyone’s so welcoming, and helping out (knowledge, parts and tools!); the BBQ & beers in the paddock are worth the weekend away alone! You don’t get this whole package with a lot of other championships so it certainly eases some pressures.
Q: What was your highlight and lowlight of the 2011 season?
A: High – Aside from jumping into the car for the 1st time and revving it between 6000 and 8500 rpm!!! I am split – my best lap time, of less than a second off the winner, on 1st outing of a slippery Brands Hatch. Also my 1st top 10 race finish at Thruxton after starting from the back with a grid time penalty. Low – this has got to be when my engine blew on the 1st corner of qualifying on 1st Round of championship at Silverstone.
Q: Where can we find more information about the championship and the race calendar?
A: All information can be found at www.Mini7.co.uk and www.BigMacRacing.co.uk
Q: What are your targets for the 2012 season?
A: To improve reliability, continue learning circuits & improve driving style/feel for car, consistently finish races in the top 10 and achieve top 10 in the overall Mini Se7en Championship.
Q: What rounds are you most eagerly anticipating in the 2012 season?
A: Oulton Park as everybody rates this highly. Donington and Brands as these were my favourite circuits of 2011 plus the Mini Festival looks to be a fantastic line-up. Castle Combe as this will be televised live on Motors TV! Fantastic opportunities for sponsors!
Q: On the subject of sponsors, what is your current sponsorship situation?
A: As a race team we need to be able to offer value and understand it is very difficult for companies to justify this form of marketing-especially in this economic climate. I am very pleased to have the support from the British Mini Club this year and hope we can help each other raise further awareness. I am very grateful for the continued support from Classic and Custom Works who do a great job with any spraying & bodywork repairs-Rob is a great guy to deal with so anyone requiring a quote should certainly get in touch!
Q: Are you looking for new sponsors?
A: Most certainly - I feel we have a lot to offer potential sponsors. Working in my profession (IT Consultant), I understand the value in maximising the audience/prospects via the interactive, social media channels – blogging, videos, pictures, Facebook and Twitter. I am receiving excellent feedback and consistent viewing figures from my efforts over these channels, which would benefit sponsors – marketing to a captive audience, specific to the sector is always advantageous. I have further plans to take this further too. Flexible packages are available to raise sponsor awareness via the race car, race support vehicle, race kit, website, Twitter & Facebook, TV (MotorsTV at Castle Combe). Companies would be surprised how little they need to spend for the many benefits we offer and of course sponsorship brings tax benefits! Please do get in touch if interested –
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
">
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or via Facebook (BigMacRacing) or Twitter (@BigMacRacing).